Project: Development of small-scale Combined Heat & Power (CHP) units fuelled with pyrolysis oil
Background:_x000D_
The EC has set a target to increase the share of small scale, Combined Heat & Power (CHP) in the European energy supply to 18% in 2020. By application of CHP very high efficiencies (>80%) can be obtained, and additionally renewable fuels like biomass and residues can be utilized. So far, the implementation of small-scale (200 to 1,000 kWe), direct biomass CHP-systems has been limited due to relative high investment costs , high running costs, poor reliability and availability, and low acceptability by the end-user. The reasons causing these intrinsic problems with biomass are manifold: _x000D_
* the presence of contaminants in the biomass (ash and minerals);_x000D_
* the limited availability of uniform types of biomass; _x000D_
* the non-uniform appearance of biomass, and_x000D_
* the low energetic density of biomass (especially in terms of GJ/m3), causing huge volumes of biomass stocks to be stored near the electricity production unit._x000D_
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A specific pre-treatment technique called fast pyrolysis is able to solve most of the intrinsic problems. Fast pyrolysis is a process in which organic materials are rapidly heated to 450 - 600 °C in the absence of air. Under these conditions, organic vapors, pyrolysis gases and char are produced. The vapors are condensed to so-called pyrolysis oil or bio-oil. Typically, 60-75 wt.% of the feedstock is converted into oil. The gases and char are used within the process to generate the heat and electricity required in the plant._x000D_
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Pyrolysis offers the possibility of de-coupling (time, place and scale), easy handling of the liquids and a more consistent quality compared to any solid biomass. With fast pyrolysis a clean liquid is produced as an intermediate suitable for a wide variety of applications. Pyrolysis oil is recognized as a 2nd generation fuel, but its properties are completely different from from conventional fuels. Pyrolysis oil is acidic, contains water, and is susceptible to further polymerisation. _x000D_
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Goal:_x000D_
The final objective of the proposed project is to develop small-scale CHP units fuelled with pyrolysis oil based on conventional engines and turbines. Components -in particular fuel pump and injector- need to be further developed and integrated in prototype CHP units. This development is a continuation of a successful 3 years RTD project (www.bioliquids-chp.eu). Additionally, detailed knowledge will be gained on pyrolysis oil combustion and on emission control requirements. System evaluation will be carried out and compared to alternatives. _x000D_
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Technical & market application:_x000D_
The CHP market is a huge and existing market. In 2007, CHP had a share of 11% in Europe (EU-27), which should increase to 18% in 2020. Current applications are found in small industries, office buildings, swimming pools, hospitals, greenhouses, district heating etc. The heat is used locally, whereas, the electricity might be used locally or fed to the grid. However, most of the existing units are fuelled with fossil fuels like natural gas and in some cases with heating oil. _x000D_
In Germany, more than 2,000 CHP-units can be found using vegetable oil as fuel; In the Netherlands a few examples are known using animal fat, used cooking oil or vegetable oil as input. In Italy units have been erected to use the locally produced sunflower oil. In addition to heat and electricity nowadays also cooling is considered seriously. Many end-users are familiar with CHP-systems fueled by fossil fuels (e.g. natural gas) or 1st generation bioliquids (e.g. palm oil, rapeseed oil), which simplifies the acceptability of the newly developed product. In the project both the application of turbines and engines are considered. The electricity/heat ratio is very different for a turbine and engine and different end-users can be properly addressed. In addition to heat and power also cooling is highly interesting (CCHP)._x000D_
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Project consortium:_x000D_
The consortium consists of three SME's from the Netherlands, and a Research group and a RTD-SME from Italy. Most parties have cooperated previously, and are complementary in experience and skills. BTG and BTG-Bioliquids have a strong position worldwide on pyrolysis oil technology, production and oil conditioning. BTG-Bioliquids is a leading P in the EMPYRO pyrolysis oil production plant (25 MWth). For the application of this oil in a diesel engine specific knowledge has been generated by BTG in recent years on fuel injection components and materials. Dordtech has implemented commercial CHP systems for both biogas and bioliquids, and is active in several European countries. The latter one is based on the use of diesel engines and modified to enable the use of e.g. animal fats and vegetable oils as the fuel. CREAR has specific knowledge on pyrolysis oil combustion and modelling, whereas IBT has a proven track record on the implementation of micro-turbine based (C)CHP system in the range of 30 - 1,000 kWe.
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Acronym
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CHPyro
(Reference Number: 8096)
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Duration
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01/09/2013 - 31/08/2016
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Project Topic
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The objective of the project is the development of small-scale, CHP units (30 - 1,000 kWe) fuelled with pyrolysis oil. Pyrolysis oil -a 2nd generation fuel- can be produced from a variety of biomass and residues. Due to the specific oil properties dedicated components need to be developed.
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Network
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Eurostars
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Call
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Eurostars Cut-Off 10
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Project partner
