Turning to biomass for electricity production
Agricultural residues and waste have a great potential for electricity production using gas turbines or fuel cells. However, biomass in order to be effective for energy generation needs to display high heating values that could be achieved through thermal gasification or steam reforming. Meeting this need the BioHPR project developed an innovative concept of all thermal gasifier, where pipes supply heat to the reformer for the endothermic gasification process. The 'Biomass Heatpipe Reformer' allows the generation of medium calorific, hydrogen rich fuel gases from any biomass or waste. The design involves small-scale Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems with hot gas cleaning and microturbines. Hot gas cleaning is required for preventing tar condensation, an effect that increases the dimensions of the gasifier and requires the addition of expensive catalysts. Allothermal gasification in fluidised bed gasifiers is a technology applicable for biomass resulting to the specific requirements of heating values for the microturbines or high temperature fuel cells. The 'Biomass Heatpipe Reformer' uses high temperature heat pipes for indirectly heating of a gasifier, which significantly improves the performance of allothermal gasifiers. This key technology is particularly suitable for small-scale CHP systems with integrated gasification. Various collaborations are sought with companies specialised in fuel cells, microturbines and hot gas filtration systems. Moreover, the project partners will offer the know-how, property rights or assistance for the installation, distribution or operation of Biomass Heatpipe Reformer plants.
