A reliable and transparent solid biofuels online quality control system

Project Information

OPTIFUEL

Grant agreement ID: 650716

DOI

10.3030/650716

Project closed

EC signature date 26 September 2014

Start date 1 October 2014

End date 31 January 2015

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Secure, clean and efficient energy

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

INRAY OY LTD
Finland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - OPTIFUEL (A reliable and transparent solid biofuels online quality control system)

Reporting period: 2014-10-01 to 2015-01-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Target of the feasibility study was to determine the technological, practical and economic viability of Inray’s business idea: A reliable and transparent solid biofuels online quality control system (OPTIFUEL). Feasibility study was carried out 1st of October 2014 to 31st of January 2015. Feasibility study included following activities:
1. End-user survey
2. Partner search
3. IPR study
4. Elaborated business plan

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

End-user survey’s target was to clarify practices of the solid fuel quality control and fuel payment basis in selected EU countries. Target was also to study authority requirements of fuel quality control. Main findings of the end-user survey was that quality control practices varies a lot and in many cases quality control is in very low level and with online quality control systems current situation could be improved significantly. Authority requirements do not limit the use of online measurement systems if quality assurance of the method is assured.

Partner search target was to find partners from energy companies and power plant suppliers for Phase 2 project and for future co-operation. Main result was finding two power plant partners for OPTIFUEL long-term demonstration in Phase2 project.

Target of the IPR study was to accomplish novelty search, update Inray’s IPR strategy and to do preliminary agreement with partners of sharing IPR’s in the Phase 2 project. Main results were FTO (freedom to operate) analysis and updated IPR strategy. The FTO is showing that Inray’s product, is not infringing valid intellectual property rights of others. Agreements with demonstration partner of sharing IPR’s were not done and were decided to complete during phase 2 project.

Target of the elaborated business plan was to update and complete Inray’s business plan with market studies and business model evaluations. Main results were market studies of selected countries, new business model, and elaborated business plan and investor material.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Expected final results of feasibility study is Phase2 demonstration project, which would speed-up the commercialization of a reliable and transparent solid biofuels online quality control system (OPTIFUEL). Phase 2 project’s specific objectives are:
- Development of solid biofuel quality control and combustion optimization technology;
- Performance verification and certification;
- Demonstration in field environment at customer premises;
- Dissemination of the information to the potential customers, partners and general public.

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