Progressive Energy Technologies

An informational guide to available high-tech efficient energy systems

It is no mystery now that depleting fossil fuel reserves and greenhouse gas emissions are problems that must be dealt with, especially in urban areas. The first of many steps are being taken by setting goals for cleaner and more efficient power generation, however, meeting these goals is be-yond the capability of current methods. The answer to reaching and surpass-ing expectation may be to implement cutting edge and innovative technolo-gies. In this informational guide, some of the newest technologies will be explained in a manner that can reach those who do not have a technical background. The intention is to inform people of some potential technologies that are currently available, whose information may not be accessible. We hope that education will aid in the development and implementation of these innovative solutions and lead us into a cleaner and greener future.

The current energy problems the UK and world are facing requires innovative and dynamic solutions.

Focusing on London Borough of Merton, we will discuss several technolo-gies that could aid in solving some of the problems with CO2 emissions, high fuel prices and waste disposal.

Combined Heat and Power Hydrogen Fuel Cells Pyrolysis Anaerobic Digestion

MTU Hydrogen Fuel Cell

Tech

nolo

gy Published By:

William Caruso Danielle Sorenson Ashley Mossa

In conjunction with: London Borough of Merton Council

Efficient� 80% and more Reliable Security of Supply Reduction of fuel

consumption �Green Fuels� � can be

incorporated No Grid Distribution Charges�

means lower cost to consumers

Sizing Difficulty� how to

handle excess heat

produced

Maintenance Cost�require

some degree of

maintenance

High Capital Cost

Disadvantages

For more information visit: http://www.aircogen.co.uk/ http://www.clarke-energy.co.uk/ http://www.cogenco.co.uk/ http://www.energ.co.uk/chp.asp

CHP Installation

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DISADVANTAGES ADVANTAGES

Steam Turbine

Gas Turbine

Combined Cycle Gas/Steam Turbine

Reciprocating Engine

Small Unit Large Unit Electrical Output 82 kWe 2000 kW Thermal Output 132 kWth 2354 kWth Capital Cost £60,000 £500,000

Install Cost £15,000 £450,000 Physical Size 4 m2 10 m2

DDDIVERSITYIVERSITYIVERSITY OFOFOF F F FUELUELUEL Natural Gas Biogas

Diesel Propane

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CCCASEASEASE S S STUDYTUDYTUDY: W: W: WOKINGOKINGOKING Since 1991, the London Borough of Woking has installed over 60 independent reciprocating engine CHP machines across the borough. Each machine is connected together by a private wire network owned by the energy services company, Thamesway Energy Ltd, which is 100% owned by the borough. The borough also includes renewable sources such as photovoltaics into the network. By 2003 the borough was 99.85% off of the national grid. As a result, from 1991 to 2002 Woking has reduced energy consumption by 43.8% (170,170,665 kWh) and cut carbon emissions by 71.5% (96,588 tones). Nitrous Oxides (NOx) and Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) emissions have been cut down by 68% and 73.4% respectively. Total savings for the Borough in 11 years have amounted to £4.9 million pounds.

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CHP

The combined heat and power (CHP) concept is quite simply the generation of heat and electricity from a single source; it represents the most efficient way to generate heat and electricity. During conventional power generation, excess heat is usually wasted. CHP systems utilize the waste heat, achieving overall machine efficiencies of 80% and more. Energy costs can be significantly reduced while being environmentally friendly as GHG emissions are also reduced. Furthermore, many manufacturers today engineer machines to utilize a variety of fuel sources including renewable bio-fuels. In addition to reduction in energy use and carbon emissions, the are a number of commercial benefits including government funding and avoidance of the Climate Change Levy.

Combined Heat and Power

Several manufacturers are making strides in the technological development of fuel cells.

Clean � Low GHG emissions Efficient � Up to 90% with

CHP Fuel Flexibility � Fossil fuels to

biomass Application Versatility � Utility

power station to cell phones

Consistent Power � Computer grade power

Quiet� no mechanical processes

Expensive � Immature tech-nology

Durability � lower lifetimes than mature technol-ogy

Fuel Processing � May need fuel purification

Maintenance � May require close attention

Disadvantages

Hydrogen fuel cells operate on a principal originally demonstrated in 1839 by Welsh scientist Sir William Grove. He discovered an electrochemical process involving hydrogen and oxygen in a cell that produces electricity and heat.

2H2 + 02 2H2H2H222OOO +++ energy

1. Hydrogen rich fuel flows into the anode, the negative terminal 2. Air flows into the cathode, the positive terminal 3. The electrochemical reaction is induced by the catalyst and occurs across the electrolyte 4. DC electricity is produced and is fed to

the work load (light bulb, motor, grid network) 5. Heat, water and CO2 (if pure hydrogen is not used) are

exhausted

There are many types of fuel cells, however four have proven to be well suited for stationary power and co-generation.

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)

Each type of fuel cell offers different characteristics:

Materials Operating Temp Durability

Fuel Input Efficiency Output Range

Physical Size

General Specifications Approximate Cost £1,000,000+

Electrical Output 100kW�1MW+

Heat Output 100kW�1MW+

Fuel Types Natural Gas, Biogas, Coal Gas,

etc.

In September, 2003 the London Borough of Woking installed a UTC PC25 PAFC fuel cell with to provide heat and electricity to the leisure center and pool area. The fuel cell has performed as expected operating at 37% electrical efficiency. The overall efficiency has been less than expected, at 57%, as not all heat output has been utilized. The fuel cell has brought great results to the Borough in terms of fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

Carbon Emission savings of over 1,000 tonnes/yr (compared to fossil fuel combustion methods)

1 million liters of surplus pure water Each PC25 fuel cell is rated to generate 200kW of electrical power and 270 kW thermal power. This is enough power for approximately 57 three bedroom households.

www.alanpotter-publicart.com/FuelCell.html Installing a fuel cell

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DISADVANTAGES ADVANTAGES

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

For more information visit: http://www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/ http://www.fuelcelltoday.com http://www.utcfuelcells.com

Fuel

Cel

ls

Some of the most promising technology for the future of power generation is fuel cells. Fuel cells represent the cleanest production of heat and electricity currently available. Operating through a non-combustion based, non-mechanical process, fuel cells are able to achieve very low GHG emission and excellent efficiency. They are versatile and fuel flexible, tending to almost any size application and deliver consistent reliable power, even from renewable fuels. There is currently large scale research and development in many countries to overcome the difficulties of commercialization; however the technology is still largely immature and remains expensive compared to other mature technology.

Pyro

lysi

s One of many new alternatives to typical waste

disposal methods is pyrolysis. Pyrolysis is a quickly developing waste-to-energy technology that is cleaner and more efficient than methods such as incineration and landfilling. It is an advanced thermal treatment that uses extremely high temperatures in the absence of oxygen to break down waste and other organic material into more useful fuel products including syngas, pyrolysis oil, and char.

With the expected growths in waste generation and reductions in landfill availability, pyrolysis is an appealing economic and environmental solution for urban areas and municipalities working to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfills. Pyrolysis is designed to not only help minimize waste, but to generate fuel for local energy production in use with CHP and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Over 100 companies have researched and developed pyrolysis technologies. However, there are only a few manufacturers who commercially supply pyrolysis plants including:

Pyrolysis

Clean - Low GHG emissions Efficient - 30% more efficient than incineration Useful Products - By- products can be used as chemicals or fuel to generate heat and/or electricity User Friendly - Pyrolysis plants are flexible and easy to operate

Expensive - High capital cost Demanding - Plants require a constant waste supply Potential Emissions - Potential to generate toxic residues and air emissions Waste Preparation - Incoming waste typically requires some pre-sorting

Disadvantages

Synthetic Gas (Syngas) - Gas by-product made up of carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane. Syngas can be used as a fuel to generate heat and/or electricity, or as a chemical for industrial use.

Pyrolysis Oil (bio-fuel) - Liquid residue that can be used as a fuel to generate heat and/or electricity, or a chemical for industrial use, fertilization, etc.

Char - Solid residue containing carbon and ash. Char is typically disposed of but may be used as an alternative fuel or recycled.

Manufacturer Specifications: Compact Power (Pyrolysis + Gasification + Power Generation)

Capital Cost £3,000,000�£10,000,000

Waste Capacity per Annum 5,500 tonnes�30,000 tonnes

Acceptable Waste Input Hazardous/Clinical/Special/ Pharmaceutical/ Industrial

Potential Net Electrical Output 0.28 MWe�1.8 MWe

Potential Net Thermal Output 2.5 MWth�10 MWth

In 1983, WasteGen UK supplied a Materials Energy and Recovery plant to Burgau, Germany. The plant is a unique combination of a pyrolysis plant and power generation plant and was designed to treat municipal solid waste (MSW). It was built just outside the city on approximately 1 hectare of land,

and began full operation in 1984. The plant currently processes around 34,000 tonnes of MSW a year from 120,000 residents. Any solid by-products produced by the plant are disposed of in a nearby landfill. Gas, however, is typically used

to generate energy. Syngas is burned in a gas boiler to create steam which drives a 2.2 MW steam turbine for electricity production. This is enough electricity to power over 4000 residential homes. Any excess steam is piped to a next door greenhouse for heating.

Pyrolysis Rotary Kiln

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WWWASTEASTEASTE T T TREATMENTREATMENTREATMENT

DISADVANTAGES ADVANTAGES

Suitable Material Municipal solid waste - Household and commercial waste Biomass - Agricultural residues

Other organic material rich in carbon - Paper

Unsuitable Material Inorganic Material - Metal - Glass - Ceramic - Rocks Bulky

Material

Compact PowerCompact Power WasteGen UKWasteGen UK Mitsui Babcock Energy Ltd.Mitsui Babcock Energy Ltd. PKAPKA

Incoming waste is sterilized and unsuitable materials for pyrolysis are removed.

Remaining waste material is moved into an enclosed vessel or tank.

All oxygen is removed from the vessel and it is heated between 500oC and 1000oC, causing complex waste matter to break down into simpler material.

Syngas is formed and cleaned to rid it of any contaminants.

Solid and liquid by-products are collected and treated.

Syngas is burned to generate heat and/or electricity.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

View of Burgau Pyrolysis Plant

Compact Power Plant

AD

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a growing technology in Europe and around the US for the treatment of waste and biomass. It is most commonly referred to as biological treatment or a waste-to-energy technology. Unlike typical methods for waste disposal, AD uses naturally growing bacteria to break down biodegradable organic waste in the absence of oxygen and convert it into a more useful by-products including biogas, liquid digestate, and fibre digestate.

Commercial manufacture and availability of AD plants has only begun to increase in the past few decades, along with system designs for the treatment of municipal solid waste. However, with the projected growths in waste generation and reductions in landfill space availability, anaerobic digestion is becoming a much more attractive and economically feasible alternative for municipal solid waste disposal in urban areas.

There are several manufacturers that commercially supply and/or engineer anaerobic digestion plants for municipal solid waste, biowaste and other forms of organic material including:

Energy Producer - Net producer of energy Clean - Low GHG and solid emissions Economy Booster - Generates income and creates jobs Useful Products�By- products can be used for soil fertilization and the generation of heat and/or electricity

Waste Preparation - Waste must be pre- sorted before digestion Maintenance - Digesters must be monitored frequently Post-Treatment - Contaminated biogas can result in odour, dust, and pollutants if burned in engines

Disadvantages

In 1994, Organic Waste Systems (OWS) began operation of the Valorga plant in Tilburg, Netherlands. The plant is located next to a landfill on 1.6 hectares of land and currently takes in waste from approximately 380,000 people. It has the potential for an annual waste capacity of 52,000 tonnes of �VGF� (vegetable, fruit, and garden waste), but usually takes in around 42,000 tonnes of �VGF� per year. Studies have shown that the plant produces around 18,000 tonnes of compost yearly and 82m3-106m3 of biogas per tonne of waste. The biogas is refined to a quality comparable to natural gas and burned to generate around 18GWh of energy a year. 3.3GWh of this is used to heat the AD plant, while the remaining 14.7GWh is sold to gas distributors. Initial investment of the plant cost £12 million, but the plant is now bringing in an annual average revenue of £2.2 million.

Anaerobic Digestion Plant

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DISADVANTAGES ADVANTAGES

Suitable Material

Biodegradable Municipal Solid Waste

Wet Organic Matter - Agricultural crops - Animal waste - Sewage sludge - Wastewater Bio-waste

Unsuitable Material Non-biodegradable

waste - Glass, metals, stones, plastics, etc. Recyclables Oversized

components

Valorga International SAS

Organic Waste Systems

Kompogas AG

Enviro-Control Ltd.

Krüger Ltd.

General Plant Specifications Plant Cost £6,000,000�£20,000,000+

Operational Cost £140,000�£3,000,000+

Waste Capacity

per annum

5,000 tonnes�

300,000 tonnes

Plant Size 2,500 m2-35,000 m2 +

Biogas Yield 80 m3/tonne�200 m3/tonne

Step 1: Pre-Treatment: Materials not suitable for digestion are

removed from the incoming waste. Step 2: Waste Digestion:

Incoming waste is moved into a large, enclosed tank, known as a digester, which is heated and rid of all oxygen. Bacteria grow inside the digester and break

down complex waste matter into simpler materials. Step 3: Gas Recovery:

30-60% of the incoming waste is converted to a biogas by-product which is cleaned, collected, and stored till it can be used.

Valorga Plant

*Based on various sources

Biogas� A gas made up of 60% methane and 40% carbon dioxide, that can be burned to generate heat and/or electric-ity.

Bioliquid (Liquid Residue) - Liquid by-product that can be

used as fertilizer to improve soils. Biosolid (Fibre Residue) - Solid by-

product that can be used as a soil condi-tioner or compost.

Step 4: Residue Treatment: Bioliquid and biosolid by-products are collected

and treated to be used as soil conditioners or composting material.

Anaerobic Digestion

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�Knowledge is nothing unless you

put it into practice� ~ Anton Chekhov

CHP References: Greenpeace Briefing. (2006). Decentralising energy� the Woking case study. Retrieved April 21, 2006 from http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/MultimediaFiles/Live/FullReport/7468.pdf Taking Stock: Managing our impact. (n.d). Case Study 2: Woking Borough Council Energy Services. Retrieved April 19, 2006 from http://www.takingstock.org/Downloads/Case_Study_2-Woking.pdf Cogenco Team (2006). CHP: An Overview. Retrieved April 21, 2006 from http://cogenco.co.uk/English/an_overview.html CHP Images:

http://www.initiative-brennstoffzelle.de/en/live/start/35.html www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/pdf/CERTsCh10.pdf http://www.futureenergies.com/pictures/bcwokingwt1.jpg

Hydrogen Fuel Cell References:

MTU-Friedrichshafen. (2003). The high temperature fuel cell � combined power � heat energy generation for the future. MTU CFC Solutions. Retrieved February 05, 2006 from http://www.mtu-friedrichshafen.com/cfc/en/cfcs/cfcs.htm#

Rocky Mountain Institute. (2005). Energy: Fuel Cells. Retrieved February 4, 2006 from http://www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid315.php

U.S. Department of Energy. (2005). Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and Infrastructures Tecnologies Program. Retrieved February 4, 2006 from http://www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/

United Technologies Company. (2006). Pure Cell 200 Power Solution. UTC Power: Our Solutions. Retrieved February 05, 2006 from http://www.utcpower.com/fs/com/bin/fs_com_Page/0,5433,03100,00.html

. Fuel Cell Images: www.utcpower.com http://www.alanpotter-publicart.com/FuelCell.html

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Pyrolysis References: BTG Biomass Technology Group. (2005). Bio-oil Applications. Retrieved April 20, 2006 from http://www.btgworld.com/2005/html/technologies/bio-oil-applications.html Compact Power. (n.d.). Renewable Energy from Waste. Retrieved April 20, 2006 from http://www.compactpower.co.uk/index.php European Environment Agency. (January 2002). Biodegradable Municipal Waste Management in Europe. Part 3: Technology and Market Issues [Electronic Version]. Retrieved April 20, 2006 from http://www.environmental-center.com/articles/article1156/ part3.pdf Friends of the Earth. (October 2002). Briefing: Pyrolysis and Gasification [Electronic Version]. Retrieved February 5, 2006 from http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/briefings/gasification_pyrolysis.pdf Fortuna, F., Cornacchia, M., Mincarini, M., and Sharm, V. K.. (1997). Pilot Scale Experimental Pyrolysis Plant: Mechanical and Operational Aspects. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 40-41, 403-417. Gale, Steve. (2001). Modern Residuals Processing in Theory and Practice. Retrieved February 5, 2006 from http://www.hatch.ca/Sustainable_Development/Articles/organics_processing_2001.pdf Juniper Consultancy Services Ltd. (2003). Pyrolysis and Gasification Factsheet. Technology Reviews for the Waste, Environmental, and Renewable Energy Sectors. Retrieved February 5, 2006 from Smith, G. (October 2004). Pyrolysis Facility. Landfilling Our Resources is a Waste. Retrieved April 21, 2006 from http://www.lacity.org/council/cd12/pdf/ Landfilling_Resources_MPA_Pyrolysis_Facility.pdf WasteGen UK, Ltd. (n.d.). Generating Value from Waste: Pyrolysis Energy Recovery. Retrieved February 5, 2006 from http://www.wastegen.com/template.htm Pyrolysis Images:

http://www.terrenum.net/cleancoal/pictures.htm http://www.ntech-environmental.com/rotary_kiln.htm http://www.grandtetonenterprises.com/byproducts.htm http://www.engr.uga.edu/more_info.php?User_ID=29&ID=128&type=research http://www.compactpower.co.uk/pages/technology_avonmouth.php

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Anaerobic Digestion References: Duerr, M., Gair, S., Cruden, A, McDonald, J. (2005). The Design of a Hydrogen Organic Fuel Source/Fuel Cell Plant. International Hydrogen Energy Congress and Exhibition. Scotland, UK: University of Strathclyde. Friends of the Earth. (November 2004). Briefing: Anaerobic Digestion [Electronic Version]. Retrieved February 11, 2006 from http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/briefings/anaerobic_digestion.pdf IEA Bioenergy. (July 2001). Biogas and More! System and Markets Overview of Anaerobic Digestion [Electronic Version]. Oxfordshire, UK: AEA Technology Environment. Maunder, D.H., Brown, K.A., and Richards, K.M. (August 1995). Generating Electricity from Biomass and Waste. Power Engineering Journal, 9(4), 188-196. Ostrem, K. (May 2004). Greening Waste: Anaerobic Digestion for Treating the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Wastes. New York: Columbia University. Verma, S. (May 2002). Anaerobic Digestion of Biodegradable Organics in Municipal Solid Wastes. New York: Columbia University. Wannholt, L. (1999). Biological Treatment of Domestic Waste in Closed Plants in Europe � Plant Visit Reports. RVF Report, 98:8. Malmo: RVF. Waste. (May 2005). Fact Sheet: Anaerobic Digestion. Retrieved April 20, 2006 from http://www.waste.nl/page/248

Anaerobic Digestion Images: http://www.biomatnet.org/secure/Fair/S330.htm http://www.integra.org.uk/facts/anaerobic.html http://www.epa.gov/recyclecity/print/recovery.htm http://www.swea.co.uk/llpbiogas.htm http://www.esru.strath.ac.uk/EandE/Web_sites/03-04/biomass/validation.html

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Cover Page Images (CCW from top left): http://www.initiative-brennstoffzelle.de/en/live/start/35.html http://www.mtu-friedrichshafen.com/cfc/en/cfcs/cfcs.htm# http://pinker.wjh.harvard.edu/photos/cambridge_boston/pages/trees%20in%20Cambridge%20Common.htm http://whyfiles.org/041solar/main1.html http://www.ars.usda.gov/images/docs/4902_5086/3TurbineSunset2.jpg