Biomass Research & Development Initiative (BRDI - Department of Energy)

Transcription

1 Biomass Research & Development Initiative (BRDI - Department of Energy) Waste to Wisdom (W2W): Utilizing forest residues for the production of bioenergy and biobased products Han-Sup Han Humboldt State University Arcata, California, USA

2 Waste to Wisdom Project Goal Utilize forest residues for the production of bioenergy and bio-based products by developing new biomass conversion technologies and optimizing biomass operations logistics. 2

3 Forest Residues Logging Slash Forest Thinnings 103 million $60/bone dry ton (Billion-ton Report, 2016)

4 Typical In-woods Biomass Operations Grinding Transportation Energy plant Chipping High cost Low market price paid

5 Integration of Mobile Biomass Conversion Techs Torrefaction In-woods Biomass Operations Gasification Briquetter

6 In-woods Biomass Conversion:! Decrease transportation and handling costs! Increase product values Biochars Brique-es Torrefied chips

7 New challenges Biomass Conversion Technology Product Particle size (inch) Desired feedstock specifications Moisture Content (% wet basis) Ash content (%) Gasification Biochar < 25 < 20 Torrefaction Torrefied chips < 30 no limit Densification Briquettes < no limit Gasification Electricity < 15 7

8 Sorting tree tops during timber harvesting Processed Tops Sawlogs Slash Pile Unprocessed Tops

9 Tree tops and small-diameter trees sorted during timber harvest processed conifer processed hardwood unprocessed conifer unprocessed hardwood

10 Production of quality feedstock from forest residues Size distribution: " Chipped materials: >95% chips less than 2 inches " Ground materials: >55% ground materials larger than 2 inches Material type Ave. particle size (inch) Ash content (%) Moisture content (%) Bulk density (lb/ft^3) Processed conifer Unprocessed conifer Chipped Processed hardwood Unprocessed hardwood Slash Ground Chipped Materials Ground Materials

11 Various types of feedstock produced from forest residues wood chips (<3/4 inch) micro-chips (<1/4 inch) sawdust (<5/32 inch)

12 Moisture content reduction study Objective: Develop on-site methods to lower moisture content Processor piled Teepee Criss- cross Sca-ered Covered vs. Uncovered

13 Moisture content reduction study Moisture content (%) RelaHve humidity (%) Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar April May June July RelaHve humidity (%) Teepee Criss cross Processor pile Sca-ered

14 Waste to Wisdom (W2W) Biomass Conversion Technologies Overview # Gasification # Briquetting # Torrefaction Dr. Arne Jacobson Schatz Energy Research Center Humboldt State University

15 Biochar: gasification» Feedstock specifications: ground or chipped up to 6-inch in size < 25% Moisture content (wet basis) < 15% Ash content (dry basis)

16 Integrated Biochar Production System Biomass In Gasifier Generator Biochar Machine Belt Dryer Biochar Out

17 System Integration Flow Diagram % MC 1,153 36% MC 7 kw electric Biochar Machine 42 kw thermal 3 kw electric Dryer Gasifier Power Generator 174 lb/hr biochar % MC 51 22% MC

18 Gasifier remote power» Biomass gasifier generator» Produces 18 kw electric power» 5.3 lb biomass used per kwh» Feedstock specifications:» Particle size: 0.6 in. 2 in.» Moisture content: 10% - 25%

19 Briquetter» Feedstock specifications:» Must be <13% moisture content.» Chips up to 4 inches can produce briquettes, but adding 50% fines greatly increases density and durability.» Matured technology with minimal labor and maintenance requirements.

20 Briquetter chip size >4 in. 8% M.C. 18% M.C.

21 Torrefaction» Beneficial properties: hydrophobic, energy dense, grindable

22 Torrefied Briquettes Demonstration Plant» Feedstock specifications: chip size: < 1 inch moisture content: < 25% (wet basis) Input rate up to 0.77 ton/hour Output rate up to 0.6 ton/hour Dryer Torrefier Briquetter

23 Key messages! Sorting stem wood and tree tops from other residues during a timber harvest operation facilitates the use of a chipper.! Through sorting and chipping of forest residues, we were able to produce various types of quality feedstock.! Integration of mobile biomass conversion technologies is a way to reduce transportation cost and improve the values of bioenergy products.! Various mobile biomass conversion technologies are being developed.

24 Thank You!