Fact- finding Tour and Pellet Boiler Certification Report

Transcription

1 Energy North Corp Fact- finding Tour and Pellet Boiler Certification Report Increasing the use of high- efficiency pellet systems and developing pellet distribution in communities of the NWT May 23, 2013

2 Contents Introduction...1 Goals...1 Company Profiles...2 Method...3 Accomplishing Our Goals...3 Highlights...4 Organizers...4 Presenters...4 Participants...4 Agenda...5 Technical Observations and Findings...8 European Pellet Boilers...8 Wood Pellet Fuel Grades...8 Ash Content Analysis...8 Recommendations...9 Conclusion...9 Page i

3 Introduction The Northwest Territories has a distinctive energy market. This market is composed of several large centers, with access to a pellet distribution network, and various remote centers where the distribution network needs to be created and technical knowledge passed on. Energy North and Maine Energy Systems devised an educational program that aimed to leave participants with a deeper, technical hands- on understanding of how the European pellet boiler market is developed. We needed to investigate how it can be adapted to the North American market needs, and more specifically, the needs of the NWT. The fact finding tour showcased how pellets are produced in an automated system, for both round wood material, and saw dust. The GNWT clearly stated its objective to increase the use of pellets in the NWT, and to start a pellet production plant in This educational course has assisted the GNWT by developing skills in the boiler market, and developing knowledge in the pellet production and distribution field. This course went beyond the usual fact finding tour: it provided detailed technical understanding of the boiler market and pellet distribution industry. It facilitated interactions with participants and experts in the boiler, plug- and- play systems, pellet distribution and production industry. This enabled participants to reach nuanced understanding of complex situations, through networking, learning and visiting factories and installations. Drawing on the knowledge of outstanding experts from academia, politics, and business, the program included: two day of in- class training and discussions facility tours immersion in the basics with USA leaders in the bio- energy market Held at MESYS in Bethel, Maine (USA), this four day course was designed to provide installers, businesses and decision makers with the experience needed to develop a local market at a community level. Goals The goals of the fact- finding tour were to: Gain knowledge of commonly- used technologies that are economically applicable for communities in the Northwest Territories (NWT) Learn about pellet production in a highly automated manner when using round wood vs. saw dust Page 1

4 Use the knowledge gained to make recommendations to support the development and implementation of renewable energy sources that will help reduce heating costs, while lowering greenhouse gas emissions, in NWT communities Bring back concepts and bioenergy models for application in the NWT Help to transform the development of policies and technologies in the NWT in the Government of the Northwest Territories efforts to increase the use of pellets. Company Profiles Energy North Corp Energy North is a Canadian company specializing in pellet boilers, biomass hybrid industrial boilers and cogeneration plants. Based in Yellowknife as an Aboriginal- owned company, Energy North currently works across Canada and the United States. We are dedicated to working with remote communities and businesses to reduce dependency in fossil fuels, creating employment opportunities, developing skills, and promoting innovative solutions to increase the use of renewable energies in Canada s North. We promote self- sustaining communities, based on a proper stewardship of land and resources. We deliver efficient, well- proven, and innovative biomass boilers and cogeneration plants that are proudly manufactured in Canada. Maine Energy System Maine Energy Systems (MESys) primary mission is to support a transition to the use of renewable wood pellet fuel for heating of homes and businesses. MESys was the outcome of a series of informal seminars organized by Les Otten in Les had decided it was time to use his energy and creativity in support of the economy of the State of Maine; he wanted to focus on energy. He assembled a group of people with similar interests and invited experts in various fields of energy to biweekly meetings. The meetings were broadly focused to allow for highly speculative thinking about Maine's economy and energy usage. Les and his group identified a number of ways in which improving energy production and usage in Maine would help the citizens and the economy of Maine. After months of meeting, the group settled on a comprehensive solution that appeared to be the most likely to have an immediate positive impact on the lives of Maine citizens and the economy of the State. The solution is based on the conversion of a significant proportion of the central home heating systems in Maine from oil to wood pellet fuel. The conversion to wood pellet fuel will cut heating costs in homes and businesses substantially. The production of the Page 2

5 fuel from Maine forests will employ many Maine workers and most importantly will keep the money spent on home heating in the State rather than sending it to the Middle East. The conversion to a renewable carbon neutral fuel will have a positive impact on the environment through a substantial reduction in the production of greenhouse gases. Method Accomplishing Our Goals The fact- finding tour led us through small and large- scale installations of automated pellet boiler systems, classroom and hands- on training, and a pellet production plant. We were able to analyze the system models, and explored the concepts used in creating the technology. We provided hands- on training of the entire planning and installation process. We observed general safety principles and guidelines. We reviewed practices for calculating and estimating fuel loads. We received a comprehensive introduction to the planning and implementation of a pellet production plant. Page 3

6 Highlights Some of the highlights of the tour: Combustion and boiler technology Pellet production System calculation, and project creation Personal Challenge: Building a pellet boiler, and troubleshooting Organizers The tour was organized and coordinated by: David Krutko Jan Larsson Presenters The program was facilitated by: Harry Dutch- Dresser Les Otten William Strauss Jan Larsson David Krutko Participants We chose participants with proven technical skills and work experience. We gave priority to those representing regions and smaller communities. The program was attended by: Brad Mapes, Aurora Pellet, North West Territories Brian Lickoch, Installer, Pellet Whole Sale, Norman Wells Wayne Vandell, Installer, Fort Providence Craig Sheppard, CMS, Installer, Yellowknife Thomas Lafferty, Installer, Bechocó Page 4

7 Energy North Corporation Agenda Day One: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 Departure from Yellowknife to Montreal Air Canada Overnight in Montreal Day Two: Wednesday, January 23, 2013 Departure from Montreal to Bethel, Maine (USA) Welcoming words from David Krutko and Jan Larsson. They provided an introduction and an overview of the educational course and fact- finding tour. Visited containerized pellet boilers in several settings in Bethel. Reviewed the latest technologies and new concepts of several units installed in a compact setting, with pellet storage in the same unit. The containerized system is based on the European innovative model. P a g e 5

8 Energy North Corporation Day Three: Thursday, January 24, :30 a.m. Course day #1 Introduction to Opportunities for Pellet- fired Central Heating System Manufacturing company history Product line Why pellets? Pellet attributes and regulation The importance of high quality pellets, regulation and European products Combustion Basic Staged combustion technology Differences with biomass Why bottom fed burners The second part of the course compared several combustion technologies and benefits Boiler Technology Size Changes for Efficiency Feed Types Storage Options Ignition and Operational Sequence 12:00 pm Lunch System Planning Sizing for success and efficiency Supplying DHW Physical considerations Installation particulars Flue gas systems Storage types and sizes 4:30 p.m. Questions and answers 5:00 p.m. End of course day #1 7:00 p.m. Dinner and overnight in Bethel, Maine P a g e 6

9 Day Four: Friday, January 25, :30 a.m. Course day #2 Wiring Electrical and the Controller Basic connections Low water alarm Over temp system Circulator control Staged system communications Hydronic basics Pelletronic Basics Brief review of European style heating zone control methods Staged system set- up Energy Box Introduction Information on energy box possibilities and basic staged system performance Power Venting Option Basics of power vent option What system can be utilized for power venting Safeties Operational overview of power vent system Code Review Very basic review of NFPA and Maine Codes Where to find the information 12:00 pm Lunch Start Up and Turning Over the Keys Basic start- up Checks explained What Owners Should Know 4:30 p.m. Questions and answers 5:00 p.m. End of course day #2 7:00 p.m. Dinner and overnight in Bethel, Maine Page 7

10 Day Five: Saturday, January 26, :00 a.m. Visit of a pellet manufacturing plant 3:00 p.m. Drive back to Montreal and overnight in Montreal Day Six: Sunday, January 27, :00 a.m. Return flight from Montreal to Yellowknife Technical Observations and Findings European Pellet Boilers The need for efficient heating during the NWT s four seasons is best met by the new generation of European pellet boilers. These pellet boilers answer to today s safety and efficiency standards in EU and North America, with installations in Cascade. Wood Pellet Fuel Grades There are four major grades of wood pellet fuel: Super Premium Premium Standard Utility The percentage of ash content is the most important constituent that separates the grades of the pellets. Ash Content Analysis The US Pellet Fuel Institute has developed standard testing practices for pellets to help provide quality- grade pellets to the public. Ash content analysis is a requirement for grading. You need to test the ash to classify your pellets. To perform this test in a production facility, they recommend the use of the MAX 5000XL, a moisture, solids and ash analyzing instrument. This is the easiest and most efficient way for a complete quality test. Page 8

11 Recommendations Based on our findings during this fact- finding tour, we recommend: The creation of a legislation of a safety code for the NWT; Automated, combustion controlled, pellet fired boiler and furnace systems A change of application of the NWT Boiler Act Exemptions to allow o from 30 kw to 100 kw o adaptation for the new operation pressure of a 100 kw o private housing used by 3 families to be changed to 4 families Fire Marshall ruling to allow o I hours fire retarding building material in structure of boiler rooms o Smaller indoor storage of pellet of maximum 10 ton o Installation of Automated, combustion controlled, pellet fired boiler and pellet storage in the same boiler room Establishing a Territorial delivery system that provides written confirmation for homeowners of delivery weight totals for bulk storage Creating a standard of quality control for pellet products Establishing 4 adequate centers of bulk storage reserves, strategically positioned around the NWT. This will provide a back- up supply to accommodate the NWT s transportation challenges Continuation the Certification program for the Regional smaller communities of a Automated, combustion controlled, pellet fired boiler and furnace systems. Conclusion This Course answered to the present need to develop a cost efficient Biomass energy use in the NWT Communities. There is a need to create a new Legislation in the use of Automated, combustion controlled, pellet fired boiler and furnace systems in the NWT, to take advantage of today s National and International new technical developments and certifications. No adequate and updated tools are at the present time given to neither NWT Fire Marshall nor NWT Boiler Inspectors to fulfill their duty and responsibility. Many times they have to make use of outdated and some cases regulations there are not yet existent in the NWT. We look forward to the Departments, responsible for this development, to be given the means to undertake these positive changes in the near future. Page 9