Development of a System for Decentralised Power Supply by Combustion of Solid, Liquid and Gaseous Residual and Waste Materials (Part I)

Project Number 299

The overall aim of the two-stage project is the (continued) development of a stationary fluidised bed firing system with a small capacity (< 5 MW) for the combustion of residual and waste materials. With a pilot system operated at the research centre, the relevant emissions limit values prescribed in Germany can be maintained by primary measures, without any need for subsequent (wet) exhaust gas treatment. This technology has not yet become commercially available.

Experimental investigations of the use of various fuels have largely been completed. According to these, the determination of fuel-specific maximum process temperatures facilitates the use of "difficult" biogenic fuels with low ash melting points.

Starting from the experience of designing and operating the pilot system, three different design principles for the steam generator are initially to be investigated by the research centre in part I of the project:

  1. A simple waste heat boiler for generating saturated steam, to be used with low-quality fuels with low calorific values, where no heat extraction is required from the fluidised bed, combined with suitable air preheaters.
  2. Integrated heat extraction system, combined with a large waterspace boiler with separate superheater and separate feed water preheater for utilisation of high-quality biogenic or waste materials.
  3. Integrated heat output system, as under 2, but combined with a complete tubular boiler.

In the event of successful project performance, a follow-up project will develop the steam generator to have the design approved and make it a marketable product.

The project is being conducted from May 2007 until December 2009 under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Dieter Steinbrecht at the Chair for Energy and Environmental Technology at the University of Rostock. The working group  Industrial and Co-generation Stations is accompanying the investigations.