America needs alternative energy sources to supplement or supplant traditional nonrenewable sources. Biomass, particularly wood waste, has become a desirable candidate; however, its high moisture content (as high as 50% by weight) and its difficulty in handling complicate the transport of wood waste. This project will develop technology for using biomass in the form of fuel pellets, processed at the site, to eliminate logistical problems related to production, as well the supply and demand problems related to unstable trade relationships. From an environmental perspective, the process should compare favorably to fossil fuels. System controls will be highly automated and developed for real-time interactive process control, thereby reducing the problems associated with traditional processing plants. The design will: (1) encompass portability, scalability, and adaptability to accommodate specific feedstock requirements for processing; (2) account for energy conservation within the process of creating fuel pellets; (3) adapt to the inconsistency of diverse types of biomass; and (4) provide an embedded processing methodology to accommodate batch-level moisture variations, thereby creating a consistent, reliable pelletized fuel.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The successful development of this technology should allow: (1) for an increased radius from which a power generation facility can draw fuel economically, by making the biomass more energy dense and more transportable; (2) forest thinning operations and regular grounds maintenance to be a significant source of fuel; and (3) the utilization of trees killed by pest infestation or downed by natural disasters, which are currently burned and disposed of at considerable cost. Furthermore, the proposed mobile platform should allow the process to be performed in a shop environment, which typically is 2-5 times less costly than work done in the field. The system¿s portability would require no costs for buildings, a location site, or permits for construction and occupancy. Capital cost savings of as much as 30% are expected
