Biomass Commercial Solutions

Introduction

Large public buildings are generally heated with a traditional centralized boiler plant that utilizes fuel oil or natural gas as the primary fuel source. Fossil fuels are not considered renewable, and as such emit additive quantities of emissions including sulpher dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide. As fossil fuels become more costly and our air emissions regulation becomes stricter, a need to have domestic fuel sources that are renewable and clean becomes more important. While several types of biomass are utilized on a small scale, such as wood chips, wood pellets, sawdust and other forest industry by-products, none of these are readily available for use in any part of the country. The ideal choice renewable fuel is dried yellow corn, currently utilized for feed in the agricultural industry. Yellow corn flows smoothly in augur systems, is readily available, is inexpensive when compared to fossil fuel, is renewable, does not contaminate the ground or ground water, is non-explosive and is abundant.

Bio-fuels Fact Sheet (PDF download)

Coal boiler plant technology is currently utilized for biomass based boiler plants, and is the basis for fuel handling, fuel combustion and waste removal. Biomass boiler plant technology is very reliable, inexpensive and readily available. Boiler's can be as small as 100 horsepower, and as large as 1,500 horsepower, which fits a majority of commercial, industrial and public education facilities.

Features

  • Integrates with existing fossil fuel boilers
  • Auxiliary fossil fuel burner system for back-up fuel supply
  • Fully compatible with all energy management systems
  • UL Listed
  • Normal maintenance as fossil fuel based boiler plants

Biomass Boiler Plant Benefits

  • Renewable fuel source
  • Reduced emissions
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Fuel is price stable
  • Improved air quality
  • Installation costs competitive
  • Excellent return on investment

Useful Links

HurstBoiler and Welding Company
www.hurstboiler.com/biomass.htm
National Corn Growers Association
(www.ncga.com)

Equipment Information

Manufacturer & Type Hurst Boiler and Welding Co.
Firebox Hybrid
Contact Information: Smart Building Products
1180 Route 32 Wallkill, NY 12589

Changes in Infrastructure

The new biomass boiler will be installed in parallel with existing traditional boilers and tied into the common supply steam or hot water header.  Return piping will be installed similarly.  The new boilers will need integration with new biomass fuel source, but will also be integrated to the existing fossil fuel source as the primary back up in the event the feed stock is interrupted for continued reliability even under extreme weather conditions.

Customer Support and Coordination with Utilities

Minor support will be required for the interruption of utilities for brief tie-in periods.