Articles
Who
Biomass-fuelled equipment manufacturer Talbotts has launched what it claims is one of the most efficient wood-fuelled biomass generators (pictured) on the market.
Technology
The BG25 CHP unit is believed by Talbotts to be a world first because of an innovation that incorporates automotive technology to ensure continuous operation on a self-sustaining generating cycle.
The system works by burning waste wood in the form of pellets in a combustor that generates hot air through a mile and a half of piping – packed into a compact heat exchanger. The hot air powers a turbocharger, more usually found in Scania trucks.
While much of this heat energy is cycled back through the compressor to charge fresh incoming air and continues to drive the turbocharger, excess energy is captured by a second turbocharger that drives two substantial alternators via a specially designed gearbox.
The self-contained system generates 25kW of power, and recycles excess energy within it, achieving what Talbotts said are “unprecedented levels of overall efficiency”. The technology could achieve CO2 savings of 212 tonnes a year, according to the company.
By using rugged automotive components, the unit is durable, runs for long periods without significant servicing, and can be repaired simply and easily, with parts readily available. In addition to electricity generation, the BG25 provides a source of local heating.
Application
Talbotts’ managing director, Paul Firth, said: “Our new turbocharged BG25 CHP generator uses readily available waste biomass to generate consistent levels of power, making it ideal for organisations in the woodworking industry.
“The size of the CHP installation can power a hotel, large house, farm or modest industrial complex, but we are aiming to build units with significantly greater output, based on this technology. Nevertheless, we anticipate the market interest at this level will keep us pretty busy for the time being.”