Energy Demand Studies
A biomass heating project needs to be tailored to the specifics of the consumer it is supposed to
provide with energy. The most common mistake made in standard bioheat applications is over-sizing the biomass boiler's capacity.
Other
than gas or oil-fuelled boilers solid fuel fired combustors or gasifiers can not quickly be turned on or off. Moreover, emissions
are significantly higher during start-up and cool-down phases. Finally, refractory linings crack when being exposed to frequent temperature
changes. As a consequence a biomass boiler should be used for base heat supply, covering peak demand with heat storage tanks and/or
peak boilers.
Sizing a biomass boiler properly requires a through investigation of energy demand.
On the financial side energy
demand and fuel costs will determine the economic viability of a biomass energy system.
Our energy demand studies can cover
the following points:
Energy Demand / Requirement
· review of historic bills
· load duration based on degree-days
· annual consumption average & forecast
· peak load requirements
· 24/365 supply vs. intermittent/non-dependable/base
load supply
· building analysis
· energy audits, analysis of existing systems
· benchmarking / comparison with national
averages & codes
· consumption monitoring
Consumer Self-Generation Energy Costs
· fossil fuel cost
- historical
- forecast (low & high scenario)
· non-fuel operating costs
- daily operation
/ inspection time
- ash removal
- boiler & filter cleaning
- fixed and variable O&M costs
· capital
replacement costs
- life expectancy of plant components
- maintenance / replacement costs