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to meet the European Large Combustion Plant Directive and GHG sustainability targets, as biocoal is low sulphur and low CO2, being 88% lower than EU coal in GHG emissions from forest to furnace.


coal-fired power stations. The technology gets its name from its main features, which are: Targeted – the selective nature of microwaves target energy into biomass, individually heating particles the required amount; Intelligent – the microwave control system allows users to continuously monitor the energy inputs at the speed of light, whilst the computer system minimises the energy consumption; Energy – the process transfers energy, not heat, overcoming the typically insulating properties of biomass; and System – it is a safe, low- energy, energy-integrated system.


Furthermore, the technology is based on the advanced simultaneous use of electromagnetic frequencies in combination with a unique continuous phase separation drum. This maximises heat and mass transfer within the system, thus reducing plant size, material hold-up and operating costs. A flexible system using microwave energy, unlike standard thermal processes, allows a wider range of feedstock types/sizes to be processed, this gives the operator flexibility to choose the most economic plant inputs.


As the thermal heat used within the process is generated from sustainable biomass sources, it creates a renewable process.


The system is very energy efficient with the biocoal containing over 80% of all process energy inputs. The resulting high-density black pellets from the TIE system have similar properties to coal, allowing them to be stored outdoors, and they can be used directly by coal-fired power stations, but without releasing CO2. This energy-dense form of renewable energy allows savings in transport and storage costs. Rotawave’s technology produces pellets that look, feel and act like coal, but have a higher energy- density than other biomass sources. It is their patented microwave technology that makes the pellets more energy dense – 18 GJ/m3 as opposed to wood chips at 2.85 GJ/m3 and white pellets at 11.05 GJ/m3. The idea to build plants where the trees are has offered an opportunity to not only create a sustainable material source, but also to reduce the impact of transport costs. It is the first application of microwave technology in biofuel production to continuously create low-carbon fuel from organic matter. The microwaves within the patented continuous drum system form part of an integrated process, which generates more thermal energy than it consumes. Biocoal is a sustainable and practical energy source, which offers an inexpensive way of converting power stations


Many European coal-fired power stations will have to close as they cannot currently meet emissions targets. However, by co-firing biocoal with coal or converting to 100% biocoal electricity generation, large operators can meet these targets. Co-firing can therefore allow utility companies to recycle coal- fired power stations and their associated power infrastructure and also offer a better solution for the design and build of new low-carbon power stations with the potential to deliver major savings in capital costs.


Benefits


The benefits of using biomass as an energy source far outweigh the negatives. Using organic matter with a high energy content, which can be re- grown whilst being sustainably managed, produces a reliable energy source without harming the environment.


Concern over emissions targets has led to a demand by operators of coal-fired power stations for biomass products. Their main option thus far has been wood pellets. However, they do not hold the same properties as coal and have not been as efficient


BIOCOAL


We can manufacture a biomass product, which has fuel properties similar to coal, but a lot less emissions. The high energy density means we require less shipments to carry the same amount of energy


a solution as operators would hope. The emerging market of biocoal has started to take over as the top option for operators. Whilst many argue that biocoal is an unsustainable energy source, sustainable sourcing is a key aspect to the future commercialisation of biofuel and the application of microwaves has allowed for less specific organic matter to be used.


Rising global energy needs and rapid climate change require a low GHG solution, a more environmentally-friendly source of power must be found.


Power generators will use this biomass char to reduce emissions, earn carbon credits and maintain operations into the future. As the need for power increases worldwide, demand for biocoal is expected to grow exponentially.


More information from www.rotawave.com


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