West Biofuels has developed a robust bioenergy platform that reliably delivers at full capacity and low operating cost for all types of biomass. These nimble facilities can efficiently generate power but also produce biochar and heat for additional value-added products. West Biofuels can configure an optimal system to meet the goals and needs of any customer.
The West Biofuels thermal oil heating system converts the gases from the gasification process into usable heat energy via a thermal fluid. The thermal fluid is specifically engineered to fit each application. This heated thermal fluid is then used for building/process heating, or to generate power using the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) turbine generator. The thermal oil heater (TOH) is ether coupled to an external gasification system and/or uses the biomass directly to meet customer demands. Because the TOH is a closed loop there is no demand for cooling water, boiler feed water, and there is no water conditioning equipment needed. The TOH uses multiple sections to obtain an extremely high efficiency, and the best utilization of the available energy in the biomass. The multi-zone approach used in the TOH along with exhaust gas re-circulation eliminates problems of slagging and ash melting/fouling common in other biomass energy systems. The TOH multiple emissions control technologies are used to exceed the strictest requirements. These emissions technologies include exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR), electrostatic precipitation (ESP), and urea injection.
West Biofuels electrical power generation projects use Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) turbine generators. The ORC turbine is similar to the steam turbines used in conventional power plants but use a closed loop organic fluid instead of steam. This results in reduced maintenance and operating costs and eliminates the water consumption issues associated with conventional steam turbines. Additionally, the ORC does not require any of the special permits or certifications associated with high pressure steam boilers required for steam turbines. The ORC turbine generator uses high temperature thermal oil from the heater to vaporize the organic working fluid in the Heat Exchanger. The organic fluid vapor rotates the turbine, which is directly coupled to the electric generator, resulting in clean, reliable electric power. The exhaust vapor flows through the cooling unit, where it is then condensed. The organic working fluid is then pumped into the Heat Exchanger, thus completing the closed-cycle operation.
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