| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/L505894/1 |
| Title: |
The Feasibility of Using Microwave Induced Plasma Torrefaction for the Production of an Energy Dense, Carbon Neutral Fuel from Wood Pellets |
| Principal Investigator: |
Al-Shamma'a, Professor A |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Built Environment |
| Organisation: |
Liverpool John Moores University |
| Scheme: |
Technology Programme |
| Starts: |
04 February 2014 |
Ends: |
03 February 2015 |
Value (£): |
84,125
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
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| Panel History: |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
There is a real need to de-carbonise energy production in the UK and elsewhere in order that Governments meet their
obligations set by the Kyoto Protocol and meet renewable energy generation targets. Using sustainable sources of wood as
a fuel is one such method of reducing the CO2 emissions associated with energy production. However, wood has a high
moisture content, low energy density, has variable combustion properties and there are considerable costs incurred
modifying existing power plants for co-firing. As result the energy sector is looking increasingly to torrefaction to produce an
energy dense and renewable "bicoal" from wood. Torrefaction is low temperature heating of wood in the absence of oxygen
to produce a char-like fuel that, once pelletised, has properties similar to coal. However, the economics of existing
torrefaction technology has yet to be proven on an industrial scale and based upon prior pilot activity we believe that
microwave induced plasma torrefation (MPT) technology provide a more cost effective way to torrefy wood. The overall
objective of our project is to develop a prototype MPT demonstration reactor for cost effectively converting wood pellets to
biocoal.
This study will bring together a unique project delivery consortium comprising of Stopford Projects Ltd (SPL) and Liverpool
John Moores University (LJMU). SPL is a multidisciplinary engineering design and project management consultancy with
significant expertise in green technology and energy projects spanning research through to plant commissioning.
This project will investigate the feasibility of using microwave plasma technology for torrefying pre-pelletised wood with the
intention of improving fuel combustion efficiencies and reducing OPEX costs. It is the intention of the consortium to
develop, test and demonstrate an industrial lab-scale reactor as an output of the project as well as developing the
technological and commercial route to market. Unlike currently available torrefaction technologies, the novel advantage of
the described microwave plasma technology is that the process has a lower parasitic load, has significantly lower capital
costs, has greater tolerance of mixed feed streams, is more durable, modular, and potentially mobile. As such the
technology presents the sector with a more efficient and cost effective method of handling and transporting woody biomass
than conventional processes.
The project will be conducted in nine Work packages:
Work package 1: Feedstock Characterisation: (2 months)
Work package 2: System specifications and boundary conditions (2 months)
Work package 3: Microwave plasma torrefaction reactor design parameters (3 months)
Work package 4: Design and build microwave plasma reactor (2.5 months)
Work package 5: Experimentation and Optimisation (3 months).
Work package 6: Process performance and analysis (2 months)
Work package 7: Engagement with endusers (2 month)
Work package 8: Regulatory Requirements (2 month)
Work package 9: Process Scale-Up and Technology Exploitation (3 months)
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.livjm.ac.uk |