The right fuel solution for your business needs to be one that can meet your demands, ensure consistency and uphold your values too.

It should be well-thought-out with the support of a professional team that can advise on the latest and more suitable technologies. Pellet heating systems or wood gas CHPs are one such offering on the market, allowing you to utilise a sustainable fuel source while achieving climate-friendly energy.

The shift from traditional energy production to a more renewable one can be significant – especially for established businesses. So, in this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to decide if it is right for you.

What is a Wood Gas Combined Heat and Power System?

In this industry, the term CHP or combined heat and power systems refer to technologies that produce multiple forms of energy at one given time.

They are also known as cogeneration systems and reduce waste by capturing thermal energy and repurposing it for heat and hot water. In locations where an organisation is located off-grid or where renewable fuels are more readily available, biomass CHP systems come into play.

Instead of using natural gas or fossil fuels, these systems run on either wooden pellets or wood chips. They rely on a chemical process known as pyrolysis.

This is where fuel is heated in the absence of oxygen. It produced syngas which is fed into the spark-ignition engine and produces the energy and heat required.

The beauty of this technology is its versatility. Biomass CHP systems are suitable for organisations of all sizes – from small boilers through to large-scale, industrial set-ups that drive turbines.

Benefits

Identifying whether a biomass CHP system is right for you comes down to several factors. But an effective way to start the research process is to understand the benefits and drawbacks of this technology.

Suitable for Sites with Constant Demand

With access to adequate supplies of biomass, it is easy to utilise these CHP systems to produce the necessary heat and electricity.

This is specifically important for off-grid organisations or those that need to avoid disruptions from the main grid.

Can Be Used By Small and Large Businesses Alike

Each CHP system is designed and configured to suit a site’s exacting requirements – this is one of the things that make them so efficient.

In turn, this means that the technology can be utilised throughout businesses of different sizes and scales.

Quicker Return on Investment

In comparison to traditional generation methods, biomass CHP uses its efficient design to minimise initial fuel requirements. While the initial investment may be significant for your business, a return is expected within 3 years.

Reduced Emissions

These systems, such as the ESPE CHiP50, are widely recognised for generating a cleaner level of gas. This helps your business become more mindful of its carbon footprint and aligns with your sustainability goals too.

Carbon Neutral Fuel Source

Wood – both in the form of pellets or chips, is a carbon-neutral product.

The same amount of CO2 absorbed into the atmosphere during a tree’s growth is also released during the combustion process. This means the atmospheric balance stays level.

If these trees were allowed to fall and rot, the CO2 would continue on its cycle. So, it makes sense to utilise this energy fuel and repurpose wood waste.

Can Often Be Integrated into Trigeneration Systems

Some models, including the ESPE CHiP50 micro-cogeneration, can be configured to produce cooling on top of heat and power. This allows you to maximise conversion yield and implement a technology that fits the specific needs of your business.

Fuel is Easy to Store

Wood chips and pellets are small. They are made by compressing wood residues produced in sawmills. As such, they are easy and safe to store while also producing minimal ash too.

Biomass Production Supports Local Economy

To sustain and support the use of biomass CHP, we highly recommend that you source the chosen fuel locally to you. This reduces transportation emissions while also supporting local businesses and increasing the potential for jobs too.

Available Financial Support

As with other CHP technology, there are grants available to assist with the investment into a biomass boiler or equipment.

The reasons why you should consider biomass CHP far exceed simply looking out for the environment. Here at Energimizer, we supply the ESPE CHiP50 solution to our clients.

CHiP50 – Wood Gas Combined Heat And Power Unit manufactured by Espe group, Italy

CHiP50 – Wood Gas Combined Heat And Power Unit manufactured by Espe group, Italy, suitable for small to medium-sized businesses, this high-yield micro-cogeneration system uses virgin wood chips as biomass fuel.

Developed in 2010, et has been designed to provide the best output with a lower quantity of wood chips. With 50 kWe and 110kWt per unit, this system can provide up to 7500 hours of thermal and electrical energy per year.

Plus, it can generate net electrical productivity of 3337.5MWhe. The technology is also suitable for trigeneration configuration and can help you cover the energy requirements of your company with ease.

Available to view in more detail on our website, we strive to bring you the most versatile and technologically advanced CHP methods available. Our clients are looking for low carbon and energy-efficient heating solutions to help reduce their bills, slash their carbon footprint and see a return on any investment.

For more information about the ESPE CHiP50 biomass microgeneration system, download the spec sheet here. Alternatively, get in contact with the Energimizer team here today.

With a highly experienced and professional team on hand, we’ll provide all the information and guidance you need.