Industrial Systems / Alternative Fuels

Compared to fossil fuels such as oil and gas, the design of power generation systems whichuse different wood fuels and biomass is much more sophisticated.

In particular "waste and residual wood" from the wood processing industry, but also alternative fuels, such as cereal debris are used as fuel. These fuels place particular demands on the combustion process. Depending on the material properties, a water-cooled or air-cooled moving grate is used.

In the case of alternative fuels, a water-cooled moving step grate firing system UTSW is mostly used. This type of furnace is especially suitable for dry fuels with high thermal values, low moisture content and a low ash melting point.

In the case of wet fuel, an air-cooled moving grate is used.

Projects already completed with alternative fuels:

Cereal debris from cereal cleaning: loose or in briquette form
Coffee grounds: dried and pressed from instant coffee production
Grass cuttings: dried and pressed from landscape maintenance
(Sweet) chestnut shells
Miscanthus
Sunflower seeds
Corncobs
Hay pellets
Straw

Fuel tests

If a fuel sample or fuel analysis from a laboratory is available, a decision is made as to whether the fuel is suitable for the Schmid product range and whether the project is pursued according to the company philosophy.
Schmid energy solutions operates two experimental plants at its headquarters to experiment with combustion processes. Depending on the combustion behaviour of the alternative fuels, the appropriate type of combustion is chosen and a decision is made whether the fuel is burned alone or in combination with e.g. woodchips.

Successfully tested fuels (projects not implemented):

Cocoa shells
Olive stones
Composting screening residues
Horse manure / harvest residue pellets
Leaves / road cleaning
Cigarette waste