Experience in Biomass Fired Domestic Heating Appliances
GASTEC at CRE (GaC)
Biomass-fired domestic appliances (1998): Project management of two EU-TACIS studies in Russia on the energy saving potential and environmental benefit of introducing modern solid-fuel combustion equipment in the residential and public buildings sectors. The second was a demonstration project in which wood fired, downburning appliances, made to western design, were manufactured in a Russian factory under licence, following technology transfer, and the benefits demonstrated in real locations.
Development of strategies for reducing dioxin emissions from the combustion of biomass and waste fuels (2005): GaC were sub-contracted to undertake a programme of work on behalf of UK Defra to provide recommendations for strategies for the reduction of dioxin and dioxin-like PCB emissions from domestic combustion. This included promotion of the use of combustion conditions and identification of effective campaigns for dissemination of best practice on waste management.
Standardisation of the energy sector in Estonia (1996): This EU-Phare contract concerned the dissemination of know how on ways to set-up certification and regulations relating to domestic heating appliances for using oil, gas, coal, wood and electricity.
Performance monitoring of wood burning appliances(2002): On behalf of the UK DTI, undertook a monitoring programme to provide information on the environmental, efficiency and technical performance of a range of wood burning appliances. The work involved detailed investigations into the use of wood as a domestic fuel and lead to proposals regarding improved operation of the appliances.
Demonstrationand Assistance with Manufacturing of Energy Efficient, Clean Solid Fuel Appliances in Tula and Novgorod (1995): The EU-Tacis programme included the provision of appropriate equipment designs for burning a full rangeof solid fuels and improved household heating systems; technical advice to manufacturers (materials, tolerances, assembly techniques); trainingin construction, installation and commissioning; and monitoring & assessment of the performance of initial installations.
Export of UK wood burning technology (1994): Responsible for projects to export UK wood burning technology to Poland and the Czech Republic.
Development of biomass fired downburning stove (1996): Project partner in an EU project which successfully led to the development of a downburning stove capable of burning a wide range of solid fuels in a smoke reducing manner. The appliance has since been launched onto the European market.
Feasibility study of biomass fuel preparation(2002): Project manager and consultant for a techno-economic feasibility study on the construction of a mobile pelletiser for wood residues for use as fuels in combustion appliances. The project, which was carried out on behalf of a UK industrial client, provided information on capital and operating costs and technical issues for a range of scenarios.
Development of novel waste derived fuel (2002): On behalf of a private UK client, provision of technical assistance and project manager for a programme of work on the development of a novel waste derived fuel for domestic and commercial applications. The work involved developing methods for briquetting the waste fuel, combustion trials on a domestic grate fire and chain grate stoker and an assessment of the environmental performance of the overall process.
Provision of expertise to the European Commission (2002-2006): Staff currently working for GaC have been contracted to (i) act as Project Technical Adviser to a range of biomass-to-energy research projects supported by the Framework V Programme, (ii) provide expect evaluation of biomass research proposals submitted to the Framework VI Programme and (iii) technical editor of the vision report produced by the Biomass Technology Platform aimed at identifying a co-ordinated strategy for the production of biofuels, especially for the transport sector.
