[Gasification] Low Calorific Gas for Stirling Engines

[Mark Loftin]

List,
FYI, I believe that a list discussion some time ago referenced STM 
Power's Stirling synchronous generators.

http://www.stmpower.com/Technology/Technology.asp

They sent us some technical data on the 55kWe unit, which requires 
around 1,100 SCFM of 1,825°F flue gas. The working medium is hydrogen. 
The units are primarily designed to be fired on natural gas (or landfill 
gas) and a burner/heat exchanger housing will have to be designed for 
each type of fuel you would use. I do not believe they have developed a 
synthesis/producer gas system yet.  It seems to me that this would be 
very efficient for combined heat/power applications using downdraft 
gasifiers (up to 80% overall).  Couple this unit to a heat recovery 
steam generator, kiln or other process that can utilize the exhaust heat 
and you would have something that a IC engine may not be able to 
duplicate in this size footprint.  Plus, maintenance would seem to be 
minimal, especially if you had a good producer gas stream (i.e., low 
char/tar/ash carryover). Last we checked, these units were going for 
around $1200/kWe and would be available for retail by year's end.

Oh, by the way, these units come equipped with synchronous generators, 
so you'd have to have an existing 3-phase electrical grid to connect 
them to.  They consume power until the coils heat up, then they start 
exporting current.

M. Loftin