[Gasification] More on ORCs -- food for thoughts

[Peter Singfield]

At 02:02 PM 2/2/2007 -0800, Tom Miles wrote:
>See:
>http://www.bioenergy.by/images/feb/prez/99.pdf
>
>Tom Miles
> 

Hi Tom;

First -- truly amazing how ORCs are moving into the biomass arena!!

I well remember the arguments Kevin presented -- over and over -- that it
could never happen because it simple can't work -- and his sending those
"charts" proving it can;t work -- over and over.

I felt at the time that discouraged much interest in this then new and
developing industry -- on the Gas list at least.

I actually communicated with the Italian company referred to in this
document you present -- way back when -- same time I contacted ORMAT (who
even had a rep on this gas list for a short period!!)

There is a major difference though between the operation you point out -- 

"Bios BioenergieSysteme GmbH" (Austria)

and the Italian company -- compared to ORMAT.

ORMAT is the only one that offers power plants based on this kind of system
in the 3 to 6 kw range.

I also have some ancient "notes" on these same kind of systems being built
in Russia -- though have heard no further as of yet.

Remember -- the ORMAT ORCs (and probably the others as well) preform at
rated over all efficiencies with a heat source of but 350 F

Ergo -- even with a simple solar collector -- they can be dual fueled - -as
in sun and biomass.

Though this would hardly be practical for the large systems -- it
definitely would be of interest to homeowners presently paying extended
prices for conventional solar panel arrays these days.

With that wonderful option of using any biomass -- rather than a diesel or
other so fueled engine -- to charge battery when the sun don't shine.

I have always believed that as a valid market niche to be pursued -- no
matter what Mr. Kevin "believes"!!

And certainly -- such an enterprise -- would greatly spur the sales of
small thermal gasifiers -- those that are so handy and can work well even
with 50% humidity fuel (no need for all that fuel conditioning) -- as tars
in gas product just mean more fuel to heat the boiler.

Well -- maybe in a few more years -- eh??

There will be available 3 to 6 kw ORC units for a reasonable price.

Hey -- most of those "stoves" (from the stove lost) developed over these
past few years would be all that need be required.

Now -- would not that be some spurring on for the "stovers" -- eh??

Peter / Belize