Efficiency solutions for biomass boiler plants
A significant share of energy in biomass and industrial boiler plants is lost due to inefficient combustion, fuel quality variability, and unused low-temperature heat. Studies show that typical industrial boilers operate at 83-90% efficiency, while 5-15% of industrial energy input can be lost as low temperature heat. Unlocking this hidden potential through boiler system optimization and energy recovery can significantly improve plant efficiency, fuel utilization and overall energy performance.
BIOMASS FURNACE OPTIMIZATION
Biomass fuel quality in Europe is gradually changing over time due to increasing demand and limited availability of high-quality raw materials. As a result, fuels tend to contain higher moisture, ash, chlorine, and potassium levels and higher amounts of fines. In the future, this trend is expected to continue, requiring more advanced combustion on technologies.
EON BioT is an adiabatic counter-current furnace. The returning hot flue gas efficiently dries the incoming wet fuel, while a primary air preheater improves combustion efficiency. The system is designed to operate with fuel moisture content ranging from 35 % to 60 %.
Absorption heat pump
Absorption heat pumps are an efficient solution for recovering low-temperature heat in biomass boiler plants
and industrial processes. Unlike conventional compression heat pumps, they use thermal energy instead of
electricity as the driving force, making them particularly suitable for facilities with available high-temperature
heat sources such as hot water or steam.
Second stage flue gas condenser
Our equipment is designed to recover residual heat by efficiently cooling biomass combustion products, also known as flue gas, to a temperature range of 22-35°C. The key differentiator of our system is its solid construction, achieved through the use of Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GRP) molding technology, which ensures durability and reliability for long-term use.
Our second stage flue gas condenser effectively utilizes condensate to cool the flue gas, which is then constantly cooled in an absorption heat pump. This enables us to recover heat from the condensate and transfer it to heat networks, further enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall system.
For thermal inputs up to 3 MW, we offer a GRP composite flue gas condensing economizer, which is both cost-effective and highly efficient. In addition, for higher capacity requirements, we also provide a vertical flue gas condenser, with maximum thermal input tailored to meet the unique needs and technological possibilities of each individual customer.
Heat recovery cycle
In the evaporator, low-temperature heat causes the refrigerant to evaporate. The vapor is absorbed by the
absorbent solution in the absorber, releasing heat that can be transferred to the heating network. The diluted absorbent is then pumped to the generator, where high-temperature heat (such as steam or hot water) drives the regeneration process, separating the refrigerant from the absorbent. The refrigerant vapor condenses in the condenser and returns to the evaporator, completing the cycle.
This process enables the transfer and upgrading of heat from low-temperature sources to useful temperature levels for district heating or industrial applications.
Compression Heat Pump
Compression heat pumps efficiently recover and upgrade low-temperature waste heat in biomass plants and
industrial processes. They use electricity to drive a mechanical compression cycle that transfers heat from a
low-temperature source to a higher temperature level. Due to their high efficiency and flexibility, they help
increase plant efficiency while reducing energy consump on and emissions.
Operating principle
In the evaporator, a refrigerant absorbs heat from a low-temperature heat source and evaporates. The refrigerant
vapor is then compressed by the compressor, which increases both its pressure and temperature. In the condenser, the high-temperature refrigerant releases heat to the heating network or process water. Finally, the refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, reducing its pressure and temperature before returning to the evaporator to repeat the cycle.
By consuming electrical energy for the compression process, the heat pump can deliver several times more useful heat than the electricity it consumes. This is reflected in the coefficient of performance (COP), which typically ranges from 3 to 6.