How Does the Zilkha Biomass Unit Work?
THE ZILKHA BIOMASS UNIT is twice as efficient as traditional designs.
We are improving biomass energy generation by making use of cogeneration, the sequential use and re-use of energy from our fuel. We are able to do this because our pressurized external biomass combustor allows wood to burn under pressure. This enables us to use the fuel to power a gas turbine at high pressure and temperature. The use of cogeneration/CHP gives the Zilkha Biomass Unit a 75-80% thermal efficiency.
Traditional Biomass Generation
Zilkha Biomass Unit: Revolutionary Design
THE ZILKHA BIOMASS UNIT can produce combined heat & electricity or 100% electricity.
The Zilkha Biomass Energy system uses wood, as does the Traditional Configuration; and the Zilkha Biomass Unit also includes a fuel feed system. But the differences start there. The Zilkha Configuration is innovative and unique technology: it uses high pressure combustion of wood fuel and sends the components of combustion into a gas turbine. The energy created is twofold. The gas turbine’s compressor section creates the high pressure air used as both conveying air and combustion air. Then the gas turbine turns a generator to create electricity. The exhaust gas from the gas turbine is in the range of 975° F and is used for drying products and making steam and/or additional electricity. Producing both the electricity and hot exhaust gas for direct heating, the Zilkha Configuration operates at over 80% efficiency. By adding a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) to provide steam for use by the host, this system operates at approximately 70% efficiency. By adding an HRSG to provide steam to a steam generator to make additional electricity, this system operates at approximately 50% efficiency, twice the efficiency of the Traditional Configuration.
THE ZILKHA BIOMASS UNIT uses renewable fuel.
Because the Zilkha Unit is designed to use a renewable biomass fuel, the customer and the environment also reap the benefits of a fuel source that burns cleaner than diesel, coal, and natural gas. The carbon neutral aspect of biomass may attract customers who value a cleaner, greener corporate image and have an appreciation for long term, sustainable energy.
Finally, using biomass residues from wood-based industries can provide a significant savings over purchasing electricity from the grid. Another benefit: besides gaining increased reliability and saving money by avoiding power purchases from the grid during peak hours, customers will be able to sell electricity back to the grid as the electricity grid improves.