Low Carbon Technologies
Low carbon technologies of all types play an important role in reducing Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The IPCC report shows carbon removal is also needed to achieve nett zero and minimise global temp rise. Reducing CO2 emissions alone will not be sufficient in fighting climate change.
So what Low Carbon technologies do we at Carbon Focus Engineering offer to help mitigate both the CO2 emissions and support Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)?
Pyrolysis & gasification to produce Biochar
Pyrolysis and gasification have long been acknowledged as methods for carbon removal. Unlike processes such as decay or incineration, Pyrolysis and Gasification do not release the carbon contained in residual materials as CO2; instead, they securely bind it into biochar, effectively extracting CO2 from the atmosphere. When this biochar is permanently integrated into designated carbon storage sites, such as soil, construction materials, or asphalt, it enables the long-term retention of CO2, thus Carbon Capture and Storage.
The IPCC has recently acknowledged and endorsed this technology as a viable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solution, creating new opportunities within the circular economy. This innovative approach is also commonly referred to as Negative Emissions Technology (NET).
The definition of Pyrolysis and carbonization refers to the controlled thermal decomposition of materials within an oxygen-depleted environment, typically within a chamber or reactor. Instead of undergoing combustion, these materials are transformed into biochar and hot gases.
After the biochar is extracted from the reactor, the hot gases are directed through a combustion chamber, where they can be used to generate synthesis gases, and the excess heat energy can be harnessed for applications such as heating, cooling, and electrical power generation.
Biochar represents a distinct approach to reducing and removing CO2, since it involves the deliberate extraction of a solid, energy-rich carbon product from the material before combustion. This prevents the released carbon from
re-entering the atmosphere.
Although Biochar primarily consists of carbon, from the structural remains of the original feedstock e.g. wood, straw, crop residues, etc; it also contains residual minerals (ash) and organic matter. In addition to sequestering carbon, biochar offers various benefits, including its significant surface area that enhances water retention and the availability of the residual minerals for plant growth when used in soils.
Carbon Focus Engineering Ltd have been working with a number of feedstock producers to provide the best solutions to reduce both their waste streams and CO2 emissions, whilst producing a valuable by product. We have been working with Pyrolysis manufactures over the last five years from across Europe to find the best technological fit for our clients needs and are currently the engineering partner in an INNOVATE UK project.
Feedstocks:
A wide range of feedstocks are suitable for the pyrolysis/carbonisation process including:
Wood (FSC)
Commercial waste wood
Forestry waste
Crop straws
Hemp
Bamboo
Miscanthus
Sawdust
Waste Wood
Green Waste
Screening
Wood Chips
Fruit Peels
Food Waste
Digestate from AD plants
Sewage Sludge
Fermentation residuals
Slurry
Manure
Poultry manure
INDUSTRY WASTE
Industrial Sludges
Sewage sludge
Production Waste
Organically Polluted Waste
Biochar standards:
The quality of the biochar is crucial to its ability to act as a carbon sync and be recognised for carbon credits.
The 2 main standards currently recognised are the EBC & IBI.
EBC – European Biochar Certificate is currently adopted by the UK
IBI – America and Canadian
Good for business: Utilise waste streams, reduce carbon footprint, create low carbon energy,
Carbon Capture & Storage, create carbon credits /certificates.
Comparison of Biomass fuel stocks against traditional Fossil Fuel.
Biomass Hot water systems
What is Biomass? Biomass refers to organic materials like wood chips, wood pellets, straw, miscanthus, or organic waste that are utilized as fuel in biomass boilers to generate heat. This heat can be employed for heating spaces and water, representing a sustainable source of renewable energy. Biomass stands out for its reliability, as it is not subject to weather conditions and can produce high-temperature heat instantly. Additionally, biomass energy, also known as bioenergy, plays a pivotal role in mitigating global climate change by substituting conventional fossil fuels like oil and gas. While fossil fuels introduce additional carbon into the carbon cycle, biomass is already an integral part of it. Consequently, biomass is both sustainable and environmentally friendly, serving as a carbon-neutral and renewable fuel.
Biomass also ranks among the most cost-effective low-carbon energy sources, seamlessly integrating into existing infrastructure. Biomass systems vary in size, ranging from small domestic setups, typically with a capacity of 10-15 kilowatts, to substantial power stations like the Drax facility. These systems can cater to the heating needs of individual structures or multiple buildings through district heating networks.
At Carbon Focus Engineering Ltd, we specialize in biomass systems ranging from 200 kilowatts to 8 megawatts. Furthermore, biomass is not limited to heating applications; it can also be harnessed for power generation, offering a distinct advantage of independence from weather conditions, unlike some other renewable energy methods.
With 20 years of experience, encompassing the design, installation, and maintenance of biomass heating systems, our expertise extends across diverse sectors, including schools, Ministry of Defence properties, large poultry producers and integrators, and commercial horticulture. We are committed to tailoring solutions that best match your heating requirements.
Heat Recovery, our Innovative Solution for the Commercial Poultry Industry
Heat recovery is the process of capturing and reutilizing heat that would typically go to waste. It involves reclaiming a portion of the energy lost through heating and ventilation systems. One effective method of heat recovery is through the use of a thermal wheel, also referred to as a heat recovery wheel. This device is strategically placed within the supply and exhaust air streams of air-handling units, rooftop units, or industrial processes' exhaust gases to recapture heat energy.
Carbon Focus Engineering Ltd has undertaken the development of a heat recovery system using a thermal wheel to address a specific challenge faced by the commercial poultry industry
The primary challenge revolves around airborne dust entering the thermal wheel. This dust can accumulate on the thermal wheel's foils, hampering its performance. Given the prevailing conditions in the UK, including weather and air quality in poultry sheds, we calculated that the dew point is reached approximately 84% of the year. This condition can lead to excessive condensation, which, when combined with dust, can form a stubborn layer on the foils, making it challenging to clean. Consequently, this results in reduced heat transfer rates, leading to inefficiency and diminishing the thermal wheel's effectiveness. There is also the potential for blockages that can impede the flow of air both into and out of the shed.
Initial modelling indicates that the heat recovery system can achieve an average temperature increase of approximately 80%. As a result, the boiler's workload is reduced by 65%, resulting in significant energy conservation and associated fuel cost savings
Moreover, the reduced demand for boilers has positive environmental implications, including lower particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide emissions. The proposed system extracts air from the poultry shed at a high temperature, passes it through a rotating thermal wheel, and then supplies heated fresh air back into the shed. To address the unique challenges of poultry shed conditions in the UK climate, CFE have integrated a preliminary dust suppression chamber system to reduce the dust loading and hence increase the efficiency.
One important factor is to evaluate the whole system efficiency, taking into account the parasitic loads associated with running the system.
The CFE system extracts the shed air at a high temperature, blowing it through a rotating thermal wheel which in turn supplies fresh heated air to the shed.
The thermal wheel will be integrated into a system adapted to poultry shed conditions in the UK climate
Prototype is undergoing the testing phase in a Commercial Poultry farm setting.
The CFE heat recovery system can be easily retrofitted into existing poultry houses or integrated into new house designs. In both cases they will have controls integration to Fortica.
Assessment of customers needs
Map showing the geographical potential for Solar PV in UK based on the average Horizontal Irradiation KWh/m2
CFE can provide both roof mounted and floor mounted solar arrays with battery storage capacity to ensure consistency in electricity supply.
Solar PV
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels is a widely embraced form of renewable energy, capable of generating electricity by harnessing sunlight. This generated electricity can be used to power both residential and commercial properties. Embracing solar PV offers several advantages as a renewable energy source:
1. Environmental Impact: Solar PV panels operate without emitting greenhouse gases, effectively reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to the fight against climate change.
2. Cost Savings: By generating your electricity, you can diminish your reliance on traditional power grids, leading to substantial reductions in your electricity bills.
3. Minimal Maintenance: Solar PV systems demand minimal maintenance efforts and boast impressive lifespans of up to 25 years or more with proper care.
4. Adaptability: Solar PV panels can be installed on a variety of surfaces, ranging from rooftops and walls to ground installations.
5. Warranty Assurance: Most solar panel manufacturers provide extended warranties that ensure their products perform at specified levels for up to 25 years or more.
Solar PV represents a reliable and cost-effective method for generating renewable energy. It not only aids in reducing your electricity expenses but also contributes positively to environmental sustainability by curbing your carbon emissions.