Blog Image showing a CHP Generator that could be used to demonstrate fuel blending

Fuel Blending in CHP Systems: Reducing Emissions and Boosting Efficiency

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of fuel blending and provide insights from experts at Collicutt Energy Services on implementing this process in CHP systems. Fuel blending is a highly effective method for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, maintaining high generator output, and increasing overall efficiency in combined heat and power (CHP) generators.

How Fuel Blending Reduces GHG Emissions

Fuel blending offers a significant benefit: the reduction of GHG emissions.
Biogas, derived from organic matter decomposition, is a renewable energy source that is considered carbon neutral. When biogas is blended with natural gas, a fossil fuel, the overall carbon footprint of the fuel decreases. This is especially advantageous for organizations aiming to reduce their environmental impact and achieve sustainability goals.

Increasing Efficiency with Fuel Blending

In addition to emission reduction, fuel blending enhances the efficiency of CHP systems. Blending biogas with natural gas increases the energy content of the fuel, enabling more energy production per unit of fuel. This results in cost savings for organizations operating CHP systems, as they require less fuel to generate the same amount of energy.

Implementation Process:

To implement fuel blending in a CHP system, follow these key steps:

Step 1: Assess Biogas Availability

Identify biogas sources like landfills, wastewater treatment plants, or agricultural operations. Ensure the biogas meets quality requirements, free from contaminants that could damage CHP equipment.

Step 2: Install Necessary Equipment

Install a gas mixing unit and a gas meter to blend and measure the flow of biogas and natural gas. Additional controls and safety devices may be needed to ensure safe and efficient operation when using blended fuel.

Step 3: Collaborate with Experienced Professionals

Seek guidance from experienced professionals, like Collicutt Energy Services, who offer services such as feasibility assessment, equipment design and installation, and ongoing maintenance and support.

Conclusion

Fuel blending using natural gas and biogas is a valuable approach to reduce GHG emissions and enhance CHP system efficiency. By following the right process and collaborating with experts, such as Collicutt Energy Services, organizations can implement fuel blending with confidence, promoting environmental sustainability.

If you have a source of biogas and are interested in reducing your GHG emissions by using the biogas more effectively, give us a call at 888.682.6888

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How to Implement a Fuel Blending System

Air quality management districts, AQMDs, are continually updating their standards for reciprocating engines and the resulting emissions. Although the changes are made with the best intentions (e.g., reducing airborne pollutants), these changing standards often impose large technical challenges and require equipment upgrades or replacements which adds unexpected costs for business and industries.

Wastewater Dilemma

This is the situation one of our wastewater treatment customers found themselves in when a change in their local AQMD regulations instigated a large change in what was allowed for natural gas combustion.

This wastewater facility had three large CHP systems that used off-gas from the wastewater (produced through a digester process) as the main fuel source and natural gas as a backup fuel source. The CHP system provides electrical power for the plant, electrical power for the utility grid, and heat for the digester. The system had a combined electrical/mechanical efficiency of around 90% while removing GHG emissions from the environment so it was critical that it continue to run!

The challenge that the new AQMD ruling created was that the allowable natural gas consumption in their engines was changing from 100% to only 49%. However, the engines were originally designed with a dual fuel system that could run on either 100% natural gas or 100% digester gas but not a blend of the two fuels.

This change in allowable fuel ratios caused a big issue with the plant operations! (more…)

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