Biomass CHP: Steam turbine

Find out about biomass steam boilers, their typical outputs and costs and the pros and cons of using a steam turbine in your biomass CHP system.

Biomass steam boilers use standard combustion principles, with automatic fuel delivery and adjustment of combustion air to optimise burning efficiency. By using standard combustion, the quality of the biomass fuel is less critical and the user has more flexibility regarding the biomass fuel type and supplier.

The steam boiler is normally mounted directly on top of the combustion chamber, ensuring a simple, compact design and efficient heat transfer. For most horticultural applications using steam biomass CHP, the electricity will be generated by a steam turbine operating at relatively low pressure.

Biomass steam-driven CHP systems are a versatile option, as they are based on tried-and-tested technology using common-place design and components.

*24 hour operation

Pros

• Can be configured to run on cheaper recycled timber or wet wood
• Highly incentivised through government subsidies
• Can provide high-temperature waste heat up to 150°C

Cons

• High operation and maintenance costs on high-pressure steam
• High initial outlay
• High proportion of heat to electricity

Biomass steam driven CHP

Image courtesy of NFU energy.