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Fact Finding And Certification For Pellet Boiler

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  Energy  North  Corp   Fact-­‐finding  Tour  and  Pellet  Boiler   Certification  Report   Increasing  the  use  of  high-­‐efficiency  pellet  systems  and  developing   pellet  distribution  in  communities  of  the  NWT       May  23,  2013       Energy  North  Corporation     Contents   Introduction ...................................................................................................................................1   Goals...........................................................................................................................................1   Company  Profiles ....................................................................................................................... 2   Method ..........................................................................................................................................3   Accomplishing  Our  Goals ...........................................................................................................3   Highlights....................................................................................................................................4   Organizers ..................................................................................................................................4   Presenters ..................................................................................................................................4   Participants ................................................................................................................................ 4   Agenda .......................................................................................................................................5   Technical  Observations  and  Findings ............................................................................................. 8   European  Pellet  Boilers .............................................................................................................. 8   Wood  Pellet  Fuel  Grades............................................................................................................ 8   Ash  Content  Analysis.................................................................................................................. 8   Recommendations ......................................................................................................................... 9   Conclusion......................................................................................................................................9         P a g e  |  i     Energy  North  Corporation   Introduction   The  Northwest  Territories  has  a  distinctive  energy  market.  This  market  is  composed  of  several   large  centers,  with  access  to  a  pellet  distribution  network,  and  various  remote  centers  where   the  distribution  network  needs  to  be  created  and  technical  knowledge  passed  on.  Energy  North   and  Maine  Energy  Systems  devised  an  educational  program  that  aimed  to  leave  participants   with  a  deeper,  technical  hands-­‐on  understanding  of  how  the  European  pellet  boiler  market  is   developed.  We  needed  to  investigate  how  it  can  be  adapted  to  the  North  American  market   needs,  and  more  specifically,  the  needs  of  the  NWT.   The  fact  finding  tour  showcased  how  pellets  are  produced  in  an  automated  system,  for  both   round  wood  material,  and  saw  dust.  The  GNWT  clearly  stated  its  objective  to  increase  the  use   of  pellets  in  the  NWT,  and  to  start  a  pellet  production  plant  in  2013.  This  educational  course  has   assisted  the  GNWT  by  developing  skills  in  the  boiler  market,  and  developing  knowledge  in  the   pellet  production  and  distribution  field.   This  course  went  beyond  the  usual  fact  finding  tour:  it  provided  detailed  technical   understanding  of  the  boiler  market  and  pellet  distribution  industry.  It  facilitated  interactions   with  participants  and  experts  in  the  boiler,  plug-­‐and-­‐play  systems,  pellet  distribution  and   production  industry.  This  enabled  participants  to  reach  nuanced  understanding  of  complex   situations,  through  networking,  learning  and  visiting  factories  and  installations.   Drawing  on  the  knowledge  of  outstanding  experts  from  academia,  politics,  and  business,  the   program  included:   • • • two  day  of  in-­‐class  training  and  discussions   facility  tours   immersion  in  the  basics  with  USA  leaders  in  the  bio-­‐energy  market   Held  at  MESYS  in  Bethel,  Maine  (USA),  this  four  day  course  was  designed  to  provide  installers,   businesses  and  decision  makers  with  the  experience  needed  to  develop  a  local  market  at  a   community  level.   Goals   The  goals  of  the  fact-­‐finding  tour  were  to:   • •     Gain  knowledge  of  commonly-­‐used  technologies  that  are  economically  applicable  for   communities  in  the  Northwest  Territories  (NWT)   Learn  about  pellet  production  in  a  highly  automated  manner  when  using  round  wood   vs.  saw  dust     P a g e  |  1     Energy  North  Corporation     • • • Use  the  knowledge  gained  to  make  recommendations  to  support  the  development  and   implementation  of  renewable  energy  sources  that  will  help  reduce  heating  costs,  while   lowering  greenhouse  gas  emissions,  in  NWT  communities   Bring  back  concepts  and  bioenergy  models  for  application  in  the  NWT   Help  to  transform  the  development  of  policies  and  technologies  in  the  NWT  in  the   Government  of  the  Northwest  Territories  efforts  to  increase  the  use  of  pellets.   Company  Profiles   Energy  North  Corp   Energy  North  is  a  Canadian  company  specializing  in  pellet  boilers,  biomass  hybrid  industrial   boilers  and  cogeneration  plants.  Based  in  Yellowknife  as  an  Aboriginal-­‐owned  company,  Energy   North  currently  works  across  Canada  and  the  United  States.   We  are  dedicated  to  working  with  remote  communities  and  businesses  to  reduce  dependency   in  fossil  fuels,  creating  employment  opportunities,  developing  skills,  and  promoting  innovative   solutions  to  increase  the  use  of  renewable  energies  in  Canada’s  North.  We  promote  self-­‐ sustaining  communities,  based  on  a  proper  stewardship  of  land  and  resources.   We  deliver  efficient,  well-­‐proven,  and  innovative  biomass  boilers  and  cogeneration  plants  that   are  proudly  manufactured  in  Canada.   Maine  Energy  System   Maine  Energy  Systems’  (MESys)  primary  mission  is  to  support  a  transition  to  the  use  of   renewable  wood  pellet  fuel  for  heating  of  homes  and  businesses.  MESys  was  the   outcome  of  a  series  of  informal  seminars  organized  by  Les  Otten  in  2007.  Les  had   decided  it  was  time  to  use  his  energy  and  creativity  in  support  of  the  economy  of  the   State  of  Maine;  he  wanted  to  focus  on  energy.  He  assembled  a  group  of  people  with   similar  interests  and  invited  experts  in  various  fields  of  energy  to  biweekly  meetings.   The  meetings  were  broadly  focused  to  allow  for  highly  speculative  thinking  about   Maine's  economy  and  energy  usage.   Les  and  his  group  identified  a  number  of  ways  in  which  improving  energy  production   and  usage  in  Maine  would  help  the  citizens  and  the  economy  of  Maine.  After  months  of   meeting,  the  group  settled  on  a  comprehensive  solution  that  appeared  to  be  the  most   likely  to  have  an  immediate  positive  impact  on  the  lives  of  Maine  citizens  and  the   economy  of  the  State.     The  solution  is  based  on  the  conversion  of  a  significant  proportion  of  the  central  home   heating  systems  in  Maine  from  oil  to  wood  pellet  fuel.  The  conversion  to  wood  pellet   fuel  will  cut  heating  costs  in  homes  and  businesses  substantially.  The  production  of  the       P a g e  |  2     Energy  North  Corporation     fuel  from  Maine  forests  will  employ  many  Maine  workers  and  most  importantly  will   keep  the  money  spent  on  home  heating  in  the  State  rather  than  sending  it  to  the  Middle   East.  The  conversion  to  a  renewable  carbon  neutral  fuel  will  have  a  positive  impact  on   the  environment  through  a  substantial  reduction  in  the  production  of  greenhouse  gases.     Method   Accomplishing  Our  Goals   The  fact-­‐finding  tour  led  us  through  small  and  large-­‐scale  installations  of  automated  pellet   boiler  systems,  classroom  and  hands-­‐on  training,  and  a  pellet  production  plant.   • • • • •   We  were  able  to  analyze  the  system  models,  and  explored  the  concepts  used  in  creating   the  technology.   We  provided  hands-­‐on  training  of  the  entire  planning  and  installation  process.   We  observed  general  safety  principles  and  guidelines.   We  reviewed  practices  for  calculating  and  estimating  fuel  loads.   We  received  a  comprehensive  introduction  to  the  planning  and  implementation  of  a   pellet  production  plant.     P a g e  |  3     Energy  North  Corporation       Highlights   Some  of  the  highlights  of  the  tour:   • • • • Combustion  and  boiler  technology   Pellet  production   System  calculation,  and  project  creation   Personal  Challenge:  Building  a  pellet  boiler,  and  troubleshooting   Organizers   The  tour  was  organized  and  coordinated  by:   • • David  Krutko   Jan  Larsson   Presenters   The  program  was  facilitated  by:   • • • • • Harry  Dutch-­‐Dresser   Les  Otten   William  Strauss   Jan  Larsson   David  Krutko   Participants   We  chose  participants  with  proven   technical  skills  and  work  experience.  We   gave  priority  to  those  representing   regions  and  smaller  communities.   The  program  was  attended  by:   • • • • •   Brad  Mapes,  Aurora  Pellet,  North  West  Territories   Brian  Lickoch,  Installer,  Pellet  Whole  Sale,  Norman  Wells   Wayne  Vandell,  Installer,  Fort  Providence   Craig  Sheppard,  CMS,  Installer,  Yellowknife   Thomas  Lafferty,  Installer,  Bechocó       P a g e  |  4     Energy  North  Corporation     Agenda   Day  One:  Tuesday,  January  22,  2013   • • Departure  from  Yellowknife  to  Montreal  –Air  Canada   Overnight  in  Montreal   Day  Two:  Wednesday,  January  23,  2013   • Departure  from  Montreal  to  Bethel,  Maine  (USA)   Welcoming  words  from  David  Krutko  and  Jan  Larsson.  They  provided  an  introduction  and  an   overview  of  the  educational  course  and  fact-­‐finding  tour.   • •   Visited  containerized  pellet  boilers  in  several  settings  in  Bethel.   Reviewed  the  latest  technologies  and  new  concepts  of  several  units  installed  in  a   compact  setting,  with  pellet  storage  in  the  same  unit.  The  containerized system is based on the European innovative model.   P a g e  |  5     Energy  North  Corporation     Day  Three:  Thursday,  January  24,  2013   8:30  a.m.  Course  day  #1   Introduction  to  Opportunities  for  Pellet-­‐fired  Central  Heating  System   • • • • • Manufacturing  company  history   Product  line   Why  pellets?   Pellet  attributes  and  regulation   The  importance  of  high  quality  pellets,  regulation  and  European  products   Combustion  Basic   • • • • Staged  combustion  technology   Differences  with  biomass   Why  bottom  fed  burners   The  second  part  of  the  course  compared  several  combustion  technologies  and  benefits   Boiler  Technology   • • • • Size  Changes  for  Efficiency   Feed  Types   Storage  Options   Ignition  and  Operational  Sequence   12:00  pm  Lunch   System  Planning   • • • • • • Sizing  for  success  and  efficiency   Supplying  DHW   Physical  considerations   Installation  particulars   Flue  gas  systems   Storage  types  and  sizes   4:30  p.m.  Questions  and  answers   5:00  p.m.  End  of  course  day  #1   7:00  p.m.  Dinner  and  overnight  in  Bethel,  Maine         P a g e  |  6     Energy  North  Corporation       Day  Four:  Friday,  January  25,  2013   8:30  a.m.  Course  day  #2   Wiring  Electrical  and  the  Controller   • • • • • • Basic  connections   Low  water  alarm   Over  temp  system   Circulator  control   Staged  system  communications   Hydronic  basics   Pelletronic  Basics   • • Brief  review  of  European  style  heating  zone   control  methods   Staged  system  set-­‐up   Energy  Box  Introduction   • Information  on  energy  box  possibilities  and  basic  staged  system  performance   Power  Venting  Option   • • • • Basics  of  power  vent  option   What  system  can  be  utilized  for  power  venting   Safeties   Operational  overview  of  power  vent  system   Code  Review   • • Very  basic  review  of  NFPA  and  Maine  Codes   Where  to  find  the  information   12:00  pm  Lunch   Start  Up  and  Turning  Over  the  Keys   • • Basic  start-­‐up  Checks  explained   What  Owners  Should  Know   4:30  p.m.  Questions  and  answers   5:00  p.m.  End  of  course  day  #2   7:00  p.m.  Dinner  and  overnight  in  Bethel,  Maine       P a g e  |  7     Energy  North  Corporation       Day  Five:  Saturday,  January  26,  2013   9:00  a.m.  Visit  of  a  pellet  manufacturing  plant   3:00  p.m.  Drive  back  to  Montreal  and  overnight  in  Montreal   Day  Six:  Sunday,  January  27,  2013   8:00  a.m.  Return  flight  from  Montreal  to  Yellowknife   Technical  Observations  and  Findings   European  Pellet  Boilers   The  need  for  efficient  heating  during  the  NWT’s  four  seasons  is  best  met  by  the  new  generation   of  European  pellet  boilers.  These  pellet  boilers  answer  to  today’s  safety  and  efficiency   standards  in  EU  and  North  America,  with  installations  in  Cascade.   Wood  Pellet  Fuel  Grades   There  are  four  major  grades  of  wood  pellet  fuel:   • • • • Super  Premium   Premium   Standard   Utility   The  percentage  of  ash  content  is  the  most  important  constituent  that  separates  the  grades  of   the  pellets.   Ash  Content  Analysis   The  US  Pellet  Fuel  Institute  has  developed  standard  testing  practices  for  pellets  to  help  provide   quality-­‐grade  pellets  to  the  public.  Ash  content  analysis  is  a  requirement  for  grading.  You  need   to  test  the  ash  to  classify  your  pellets.  To  perform  this  test  in  a  production  facility,  they   recommend  the  use  of  the  MAX®  5000XL,  a  moisture,  solids  and  ash  analyzing  instrument.  This   is  the  easiest  and  most  efficient  way  for  a  complete  quality  test.       P a g e  |  8     Energy  North  Corporation       Recommendations   Based  on  our  findings  during  this  fact-­‐finding  tour,  we  recommend:   • • • • • • • The  creation  of  a  legislation  of  a  safety  code  for  the  NWT;  Automated,  combustion   controlled,  pellet  fired  boiler  and  furnace  systems   A  change  of  application  of  the  NWT  Boiler  Act  Exemptions  to  allow   o from  30  kW  to  100  kW       o adaptation  for  the  new  operation  pressure  of  a  100  kW       o private  housing  used  by  3  families  to  be  changed  to  4  families   Fire  Marshall  ruling  to  allow   o I  hours  fire  retarding  building  material  in  structure  of  boiler  rooms   o Smaller  indoor  storage  of  pellet  of  maximum  10  ton   o Installation  of  Automated,  combustion  controlled,  pellet  fired  boiler  and  pellet   storage  in  the  same  boiler  room   Establishing  a  Territorial  delivery  system  that  provides  written  confirmation  for   homeowners  of  delivery  weight  totals  for  bulk  storage   Creating  a  standard  of  quality  control  for  pellet  products   Establishing  4  adequate  centers  of  bulk  storage  reserves,  strategically  positioned  around   the  NWT.  This  will  provide  a  back-­‐up  supply  to  accommodate  the  NWT’s  transportation   challenges   Continuation  the  Certification  program  for  the  Regional  smaller  communities  of  a   Automated,  combustion  controlled,  pellet  fired  boiler  and  furnace  systems.   Conclusion   This  Course  answered  to  the  present  need  to  develop  a  cost  efficient  Biomass  energy  use  in  the   NWT  Communities.   There   is   a   need   to   create   a   new   Legislation   in   the   use   of   Automated,   combustion   controlled,   pellet  fired  boiler  and  furnace  systems  in  the  NWT,  to  take  advantage  of  today’s  National  and   International  new  technical  developments  and  certifications.   No  adequate  and  updated  tools  are  at  the  present  time  given  to  neither  NWT  Fire  Marshall  nor   NWT  Boiler  Inspectors  to  fulfill  their  duty  and  responsibility.  Many  times  they  have  to  make  use   of  outdated  and  some  cases  regulations  there  are  not  yet  existent  in  the  NWT.   We   look   forward   to   the   Departments,   responsible   for   this   development,   to   be   given   the   means   to  undertake  these  positive  changes  in  the  near  future.       P a g e  |  9