Small-Scale Chp Plant Based on a Hermetic Four-Cylinder Stirling Engine for Biomass Fuels (BIO-STIRLING)

An efficient utilisation of biomass for energy with minimal environmental impact can be obtained, when biomass is used for small-scale combined heat & power (CHP) production in villages close to biomass production sites as well as in the wood processing industries. The main objective of this proposal is to develop a small-scale biomass fired CHP plant based on a 70-100 kWel hermetic Stirling engine and to erect a pilot plant where comprehensive test runs will be performed with solid biomass fuels. This new development will be based on the experiences already obtained with a 30 kWel Stirling engine that has been in operation for more than 700 hours. The further technological development is essential in order to extend the area of application & cover the large market potential of biomass CHP plants. The aim of the project is to develop a technology with high overall & electric (>20%) efficiency & low operating & maintenance requirements to achieve production costs for electricity of about 0.05 Eur/Kwh corresponding to investment costs of 1,000 Eur/kWel. With this new technology a significant reduction of CO2 emissions compared to established technologies for heat & power production will be reached.