Energy from wood / biomass

2007 saw Clarke Energy and Maxxtec AG join forces to provide an energy from biomass solution. In addition to thermal recovery processes, Maxxtec have developed the capability to produce electrical power from previously undeveloped sources such as waste wood and other forms of biomass.

Established in 1995, Maxxtec AG are the market leaders in sustainable energy heating systems. Their product list includes direct-fired heaters, heating/cooling skids, exhaust gas heaters and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) modules.

ORC Modules

An Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is a thermodynamic process similar to a conventional steam cycle. However, it utilises a high molecular organic fluid, instead of water, to drive the turbine – giving an efficiency of 85%. It provides a fully automatic system, thus giving low operational and maintenance costs, with the added benefit of sub 5bar operating pressures.

The process requires dry biomass to be burnt in a combustion plant, which heats up the organic fluid. This evaporates and drives the turbine – producing heat and up to 2.5MW electricity. The organic fluid then condenses and the cycle begins again.