A biomass system solution will generally present in a standardized fashion, but almost always require some adaptive actions to assure it fits the destined environment and purpose.· There are many small considerations that if not addressed in planning stages can become lingering irritants to project crippling events. General considerations for a successful biomass solution includes:

• Adequate sizing of unit output and relative fuel input reserves
• Ingress, egress, for the boiler system maintenance and fuel reloading depending on type of fuel-delivery trucks and unloading methods
• An adequate boiler room to house the combustion appliance, which means allowance for normal service and maintenance clearance requirements
• Site appropriate fuel-handling equipment to move the fuel from storage to the boiler
• A properly sized chimney to exhaust the combustion gases
• Emissions treatment architecture that meets local codes and regulations
• Ash containment equipment, and plans for a disposition process
• Imbedded features that keep all the equipment operating optimally, water cooled grates, multiple ash augers, etc.

Making the transition from fossil fueled combustion systems to a basic biomass unit can require more operator attention creating an expense that can be reduced through automated system operating features. As with any industrial machine, options will vary from high value adding to cosmetic. For automation to be an asset it has to provide a measureable benefit and function reliably in its purpose.

Automation and Reliability

A biomass system relies first and continuously on fuel feed systems, much like natural gas does via regulators and modulators.· A biomass system can be shut down by jams if fuel handling equipment is inadequate. Jams can move from an irritation to major system failure if not easily and immediately noticed. The Biomass system response and fuel feeding must be integrated and calibrated otherwise load variances cannot be managed. In both of these instances, a system should include the use of dependable devices and annunciation at a minimum, if problems arise.

Minimized Operator Requirements

Unit performance will be impacted by inadequate maintenance, and maintenance routines are easily overlooked. This is why the most successful systems have automatic responses integrated into normal operations. For example, AESI views auto soot blowers a standard item not an accessory because the consistent benefits of tube cleaning are so dramatic. Our Green Energy designs always maximize incorporation of performance monitoring feedback points so the operation itself provides early indications of issues and to the extent possible, self correcting methods.