The REAL cost and Savings from a Bio-GEN system

People seem to be very confused about Energy Costs, and without a complete understanding of Integral Calculus, it's almost impossible to understand the Utility Company Bills.

SO - in an effort to bring some clarity and Simplicity to the marketplace, we have created a simple graph, showing the comparative Cost of Gas versus Bio-GEN.

The biomass is index linked to the RPI (Set at 2.5% average) and the gas cost at 9% (Although - this is historically a low figure - I wanted to be as conservative as possible.)

This is based on a block of flats, with an annual offtake of 361 MWh.

As you can see - the benefits are good to start with - and become GREAT over time.

Just another reason to take advantage of the Long-Term Subsidies available under the RHI.

What to do when something goes wrong with your system?

This is the NUMBER 1 Question from a Clients perspective.

While we all know that if properly cared for, biomass systems are reliable for decades.

HOWEVER - with a nascent and immature industry in the UK, many Companies simply haven't figured out how to answer this question.

By and large - Clients don't want to know about Technology; they Don't want to know about Engineering; they Don't want to know about Fuel - they JUST want the system to provide heat and hot water. "Affordable Warmth - Without the Worry"

Because it isn't a matter of IF the system will shut down; it's only a matter of WHEN.

Here are the most common causes (and remedies) of System Shut-down:

#1 - The Mains Power goes off.

In a perfect world, Biomass Boilers would be tied to Solar PV Panels and Battery Storage banks, to provide autonomous operation. However - this world is far from perfect.

The sad reality is that this Country is at "peak power", and black-outs are an inevitability. Once the power is cut (Even if only for a short time) the boiler will default to shut-down mode. The only real solution is to have an alternative power supply to run the boiler while the repairs to the grid are being made.

You say that your system Supplier didn't include a back-up? I have to question how much they have thought out and care about your comfort then.

#2 - Sensors, Sensors and More Sensors

Any Boiler worth its salt will have several of these. The 2 primary ones that control combustion are the Lambda Sensor (Oxygen) and the EGT (Exhaust Gas).  Both of these live in the exhaust stream of the boiler, and both are subject to deposits of fly-ash, soot and other particulate matter. The boiler control system operates using inputs from these sensors, and if they fail - so does the boiler.

There is only one way to mitigate that inevitability - and that is - to remove and clean them on a regular basis. Now, no one would wonder why a hoover wasn't operating properly, if the filters were clogged with dust - and the same applies to your boiler. Lambda sensors have tiny (<1 mm) holes in them - and it doesn't take a very large piece of fly ash to plug it. So - Keep it clean - and it will keep you warm. Better yet - Find a supplier with a built in maintenance man. (or woman) then you will get to see this nice person every few weeks (just like your Window washer, gardener and other service provider)

#3 - Running out of fuel

It's amazing the number of cases I have seen of supposed "boiler failure" that were actually the result of fuel starvation. Once it exhausts the hopper, and uses up what's in the Feed auger - it simply shuts off. Just like your car - a boiler needs fuel to operate.

Now - there isn't a handy-dandy petrol gauge to tell you when your're starting to run on "E" (Which use to stand for "empty" - but nowadays stands for "EXPENSIVE"). When this happens - you need to do 2 things;

A) Pour a few bags of your reserve supply. You DID get advised by your supplier to keep a few dozen bags around for just such an emergency, didn't you?

B) Call the Technician.

Unfortunately - unless you are familiar with the recommissioning sequence, and how to manually "load" the Fuel Supply Auger - you're really at the mercy of someone in the know. Our systems have a 1-button "restart" (that can be remotely operated)  - which means that the boiler automatically pre-loads the fuel feed auger, and goes through the commissioning process automatically. (Once the hopper is full again) It is however - unique in the Industry. Other manufacturers WILL catch up - and make their systems more "user friendly".

The best strategy however - is to ensure that you either have a fuel supply contract that leaves the monitoring of the pellet silo to the supplier, or a regular maintenance visit - to physically check the levels. We do both.

Now the other thing that can happen, depending on the system design, is that pellet feed hoses can become blocked - making it LOOK like you've run out of fuel - but it's really just "clogged arteries". This happens when a pellet that is too long (And I've seen them over 60 mm, when the maximum is 45 mm) and it jams in the pipe. Thankfully - the "fix" is easy. We keep a few lengths of 1/2" white PVC pipe in the boiler room, and use it like a plumber uses a "snake (Drain Auger) to clear the jam. The next thing you need to do is call the pellet supplier and let him know that his product is out of specification. Better still - simply deal with a pellet supplier that has better quality control over their product. One thing though - IF it results in a call-out, and a cost to you - the pellet supplier, if he is worth his salt - will compensate you for those costs. IF he doesn't (And I am happy to send you a list of suppliers that WILL take responsibility for their product) then you might want to consider another supplier.

#4 - the Dreaded "Dust in the pellets"

This is the one, and usually ONLY excuse, that boiler manufacturers have to deny warranty liability for their system. NO MATTER WHAT - they will tell you that the "pellets have too much dust". NONSENSE! I have run boilers on virtually 100% sawdust - with few ill effects.

NOW - if in fact the boiler does shut down because of dust - it's usually a simple matter of a phone call to the monitoring center, to have the grate cleaned, and the ignition sequence started again.

What's that you say? Your Boiler Manufacturer DOESN'T have a Monitoring Centre that you can access 24/7? Hmmm - maybe you should have considered another Manufacturer? It is REALLY Important to look "behind" the glossy brochures and slick sales material - to see what the after service is like. You wouldn't buy a car without the Dealer having a garage and a roadside assistance plan would you?

#5 - Slagging in the boiler

While boiler Manufacturers will ALWAYS blame the fuel for this - the fact is that it is the Boilers inability to burn the fuel that causes this. Our boilers can burn Wood Pellets, Grass Pellets, Sawdust, shavings, briquettes, chips, recycled wood, palm kernel shells, and 117 other fuels. And they DON'T shut down because of slagging issues.

This is in part because of the combustion technology and control; but also in part to the fact that ours has an AUTOMATIC GRATE CLEANER and DE-SLAGGING MECHANISM built in.

An ounce of prevention is worth far more than pound of cure in this case. We had one boiler that was constantly slagging up. As expected - the manufacturer blamed the pellets (Which were Certified EN+ Grade). Of course he did - that's his first and only line of defense (or excuse). So - We tried another brand of pellets. Same Thing. Then Another, and another, AND another. I personally spent 120 hours in the boiler house, feeding pellets from bags, monitoring performance and all available parameters every 5 minutes - so I know of which I speak. (That was about as exciting as watching cars rust)

If anyone would like the report, complete with photos - It's 97 pages long.

After exhausting all 5 Major Pellet Manufactures available in the UK - we concluded that the fuel was NOT the problem - the boiler was - so we changed it. (The Lawsuit is ongoing ;-)

Again - the best strategy is prevention.

At the end of the day - it's time that people GOT WHAT THEY PAID FOR!

All too often I have heard and seen the horror stories from good folks who took the chance - believed in the Technology, wanted to go green, and ended up with a very bitter taste in their mouth. It's TIME that system manufacturers started providing PERFORMANCE - not excuses.

If anyone has a story to tell about their experience in this realm - feel free to contact me. I might just be able to get you some satisfaction. Like any goods and services - Boiler systems have to meet a "fit for purpose" and if they are constantly faulting out - there is recourse.

The 7 most important questions to ask when deciding on a Biomass Heating System

In the recent past - I have been asked about 1,642 questions about Biomass heating Systems from a multitude of stakeholders.

For the most part - their concerns come down to 7 critical questions, that repeat over and over again.

In an effort to save people the effort and energy of repeating themselves time and again, I have listed these questions, and answers, below.

1) Does your system have a 20 year (40,000 hour) Operating Warranty?

After all - this is at LEAST a 20 year investment. The Sweetness of a low price initially - is rapidly tarnished by the Bitterness of poor performance and high repair costs. Our Systems are Guaranteed for that time period.

2) Does your system come with a Service technician and System Engineer for the life of the System?

Biomass Systems need careful Monitoring and babysitting. If the system does NOT have an allocated service technician to look after the day to day maintenance (Ash Disposal, cleaning, etc.) then it will rapidly degrade to a point of non-operation. By the same token, there are MANY service items that need periodic adjustment, repair and replacement. NO ONE expects their car to run for 20 years, without regular Maintenance and repair - so it's folly to believe that a Biomass System could. The KEY - is the after-sales service - behind the Developer. We have a strong network of technicians, and Engineers to provide RAPID response to system anomalies. In addition - we Monitor the systems on a 24 hour basis, and can often times respond to anomalies, long before the Client knows there has even been one.

3) Does your system have a minimum performance Guarantee?

Many Biomass System manufacturers promote a minimum Efficiency - but how many of them are prepared to back that up with a written guarantee? After all - laboratory test conditions and the real world are two completely different places. Far too many people think that "rated" performance and "Actual" performance are the same thing. BOY - are they EVER surprised when it is significantly different and their fuel bills are up to 30% higher than expected. Our systems come with an OPERATIONAL performance guarantee. That means - the performance we stipulate - is the performance you receive. PERIOD.

4) Does your system come with a MANUFACTURER APPROVED Fuel Supply?

The single largest headache, and the single largest cause of system failures, is incompatibility between the System and the fuel. While there are fuel standards - many systems have very specific requirements to meet their combustion technology. No one would petrol in a diesel car, and expect it to perform. The same should apply with Biomass. HOWEVER - when (not IF) there is a problem - the Equipment Manufacturer blames the Fuel Supplier; and the fuel supplier blames the Equipment Manufacturer. In the end - the customer is left with a cold building, as these folks point fingers at each other. Our systems are ALL 3rd (and soon 4th) generation Systems. They ALL come with an attached fuel supply FROM the manufacturer.

5) Is this fuel supply GUARANTEED for 20 years?

Would you purchase a car that needed leaded petrol to operate? Of course not. By the same token, The specific Biomass fuel for the system needs to be available for the next 2 decades. Now - there will certainly be changes and improvements to the fuel, and the System needs to be adaptable to match these changes. Most 2nd generation boilers are NOT Modular components - and are therefore destined to built-in obsolescence. Make sure the Boiler can keep up with the fuel - and vice versa. Our systems are ALL 3rd (and soon 4th) generation Systems. They are completely modular components, and can be updated as technology improves. In addition - They ALL come with an attached fuel supply FROM the manufacturer.

6) What back-up strategies are in place in the event of System Failure?

Very few System providers like to speak about "what happens when it all goes wrong". Even fewer have a strategy to deal with this - as they hide behind the "Oh well, we made the sale - it's the Clients issue now". We take a much different view. As the system provider - we see it as OUR Responsibility to develop appropriate "what if" strategies, to DEAL with the inevitable. If anyone tells you that their system will not break down - they're LYING. The fact is that it isn't a matter of IF - it's only a matter of WHEN. This, by the way - needs to backed by the MANUFACTURER, not the installer, (they tend to come and go) and be fully insured.

7) Have you got a comprehensive suite of Insurance Policies to underwrite ALL of the above? Our systems ALL have a suite of policies, from a 2A+1 Insurance Company, to underwrite and protect the Client, in the event of ANY situation described above. SIMPLE. We DON'T accept excuses - we ONLY accept Performance.

A Crystal Ball view of Future Pellet Prices

Ever since I was a small boy, I've always wondered at the mystical and magical.

Merlin's Wand . . . The Star Trek Transporter . . . The Back to the future Time Machine and Crystal Balls that could see into the future.

Now, as a scientist, I know that "future vision" is currently an impossibility (and if I had figured it out - my first stop would have been the lottery office) however we have experts in this world, that look at past and trends and present events to help them to predict future events.

This isn't such a difficult thing. For example - this morning I accidentally knocked over my cup of coffee. LONG before it hit the floor - I KNEW that it would shatter into a thousand pieces, and leave a big SPLAT on the hardwood. (I was right!) That bit of "future presence" however was simply based on my knowledge of inertia, potential energy, kinetic energy and material science. (And the fact that I've seen it happen many times before! ;-)

Predicting the future for something as complicated as a commodity price is somewhat more complicated and problematic. My older brother, who describes himself as "macroeconomic and geopolitical strategist, disguised as a bond salesman" has made fortunes, (he was once described as a man who made Billionaires, millions more) both for his clients and himself, seems to have a pretty good crystal ball. He once told me that the entire economic system relies on gambling. Those speculators who are betting that a commodity will rise in value versus those who are betting it will fall. In the end . . . it would seem that fortunes are won and lost on the throw of a dice, and us simple mortals have little to no control or impact on the outcome.

The outcome however, is predicated on a whole lot of knowledge and understanding. Facts and figures only go so far (Which is why scientists like me are lousy stock market speculators), and there is an element of "gut feeling" that is the key.

So . . . What does all this have to do with the future cost of Pellets? I'm glad you asked.

I'm no economist, and other than taxes and death, there are no certainties in life, but I do understand the biomass business pretty well, and can "read" trends. I am also a trained observer - (all scientists are taught this). To that end - I have formulated a number of predictions on the future of pellet prices in the UK:

PREDICTION #1

Pellet prices will fall, and then fall lower.

PREDICTION #2

There will be a significant change in pellet composition and standards.

PREDICTION #3

"Smokeless pellets" will be introduced and become mandatory.

There you have it.

Wait! - you want an explanation of the above? OK . . . . . .

#1

Right now, pellet prices are about as high as they will ever be. The reason is simple - the overall cost of operating a Biomass Heating system is very close to £115.00 per MWh. As gas is significantly less expensive than this, Biomass ONLY makes sense with high Government subsidies. Very few people would convert to it without these subsidies. As the subsidies degrade over time, it follows that the Op-cost will need to do the same. Money won't become any less expensive, equipment will drop slightly, but the cost of the fuel will see a dramatic drop leading up to 2020.

As more and more manufacturers come online, the supply area gets pretty crowded. Now, few manufacturers are basing their operations on the fickle Consumer market - and focusing far more on the Industrial (Utility) market, which is significantly less valuable (in terms of price per tonne). It is inevitable that producers will look at the Residential and Commercial market as a "value added" sector - and will undercut current "retail" suppliers by dumping a portion of their Utility production into the Commercial market for the additional gains.

One of the first changes will be technological. Boiler Manufacturers will start creating combustion systems that don't need the expensive DIN+ and EN+ pellets, (we already use this 3rd generation boiler in our Bio-GEN Systems) which drops the fuel cost by over 35% right out of the gate. Right now, there is a significant amount of research going on, that addresses these "sensitivities" in smaller boilers, and seeks to overcome them. This will happen in the next 2 years.

Pellet producers that based their business model on the High Consumer Values are now dropping like fly's. Of course - there are those that step in, and pick up the pieces of these production facilities at a fraction of their original cost, making it much cheaper for them to produce pellets, which ultimately results in lower-cost product being made available to the market.

Another aspect is the levelisation of the Euro against the Pound. Now - this is stretching it for me a bit - but I predicted 1-1/2 years ago, that the pound would strengthen significantly against the Euro. Not to the Pre-Crash level of €1.50 : £1.00, but somewhere around €1.30 : £1.00. So far - it has reached €1.22, and although quite volatile - will settle back down again. This will have an impact on the Canadian $ exchange rate (I can recall not too long ago when it was $2.50 : £1.00) which will make cheap, imported pellets the norm.

Sea Shipping prices will rise, as demand increases, but this is a small portion of the overall cost, and likely won't materially affect total sales value. I am already seeing competition amongst Ports for this business, and in fact, here in beautiful downtown Liverpool, there is a major Biomass Fuel facility being built to accommodate the expected dramatic rise in business. (And these guys DON'T spend millions of pounds to create infrastructure that won't be used.)

In the end, the greater downward pressure will come from a rather unusual source - #2 below.

#2

Once boiler Manufacturers have figured out how to combust just about anything efficiently and cleanly, producers of "alternative" fuels will start to appear on the horizon. These include Energy Crops (Miscanthus, Elephant Grass, Arundo, etc.); recycled wood (Pallets, Construction demolition timber, etc.) pellets and agricultural residues (PKS, PKE, Straw, etc.). There are already a couple of Recycled pellet producers in the UK, (and a failed on as well) and this trend will continue to grow in a slow and steady manner.

On the other hand - The new "Agri-pellets" will take the industry by storm. Parallel to this will be the development of smaller, transportable pellet manufacturing systems, that can effectively go straight to the farmers field and convert the residues into revenues. (I know of at least 2 of these systems in operation today).

Of course - these "Johnny come lately" players will initially have a significant impact on the majors. Production costs will be lower, logistics much better, and overall sales values more competitive. I am reminded of the revolution in the sawmill industry that was brought about by a company called "Woodmizer" in the States.  They manufactured a basic, transportable Bandsaw Mill that could go to the trees, and convert them into timber and lumber right in the forest. It is a design that was conceptualised around a kitchen table - and now is sold in over 100 Countries. While the first machines were rudimentary, technical evolution produced a system that could make a good living for the operator. Over a 20 year period, I saw almost exponential growth in their sales, and a virtual decentralisation of the specialty lumber industry. The same will happen with pellet fuels. This industry however will be short-lived, because of #3 below.

#3

As the UK has a strong mandate to convert from a carbon to a low-carbon economy, there are some drawbacks. The major one is that burning wood, any wood, creates smoke and other particulate emissions that are not particularly good for us air-breathing humans. There is a theoretical process called "torrefaction", that removes most of the smoke causing volatiles in raw wood, and converts it into a cleaner, greener fuel with much better combustion characteristics. This third generation fuel will make old fashioned raw pellets obsolete, and create another revolution in the fuel industry.

Now, I am not aware of a single Local Council that would prefer to have higher Emissions and More Smoke belching from tens of thousands of biomass boiler flue's. So - once this fuel is a reality (and I was the Scientist that had the privilege of developing a Commercial machine to produce this fuel) on a commercial basis, it will become part of the planning consent process. We have already undertaken several trials with our new fuel, and they exhibit MUCH lower (30% in some ares) emissions. It is a natural evolution; much like the evolution from leaded to unleaded fuel, and from coal to smokeless coal.

That's about as far as my crystal ball can see.

RW

Lies your mother told you

I recall as a child, many lies my mother told me.

"Your face will freeze like that" (When I screwed it up and went cross-eyed)
"You have to wait 1 hour after dinner before going swimming or you'll get the bends"
"Cod Liver oil is GOOD for you"

The list is almost endless.

In the renewable energy world, there are a number of lies that promoters are now telling you, that are just as false.

LIE NUMBER 1:

"Wood pellets have an energy value of 4,800 kWh per tonne and can be purchased for £190.00 a tonne or 4.0p per kWh."

This is one of those partial truths. In fact - wood pellets DO have a 4.8 MWh per tonne energy value. HOWEVER - this has little to nothing to do with what the energy ultimately COSTS you.

VARIABLE #1 - Moisture Content.

Water has no energy value at all, in fact, the water in pellets needs to be boiled off, before any energy can be created. So - with 10% Moisture - you have 90% fuel / 10% water. That takes the 4.8 MWh down to 4.32 MWh per tonne

VARIABLE #2 - Boiler Efficiency.

No current Biomass boiler operates at 100% efficiency (although - we're working with our partners to develop a condensing system that will come VERY close to that number.) Most are in the 85 to 90% range. Of course - this further reduces the net energy to 3.888 MWh per tonne

VARIABLE #3 - Storage Losses.

Most Biomass Systems use large Buffer / Accumulator tanks. These tanks are heated to a specific temperature, and then the heat is drawn off until the lower set temperature is reached. The boiler then heats the water up again. Of course - if there is no immediate heat demand - the Buffer tank cools down - and heats up the boiler room only. It's rather reminiscent of the way my good wife operates a kettle. If she wants a cup of tea - she fills the kettle right to the brim; boils the water, pours out 1 cup, then REFILLS the kettle! She then boils it AGAIN - so it's "hot for the next cup".

So - figure in at least another 5% for storage losses. This makes the net derived energy 3.694 MWh

VARIABLE #4 - System (Parasitic) losses.

This is the heat that is lost in the pipework that gets the energy to your flat / house / apartment / etc. If the boiler room is located within your building - then this is minimal, as the pipes act as "linear radiators", and contribute to the warmth of the house. (Not such a good thing in summer though.) If however - the boiler is remotely located, or you live on the 14th floor - there are significant losses.

So - the NET EFFECTIVE derived energy is nowhere near what the promoters claim. In fact - it would be usual, to have circa 3.6 MWh, which is only 75% of the original energy.

As a consequence - the cost per kWh is NOT 4.0p, but much closer to 5.3p.
Now - this is STILL better than Gas, Oil, Electric or propane.

Until the industry starts publishing REAL numbers - the general public will continue to be mislead.

LIE NUMBER 2:

Biomass boilers these days are "Set it and Forget it". HOGWASH!
There are few pieces of equipment that require more care, attention and "babysitting" than a well designed Biomass Boiler System. We monitors ours on a 24/7 basis, and attend them at LEAST once a month. (And every fortnight for Larger systems).

The Industry had perpetuated this myth far too long, and it is the root cause of the poor (even Terrible) reputation that Biomass Systems have. If your Boiler system doesn't come with a service plan attached - then I would strongly suggest that you consider another supplier. Even the most sophisticated systems will need a lot of tender loving care to provide the "Warmth without Worry".

I'm off to empty a few ash bins . . . . .

RW

A rose by any other name . . . .

In the marketplace - there are several variations on the Bio-Gen System.

Eco Pod, Energy Cabin, Remote Heat Units, etc.

The fact of the matter is, that it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out you can take a Biomass Boiler and stuff it into a container.

There are dozens of Companies in the market right now that are doing this, and undoubtedly there will be dozens, or even hundreds more in the weeks and months to come.

HOWEVER - just because it is a biomass boiler system in a Container - DOESN'T make it a Bio-Gen.

There are a few subtle differences, that sets the Bio-Gen apart:

1. All other systems in a can require large buffer tanks and accumulator tanks. This is an expensive and unnecessary cost item. Bio-Gen Doesn't need it. Bio-Gen is a "Demand-Response" system - that operates much like a gas boiler, insofar as it only produces the energy necessary, and doesn't waste energy to heat up a huge volume of water, just to let it cool down again.  (It's a bit like my wife - who fills the kettle to the brim, pours out 1 cup for tea; refills the kettle - then boils it again for "later") Once the demand drops - so does the generation, and vice-versa.
2. The Buffer and Accumulator tanks in old-fashioned systems are there as a form of storage, in the event of a system failure. (And make no mistake - Biomass systems fail, and relatively regularly). Once the heat stored in those tanks has been used; which is typically a matter of a few hours) the building goes cold. Bio-Gen uses a revolutionary energy storage system, that incorporates a proprietary Phase Change Material; that stores 48 hours of heat (at peak demand) so that the necessary adjustments / repairs can be made to the system.
3. Many first generation systems require cyclonic or electrostatic scrubbers, to remove the fine particles in the flu gasses. Bio-Gen's Third Generation technology doesn't require this. The Bio-Gen combustion system so completely removes these that there is simply no need for that expense.
4. Conventional boilers are typically the size of a small car. Just as the First Generation of Computers would fill a small room. Bio-Gen uses the latest technology, to miniaturise components down to the size of a fridge. In time, this will be further refined - to a point where the boilers will be no larger than a suitcase. Of course - the great advantage to Bio-Gen's revolutionary system is that boilers can be changed easily and quickly when they wear out.
5. Old fashioned boilers are dinosaurs of machines. They are constructed of integrated components, which over time, cannot be easily changed or upgraded. As the system is designed to operate for 30 years - this is simply a case of built in redundancy. Imagine if the early computers couldn't be upgraded as new technologies came along. 30 years ago, in 1983, computers didn't look anything like what they do today. Bio-gen is designed on a modular component basis, which means that over time, as technology improves, the various components and systems can be upgraded to the latest edition. Where does this leave all of the Heavy, old, first generation boilers? I suppose it's fair to say that Mr. Watt's first steam engine was a monster of a machine - to produce very little Horsepower. By today's standards - we can produce 100 times the HP output, in a machine 1/100th of the size. Undoubtedly - biomass combustion technology (as ALL other technologies)  will follow this trend. And when the changes come - Bio-Gen will change along with them.

So . . . A rose by any other name may not smell so sweet.

Common Questions and Answers about Bio-Gen

Q: Who is the manufacturer?

A: Bio-Gens are assembled in the UK, using components from one of the largest European Boiler Manufacturers.

They represent the state of the art in Combustion technology and Biomass Boiler Efficiency. In the past year – they have manufactured 24,000 boilers, and currently have a portfolio of 16,000 systems under management. Quality control is assured through an ISO 9001 Certification.

Q: How can we be assured of a Continuous supply of Heat and Hot Water?

A: Bio-Gens come with several redundant systems to ensure baseload delivery of heat and hot water.

The first line of defense is a 24 hour a day monitoring station, which immediately signals any anomaly in operation – in this way – a service technician can be dispatched before anyone in the building knows there has been a problem.

The second line of defense is an enhanced maintenance regime, where we have a technician at the site every 2-3 weeks. In this way, we can assure that all is well in the operation.

The third line of defense is the incorporation of twin boilers. One acts as a primary unit, and the other as a secondary / back up unit. These are electronically connected together, so if there is an issue with one – the other automatically takes over.

The fourth line of defense is a heat storage system, which retains enough heat energy to maintain the building for 48 hours.

The fifth line of defense is in the design of the Bio-Gen itself. That is, all of the major components are designed to be rapidly changed over if there is a problem. This can be accomplished well within the reserve time provided by the heat Storage system.

In the event of a catastrophic failure event, (Fire, etc.) we maintain a supply of Boiler systems on trailers that can be dispatched to site, and connected to the building by pre-designed emergency pipe stubs. In this way – the Bio-Gen can be removed and replaced within 72 hours, with no interruption of service.

Q: What happens when there is a mains electric power failure?

A: Each Bio-Gen has its own Bio-Diesel back-up generator.

If the mains power fails – this unit automatically starts and provides enough power to run the system, as well as the circulating pumps, to ensure a continuous, uninterrupted supply of heat and hot water.

Q: How much disruption is there during installation?

A: Normally, we are able to complete the “tie-in” to the tenant or residents unit within one day.

This simply involves bypassing the existing Gas Boiler, and connecting up the new Hot Water heat Exchanger and heating pipes. Our distribution pipework is all manufactured by UPONOR, who have a click system that doesn't require any “hot” work (Soldering of joints and connections) whatsoever.

Q: Where does the biomass fuel come from? Is it really sustainable?

A: Our first choice for the biomass fuel is local supplies.

Unfortunately - As the industry in the UK isn't fully mature yet, we ensure that we have a back-up supply from Mainland Europe. If this isn't sufficient – we also have access to significant volumes on the East Coast of North America.

We inventory, with our delivery partner, Billington Biofuels, a 1-year supply of fuel for each Bio-Gen installed. In that way – we can assure supply for the following 12 months without interruption. All of our suppliers have contracted for long-term supplies at fixed annual cost increases. In this way – we can assure that our energy prices are stable and predictable.

All biomass fuels are scrutinised by the UK and European Government for Sustainability. They are all derived from otherwise “waste” products, such as sawdust and shavings from timber manufacturing; Agricultural residues (Like Wheat and Barley Straw); or industrial food processes (Like Palm Kernel Shell).

We work closely with leading edge transport companies (B-9 Shipping, for example – who have a hybrid sail / biogas powered ship design) that are developing carbon neutral transport systems. In this way, we can provide a fuel with the highest energy recovery, at the lowest carbon footprint. We will always stay at the leading edge of the Industry, to ensure that new, lower carbon alternatives are always incorporated into our supply chain. Even the Lorries that deliver the fuel are partially powered by Bio-Diesel.

Q: Why do you insulate and do other efficiency measures before you install the Bio-Gen?

A: This is the best way to save money – buy NOT using as much energy.

It makes no sense whatsoever to provide renewable Energy (Or any other energy for that matter) to a poorly performing, drafty, inefficient building. Our first approach is to install measures that will improve the building fabric, and reduce the total amount of energy lost. Once these measures are in place, we then install the renewable energy system to meet the new, lower demand. This has the benefit of reducing the total consumption of the renewable fuel to the lowest possible level, and providing security of future supplies.

Q: How does this benefit residents and tenants of the property?

A: For the residents and tenants there are several benefits:

1.       Lower Energy Costs. In many cases, this can be as much as 66% less than they are currently paying. With the average Energy bill in the UK being £1,600.00 per year, it could mean a reduction to as little as £500.00 per year. This is how we address fuel poverty.

2.       Clean, quiet, comfortable heat. As we use existing pipework and radiators, or install new heating systems, there is no noise, no dirt or dust, and no worries about sky-high bills today, or in the future. The Bio-Gen is installed remotely from the building, and other than the chimney, you wouldn't know it was a self-contained energy generation centre. Unlike Heat Pumps, which rely on electricity for their power source, and have large fans that some people find annoying and disruptive, the Bio-Gen is virtually silent in operation.

3.       Unlike old-fashioned cylinder water heaters, the Bio-Gen provides a continuous and unlimited supply of hot water, on demand. Residents will never run out of hot water for their showers, baths or laundry needs.

4.       Each unit is supplied with an electronic controller that is both simple to operate, but extremely capable. This controller lets the resident set a comfort level in each room, as well as to schedule for “set-backs” (Lower temperatures during times that they are out) to save even more energy. This “Smart” thermostat system is yet another innovation in the Bio-Gen.

Q: How can you offer the system for free?

A: The short answer is that we don’t. It is only free to the Housing Association or Local Authority.

The Government of the UK has implemented many programs to assist those most in need of help with their energy bills. Consequently, they have several support programs (The Energy Company Obligation, Renewable Heat Incentive, Renewable heat Premium Payment, etc.) that we access to deliver this system. It is all part of the Carbon Reduction Commitment that the UK Government agreed to when they ratified the KYOTO Accord. (An international accord to address climate change)

Unfortunately, as much as we would love to, we are unable to provide the energy for free to the residents and tenants at this time. What we can offer is a substantial reduction in the energy use through conservation measures, and a much lower than grid price for the energy used.