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.