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Introduction to Modular SystemsSmall modular biomass systems can help supply electricityto rural areas, businesses, and the billions of people wholive without power worldwide. These systems use locallyavailable biomass fuels such as wood, crop waste, animalmanures, and landfill gas. Small systems rated at5 megawatts down to 5 kilowatts can provide heat andpower where needed. Some units are portable. They canprovide power in remote villages, on farms and ranches,and at businesses. Small modular biomass systems fulfillthe great market potential for distributed, on-site, electric

power generation throughout the world. Users mayattach the systems to existing transmission and distribu-tion grids close to where consumers use electricity.Consumers may connect their units to the power gridon the customers side of the electric meter.

Small modular biomass systems typically consist of a fuelprocessor and an electric generator. Fossil fuel systemspredominate in todays markets, but biomass providesan alternative that is more environmentally acceptable.Furthermore, successful commercialization of smallmodular biomass systems completes the developmentof a biomass industry that covers all ranges of expected

power applications: Small systems for distributed applications

and village power

Combined heat and power systems for industrialapplications

Gasification and advanced combustion forutility-scale power generation

Benefits of SmallModular SystemsModular biomass systemsoffer many benefits topotential customers. Theyhave little environmentalimpact. Economics isattractive, especiallywhen owners connect theunit to a power grid thatwill buy unused power.Efficiency and the flexibil-ity to use more than onefuel appeal to many users.Simplicity of operationmeans that they need nospecial skills to run theunits. And, where no elec-tricity now exists, biomass greatly improves quality of lifwith lights, refrigeration, and the comforts of home.

The Program and Collaborations

The U.S. Department of Energys Small Modular BiomasInitiative works with industry to develop small modularbiomass systems that are efficient and clean. In 1998 thNational Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Coloradand Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NewMexico, began work on the Small Modular BiomassInitiative. This two-phase project includes feasibility studiesprototype demonstrations, and system integration basedon a business strategy for commercialization. In the firstphase of the Small Modular Biomass Initiative, ten projectsaimed to determine the feasibility of developing systemsthat are fuel flexible, cost effective, efficient, and simpleto operate. Phase 1 also focused on minimizing environ-

mental impacts and addressed key technical, operating,and logistics issues.

Phase 1 produced very promising results and the Initiativemoved on to Phase 2 involving prototype systems. TheU. S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service becamedeeply involved in the program at this point. They col-laborate in the deployment and evaluation of demon-stration projects because small modular biomass unitsoffer a valuable tool for supporting clean up and maintenance of the national forests. A new emphasis on forestthinning for fire suppression will make waste wood fuelavailable as never before. Small modular biomass units

will use the waste wood to generate electricity close to15 kW unit by Community Power Corporation

CommunityPowerCorp

oration/PIX12220

Small ModularBiomass Systems

BiomassFactSheet

Small Modular BiomassSystems Project Objective Bring to market readiness

biomass-based generationsystems of less than 5 MW

Develop flexible, eff icientand simple-to-install andoperate systems that offeminimal environmentalimpact.

Accelerate the process thacomprises feasibility studiesprototype demonstration,system integration, anddevelopment of maturebusiness strategies.

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This document was produced for the U.S. Department ofEnergy (DOE) by the National Renewable EnergyLaboratory, a DOE national laboratory.

DOE/GO-102002-1676December 2002

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the wood source. This will provide new power in remotelocations while consuming the waste wood created byforest thinning to reduce fire risks.

Whats Next?Project managers selected four promising systems toparticipate in Phase 2 development of prototype systems.The first of these, built by Community Power Corporation,demonstrated integrated systems capability by operatingin a Philippine village. Community Power also achievedthe first small modular biomass unit integration witha power company service line in California. This smallmodular technology combines a wood chip or otherbiomass gasifier with an engine generator to burn thegas and produce electricity. Electric capacities of fiveand 15 kW have been produced. At least six moredemonstration locations will use Community Powercombined gasifier and generator small units with instal-lations scheduled through 2002 and 2003.

External Power LLC will make and test a second systemprototype. Six laboratory prototypes and one integratedprototype proved the feasibility of their approach during2002. The system uses a stove that burns wood pellets orchips. Heat from the stove drives a free-piston Stirlingengine that generates both electricity and heat. TheExternal Power prototype system produces 2.5 kW.

Flex Energy International built the third prototype systemthat will gasify biomass to make fuel for a unique micro-turbine electricity generator. Tests using methane, carbon

monoxide, and hydrogen fuels proved the idea. Engineerscompleted the detailed design for a 30-kW system in2002 and they will test the prototype engine following itsfabrication. Landfill gas and digester gas from sewagetreatment plants can also fuel the prototype.

Carbona Corporation will demonstrate a prototypewood chip and shavings gasifier coupled to an internalcombustion generator with a 5-MW capacity. The unitwill also produce useful heat.

Printed with a renewable-source ink onpaper containing at least 50% wastepaperincluding 20% postconsumer waste

Small modular unit connected to a power line.

Biomass Program

For More InformationVisit the Biopower Web Site:

http://www.eren.doe.gov/biopower

For copies of print documents on renewable energy, callDOEs Energy Efficiency and Renewable EnergyClearinghouse (EREC) 1-800-DOE-EREC (1-800-363-3732