1. KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE BIOMASS SYSTEMS David Palmer BSc MSc CEnv MIEMA, Lead Author of CIBSE AM15: Biomass Heating

2. K EY CONSIDERATIONS 2 Use an experienced designer with a proven track record Assess loads & size boiler accurately by modelling Select the correct type of boiler & fuel to match Always incorporate a thermal store DO NOT oversize boiler Get the flue right Good control of fossil fuel boilers & do not connect to the thermal store Good hydronic design Ensure fuel is within specification for boiler Competent system commissioning KEY CONSIDERATIONS

3. 3 Size load by creating a load profile: Size boiler & thermal store together Thermal store size 97% of annual energy from biomass LOAD, BOILER & THERMAL STORE SIZING

4. K EY CONSIDERATIONS 4 Select the correct type of boiler: For most applications use an automatic ignition boiler: Characterised by vertical firetubes Fire goes out when load less then minimum output Available up to 1MW Fuel: Boilers available for woodchips or wood pellets Must be matched to boiler BOILER & FUEL SELECTION

5. K EY CONSIDERATIONS 5 Always incorporate a thermal store: Boilers work more efficiently when used with a thermal store Allows boiler size to be reduced while increasing the amount of heat available from biomass Thermal store operation:

6. K EY CONSIDERATIONS 6 Get the flue right: Biomass flue design requires specialist knowledge Not all flue installers understand biomass A large proportion of biomass flues are not correctly designed Ensure boilerhouse air inlets are large enough Allow for draught stabilisation, condensate drainage, detonation relief and cleaning access Must be designed using software to EN13384 Use the DEFRA method to check emissions compliance WRONG

7. A CHIEVABLE PERFORMANCE 7 Achievable performance figures for well designed systems: Biomass provides >90% of annual heat requirement Biomass boiler seasonal efficiency >85% Biomass boiler utilisation factor >>15% (>40% is achievable) Ash produced is <1% by weight of fuel consumed Boiler operates for long periods without breakdowns Building occupants and neighbours never smell biomass combustion fumes CIBSE AM15 describes how good ‘performance-in-use’ can be achieved

8. BIOMASS GUIDANCE 8 CIBSE AM15: Biomass Heating: 1Provides technical guidance on all aspects of designing biomass boiler systems in the size range 50kW – 5MW 2Provides designers with the understanding required to achieve competent biomass systems 3Describes the variety and complexity of biomass systems and the key differences from designing fossil fuel systems 4Addresses key considerations including boiler sizing thermal storage, hydronic integration and controls, and flue systems 5Provides recommended hydronic configurations which have been demonstrated to work well 6Underpinned by scientific method and fundamental building physics 7Identifies and explains health and safety issues unique to biomass systems

9. BIOM ASS GUIDANCE 9 CIBSE AM15: Biomass Heating - Contents: 1Introduction & scope 2Biomass fuels, combustion and emissions 3Fuel deliver, storage and extraction 4Biomass boiler types & characteristics 5Designing with buffer vessels & thermal stores 6Sizing a biomass boiler & suitability of biomass 7Connecting biomass boilers in parallel or series 8Controls, pressurisation & headers 9Heat metering 10Flues 11Considerations for biomass boilerhouse design Free download available from www.cibse.org/AM15www.cibse.org/AM15

10. BIOMASS DECISION SUPPORT TOOL 10 Biomass Decision Support Tool: Load profile creation for multiple buildings Biomass boiler and thermal store sizing Fuel store sizing Financial analysis Free download available from: http://www.carbontrust.com/resources/tools/biomass- decision-support-tool/

11. BIOMASS DECISION SUPPORT TOOL 11 QUESTIONS ASK THE EXPERT …. David Palmer The Campbell Palmer Partnership Ltd PO Box 3412, Glasgow, G66 9BR 01360 312000 consultants@campbellpalmer.com