Fluidized Bed Boilers: Ol’ Reliable

EPI Fluidized Bed Boiler. Courtesy: Canadian
Biomass Magazine

In a time where the industry is buzzing with the different breeds of gasifiers, some are ready to declare older technologies, such as fluidized bed boilers, as obsolete. But before you begin designing a massive castle with all that extra sand, we’d like to examine the pros and cons of fluidized beds.

Energy Products of Idaho has built a strong foundation since producing North America’s first biomass fluidized bed in 1973. The company now boasts more than 100 installations worldwide, most recently working on two large renewable energy projects in Oregon.

EPI’s systems range from over air-blown installations, which work similarly to incinerators, to gasification through a partially-oxidized staged combustion system. The strength of its systems is the thermal flywheel, which creates efficient combustion by keeping the temperature regulated to create a stable flow of uniform gas quality.

With 38 years of experience and a proven design, EPI is the Ol’ Reliable of the renewable energy industry. It’s like the 1970s Fords that keep on rolling while some of the newer models run into a new glitch every other week.

The problem is that the high cost keeps many projects just out of reach for struggling developers. The industry badly needs a proven, low-cost entry point design to further market development. EPI could have a hard time competing with newer gasifiers once the technology is proven because they can offer attractive price points.

Although EPI does actually offer gasifiers as part of its services, the fluidized bed is its stronghold and the company believes firmly in it. Whether that will change with the tides of time remains to be seen, but we feel they have the talent to create a new age gasifier if that becomes a goal of theirs down the line.

Better BTU’s Take: Developers struggling to get newer technologies financed should definitely take a look at using an EPI fluidized bed. It may not win the battle in the long run but it’s probably the best bet for your money right now.