The project will utilize electric generators provided by Cummins that have been modified to run on synthetic natural gas (syngas) produced by an EERC-developed advanced gasification unit to generate 35–40kW of power a day.
The EERC’s gasification unit has been designed to produce clean syngas from a range of fuels, such as forestry, agricultural, and industrial biomass waste; animal waste; waste plastics; and railroad ties or cable poles and a range of coals.
The project aims at developing a combined heat and power system that could help industries, farms, and many waste-producing facilities in meeting their energy needs while utilizing fuels that have disposal costs and liabilities.
In addition, the project that will facilitate the integration of advanced gasifier and engine generator, will lead to the development and demonstration of engine performance on syngas, while providing strategies for lowering emission.
EERC director Gerald Groenewold said that the Center is pleased by the level of commitment Cummins Power Generation has made to this project wants to thank Cummins for providing the technology necessary to make this demonstration possible.
“A system such as this will provide a first step toward providing commercial entities the motivation to utilize opportunity fuels for energy generation,” Groenewold said.
