Abstract: The production of biochar generates syngas, VOCs, CO and other gasses that can adsorb to biochar and reduce the quality of the final product. A controller measures the operating parameters, such as temperature, pressure and oxygen level, and automatically controls a feedstock auger motor, blower(s) and other subsystems of a continuous combined heat, power and biochar carbonizer. The carbonizer pyrolyzes feedstock. A catalytic converter combusts unburned components in by-product gases and generates additional thermal energy. Thermal energy drives an engine, such as a Sterling, steam, or ORC engine, to generate electricity or operate a mechanical device. Remaining thermal energy is transferred using another medium, such as air or water, via a heat exchanger. The feedstock is purposefully incompletely combusted, to produce biochar that consists largely of carbon. The biochar may be used to augment soil for cultivation, filtration or for other purposes.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 12, 2015
Date of Patent:
December 1, 2020
Assignee:
Biomass Controls PBC
Inventors:
Jeffrey R. Hallowell, Benjamin Hallowell
Abstract: A microprocessor-based controller manages combustion within a biofuel furnace. A clinker agitator controller generates signals for controlling operation of a motorized clinker agitator of the biofuel furnace. The microprocessor-based controller may additionally control any of fuel feed rate, air supply rate and ash removal rate.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 5, 2018
Date of Patent:
May 12, 2020
Assignees:
Biomass Controls PBC
Inventors:
Jeffrey R. Hallowell, Jessica M. Peterson, Kelli A. O'Brien
Abstract: A controller monitors oxygen levels in a bio-fuel fired device and automatically controls dampers, blowers and the like to reduce generation of smoke or other pollutants, thereby promoting proper operation of a catalytic converter.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 29, 2016
Date of Patent:
February 11, 2020
Assignee:
Biomass Controls PBC
Inventors:
John Schneider, Matt Fraga, Eric Dithrich, Jeffrey R. Hallowell