Biomass heat production burner, its method of operation and its uses

Abstract

The present description concerns a compact biomass burner comprising: a combustion chamber comprising a rotating drum arranged with an inlet for introducing the biomass to be burned and a flame projection outlet for providing the heat of combustion of the biomass, wherein the rotating drum is arranged on a support structure, wherein the inlet for introducing the biomass to be burned is at one end of said rotating drum and the flame projection outlet is at the opposite end, wherein in the inlet a worm screw is arranged which is driven by a motor to introduce the biomass into the combustion chamber; a cylindrical pressure chamber for the homogeneous distribution of a flow of oxidizing air to the rotating drum, a fan for projecting the flow of oxidizing air into the cylindrical pressure chamber; wherein the drum is arranged inside the cylindrical pressure chamber.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This description concerns a device for producing heat by burning biomass and its method of operation. More specifically, it concerns a burner that uses any type of biomass as a fuel, in particular for the efficient conversion of biomass into thermal energy.BACKGROUND

[0002] Currently, the production of high-efficiency heat by combustion is carried out by boilers powered by fossil fuels. However, boilers using fossil fuels have numerous disadvantages, such as economic and environmental disadvantages.

[0003] Boilers using renewable energy sources such as biomass are also on the market. Some of these boilers use a flotation system through a firing mechanism that uses multiple movable grates, in which any type of biomass can be used. However, these boilers are large and occupy a huge volume that can be more than ten meters long, three meters wide and five meters high,

[0004] Industrial burners are devices that produce a controlled flame to supply heat or energy to an industrial process. They are used in various sectors, such as metallurgy, ceramics, chemicals, food, textiles, among others. Industrial burners can be classified according to the type of fuel they use, the type of air-fuel mixture they produce and the type of flame they generate. Biomass burners are widely used to generate heat for energy production, industrial heating and more. Biomass burners can be produced in different ways, with different components. However, in addition to the power of these burners being 2000 KW, their installation is also limited to large areas.

[0005] Biomass is a renewable energy source that can be used to generate heat and electricity. Biomass is made up of organic materials of plant or animal origin, such as wood, agricultural waste, shells orfruit stones, etc. Burning biomass in industrial burners is a way of harnessing this energy efficiently and sustainably. Industrial biomass burners have several advantages over conventional fossil fuel burners, such as: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, as biomass is considered carbon neutral, i.e. the carbon released in its burning is equivalent to the carbon captured during its growth; Reduced operating costs, as biomass is generally cheaper and more abundant than fossil fuels. Diversification of energy sources, as biomass can be obtained from various local and regional raw materials. Valorization of agro-industrial waste, as biomass can be produced from the waste generated in agricultural and industrial activities.

[0006] However, industrial biomass burners also present some challenges and limitations, such as the need to adapt existing systems, as industrial biomass burners require specific operating and maintenance conditions, which may be different from those of conventional fossil fuel burners; they are larger than gas or diesel burners, as they need more space to store and process the solid fuel.

[0007] Document EP2881451A1 refers to a reactor for obtaining gas from biomass or organic waste and to a method for obtaining gas in said reactor in which the process is produced in a single horizontal rotary reactor, where the stages take place in internal sections separated by helical spirals and, by analyzing the synthesis gases by means of a gas chromatograph positioned at the reactor outlet, it is possible to vary the parameters of the method.

[0008] Document ES2693843A1 describes a biomass burner comprising a combustion chamber with an inlet for introducing the biomass to be burned and a flame projection outlet for supplying the heat of combustion of the biomass, the combustion chamber comprising a rotating drum (arranged in a rotating assembly on a support structure, the inlet for introducing the biomass to be burned being at one end of said rotating drum and the flame projection outlet at the opposite end.

[0009] The power of industrial biomass burners is determined by the quantity and quality of the fuel, the combustion efficiency and the thermal efficiency.

[0010] In developing the solution, attention must also be paid to the emission of possible atmospheric pollutants; avoiding the formation of ash; avoiding corrosion of the burner components, avoiding instability and fluctuation of the flame which will influence energy production; being easy to clean and safe.

[0011] These facts are described in order to illustrate the technical problem solved by the achievements of the present document.GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0012] The present description concerns a biomass burning system incorporating a multi-fuel rotary combustion chamber with high efficiency, highly compact and economical when compared to the grate-fed solution. This technology is based on a positive pressure system, based on an insufflation into an aerodynamically homogeneous annular chamber, which feeds and conducts the horizontal flame at a specific point, thus avoiding the dragging of ashes. With this solution, in which efficiency reaches up to 98%; with a size less than 50% of what is now on the market, it is possible to use various types of biomass efficiently.

[0013] In an embodiment, the rotary burner has a power output of 1 to 20 MW, preferably 3 to 10 MW. It is a burner that achieves a high thermal output, preferably up to 10 MW, that uses various types of biomass and is an independent and interchangeable solution for almost all types of boiler.

[0014] The present solution refers to a multi-fuel biomass burner with an energy efficiency rate of over 90%.

[0015] In an embodiment, the burner is composed of a rotating active swirl combustion chamber, which enables a high-efficiency fuel burn rate while conducting the solid combustion by-products to an automated ash extraction system. The high-intensity flame generated exits the combustion chamber in a vortex that transports the thermal energy to the reception system.

[0016] In an embodiment, air is fed through a system of high-performance fans into a cylindrical, aerodynamically homogeneous pressure chamber designed to avoid low-pressure points, thus allowing for a constant performance air supply system that maximizes the swirling effect necessary for performance.

[0017] In one realization, and for best results, the air is fed through a non-return safety valve system to prevent flame backflow. The air supply system also helps to cool critical operating systems.

[0018] In an embodiment, the cylindrical pressure chamber is of the split clamshell type to facilitate maintenance operations.

[0019] In an embodiment, the chamber has a thermally insulated outer shell to maximize thermal efficiency.

[0020] In an embodiment, the biomass fuels are introduced into the chamber via an intake system and combust gradually along the length of the chamber, releasing all the potential heat available.

[0021] In an embodiment, the biomass used can be conventional raw materials such as pellets, chips, almond shells, olive pits and others.

[0022] In an embodiment, the burner can be used horizontally.

[0023] The present description relates to a compact biomass burner comprising a combustion chamber, with an inlet for introducing the biomass to be burnt and a flame projection outlet for supplying the heat of combustion of the biomass wherein the combustion chamber comprises a rotating drum arranged on a support structure, with the inlet for introducing the biomass to be burnt towards one end of said rotating drum and the flame projection outlet at the opposite end wherein the inlet is arranged with a worm screw which is driven by a motor, to introduce the biomass into the combustion chamber, an air blower, wherein the inlet is provided with an endless screw which is driven by a motor, to introduce the biomass into the rotating drum, a fan for projecting a flow of combusting air into a cylindrical pressure chamber for a homogeneous distribution of an aerodynamic flow.

[0024] In particular, it concerns a compact biomass burner comprising: a combustion chamber comprising a rotating drum arranged with an inlet for introducing the biomass to be burned and a flame projection outlet for supplying the heat of combustion of the biomass, wherein the combustion chamber comprises a rotating drum arranged on a support structure, where the inlet for introducing the biomass to be burned is at one end of said rotating drum and the flame projection outlet is at the opposite end, where the inlet is fitted with a worm screw which is driven by a motor to introduce the biomass into the chamber. a cylindrical pressure chamber for homogeneous distribution of a flow of combustible air to the rotating drum, a fan to insufflate the air into the cylindrical pressure chamber; wherein the drum is arranged inside the cylindrical pressure chamber.

[0025] In an embodiment, the rotating drum comprises a perimeter passive collector with a gravitational opening for discharging the ashes into a lower tray.

[0026] In an embodiment, the rotating drum is arranged in the rotating assembly with castors or rollers that are arranged between the support structure.

[0027] In an embodiment, the rotating drum is rotatably driven by means of a motor which acts by means of a pinion on a ring rack or crown guiding the rotating drum.

[0028] In an embodiment, the rotating drum has a perforated wall, for the flow of combustion air into the combustion chamber through said perforated wall.

[0029] In an embodiment, the fan projects a combustion air flow into the cylindrical pressure chamber, optimized for homogeneous aerodynamic flow distribution, critical for system performance. In an embodiment, the fan generates a flow of combusting air into the pressure chamber and the flow of combustion air enters the combustion chamber through the perimeter holes.

[0030] In an embodiment, the burner further comprises a plurality of heating elements, preferably ceramic resistors, placed in the rotating drum which ignite the biomass introduced into the combustion chamber.

[0031] In an embodiment, the plurality of heating elements are arranged on a surface of the rotating drum, preferably on the outer surface of the drum.

[0032] In an embodiment, the support structure comprises a plurality of wheels or pulleys for moving the burner.

[0033] In an embodiment, the support structure is made of metal or aluminium.

[0034] In an embodiment, the bio-mass is pellets, chips, almond shells, olive pits or the like.

[0035] The present description further refers to a boiler comprising the burner according to any of the preceding claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0036] For ease of understanding, the figures are attached, which represent preferred realizations that are not intended to limit the subject matter of the present description. Figure 1: Schematic representation of a realization of the heat production device, more specifically a front view of the rotating drum. Figure 2: Schematic representation of a burner design, specifically a side view of the heat production device. Figure 3: Schematic representation of a realization of the heat production device, more specifically the burner. Figure 4: Exploded schematic representation of a heat production device, specifically the burner. Figure 5: Exploded schematic representation of a realization of the heat production device, more specifically the burner. Figure 6: Exploded schematic representation of a realization of the heat production device, more specifically the burner. Figure 7: Schematic representation of a heat production device, specifically the burner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present description refers to a biomass burner designed for efficient use in the conversion of any biomass into thermal energy. The biomass burner comprises a combustion chamber that allows the controlled combustion of biomass, providing an efficient and sustainable heat generation system.

[0038] The present description relates to a burner comprising a combustion chamber comprising a rotating drum in which one end comprises an inlet for introducing the biomass to be burnt, an auger feeder and an air blower; and the opposite end comprises a flame projection outlet.

[0039] The present description relates to a compact biomass burner comprising a combustion chamber, with an inlet for introducing the biomass to be burnt and a flame projection outlet for supplying the heat of combustion of the biomass in which the combustion chamber comprises a rotating drum arranged on a support structure, with the inlet for introducing the biomass to be burned towards one end of said rotating drum and the flame projection outlet at the opposite end, wherein the inlet is provided with a worm screw which is driven by a motor to introduce the biomass inside the rotating drum, an air blower for a cylindrical pressure chamber, wherein the inlet is provided with a worm screw which is driven by a motor to introduce the biomass inside the rotating drum.

[0040] Surprisingly, this solution allows for an energy efficiency rate of over 90%.

[0041] In an embodiment, said rotating drum comprises a refractory protection inside and a movement that moves the burning biomass along the combustion chamber.

[0042] In an embodiment, the feed auger is activated by means of an actuator, preferably a motor.

[0043] In an embodiment, the burner comprises at least one heating element that allows the biomass entering the drum to be ignited and a fan for insufflating the oxidant, promoting the combustion of the biomass moving along the combustion chamber.

[0044] In an embodiment, the heating element is ceramic, blowing hot air. In an embodiment, the heating element is a ceramic heating element.

[0045] In an embodiment, the heating element is arranged on the outside of the drum.

[0046] In an embodiment, the rotating drum also has an ash self-cleaning system, consisting of a collector in which the ash is collected at the rear end of the drum, to be evacuated to the outside by an extractor. The collector is located at one end of the drum, more specifically at the bottom, at the end attached to the flame outlet.

[0047] In an embodiment, the rotating drum is mounted on castors or rollers on a support structure.

[0048] In an embodiment, the support structure comprises a plurality of wheels, rollers or pulleys. Preferably, the number of wheels, rollers or pulleys ranges from 4 to 12.

[0049] In an embodiment, the distance between each of the wheels, rollers or pulleys is between 0.5m and 2.5m.

[0050] In an embodiment, the plurality of wheels, rollers or pulleys rotate idly. Preferably, the rotary motion motor acts via a pinion on a ring gear or drum guide ring. Preferably, the ring gear or guide ring is around the rotating drum and allows it to rotate.

[0051] In an embodiment, the support structure comprises a plurality of overlapping plates for thermally sealing and insulating the rotating drum. Preferably, the plurality of plates is made of steel or aluminum, or combinations thereof.

[0052] At the end opposite of the inlet, the rotating drum comprises a flame projection outlet. The biomass that is introduced into the rotating drum is burned inside the combustion chamber, generating heat, which in turn is projected by the outlet.

[0053] In order to project the biomass into the drum, the burner comprises a screw or auger feeder.

[0054] In order to obtain better results, the surface of the drum comprises a plurality of holes for the directed insufflation of air and the respective combustion of the biomass.

[0055] Since the ash from the combustion of the biomass at the end of the rotating drum passes through openings into the extractor to be evacuated to the outside, the opening preferably has a size of 160mmx250mm or more.

[0056] The method of operation of the burner is also described, which comprises the following steps: add the biomass to the feeder; add the oxidant and activate the ignition system; start the drum rotating to mix and burn the biomass; extract the ash.

[0057] In an embodiment, Figure 1 represents an embodiment of the heat production device, namely the burner, where 1 is the front cover, 2 are the adjustable supports, preferably adjustable feet; 3 is the ash extractor and 10 is the burner body, namely the structure.

[0058] In an embodiment, Figure 2 represents the burner in which 4 corresponds to the top cover of the device; 5 corresponds to the motor and transmission; 6 corresponds to the displacement system, preferably wheels to move the heat production device; 7 corresponds to the ignition system; 8 corresponds to the fan or air blower; 9 corresponds to the flame outlet; and 12 corresponds to the feeder.

[0059] In an embodiment, Figure 3 represents the burner in which 11 corresponds to the drum.

[0060] In an embodiment, Figures 4, 5 and 6 represent the burner in an exploded view. The orientation crown 13 is identified in these figures.

[0061] In an embodiment, Figure 7 represents the burner in an exploded view, where 5 is the transmission and motor, 8 is the fan, 9 is the flame outlet, preferably a cannon, 11 is the drum, 12 represents the feeder where the biomass is inserted, 13 is the guide ring that rotates the drum, and 14 is the support structure.

[0062] The term "comprises" or "comprising" when used herein is intended to indicate the presence of the features, elements, entireties, steps and components mentioned, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, integers, steps and components, or groups thereof.

[0063] The present invention is, of course, in no way restricted to the realizations described herein and a person with average knowledge of the field will be able to foresee many possibilities for modifying it and replacing technical features with equivalent ones, depending on the requirements of each situation, as defined in the appended claims.

[0064] The following claims define additional realizations of the present description.

Claims

1. Compact biomass burner comprising: a combustion chamber comprising a rotating drum arranged with an inlet for introducing the biomass to be burned and a flame projection outlet for providing the heat of combustion of the biomass, wherein the combustion chamber comprises a rotating drum (11) arranged on a support structure, wherein the inlet (12) for introducing the biomass to be burned is at one end of said rotating drum and the flame projection outlet (9) is at the opposite end, wherein in the inlet a worm screw is arranged which is driven by a motor (5) to introduce the biomass into the combustion chamber; a cylindrical pressure chamber for the homogeneous distribution of a flow of oxidizing air to the rotating drum, a fan (8) for projecting the flow of oxidizing air into the cylindrical pressure chamber; wherein the drum is arranged inside the cylindrical pressure chamber.

2. Biomass burner according to the previous claim wherein the rotating drum (11) comprises a perimeter passive collector with a gravitational opening for emptying ash into a lower tray.

3. Biomass burner according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the rotating drum (11) is arranged in a rotating assembly with castors or rollers that are arranged on the support structure.

4. Biomass burner according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the rotating drum (11) is rotatably driven by means of a motor (5) which acts by means of a pinion on a guide crown (13) of the rotating drum (11).

5. Biomass burner according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the rotating drum (11) has a perforated wall for receiving the air flow from the pressure chamber.

6. Biomass burner according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising a plurality of heating elements arranged in the rotating drum (11), which ignite the biomass introduced into the combustion chamber.

7. Biomass burner according to the previous claim wherein the plurality of heating elements is arranged on a surface of the rotating drum (11), preferably on the outer surface of the drum.

8. Biomass burner according to any one of claims 6 to 7 wherein the heating elements are ceramic heater elements.

9. Biomass burner according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of wheels or pulleys (6) for moving the burner.

10. Biomass burner according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the support structure is made of metal or aluminum.

11. Biomass burner according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the bio-mass is selected from pellets, chips, almond shells, olive stones or mixtures thereof.

12. Boiler comprising the burner according to any one of the previous claims.

13. Method of operating the biomass burner according to any one of claims 1 to 12 comprising the following steps: adding biomass to the burner feeder; adding the oxidizer and activating the ignition system; starting the rotation of the drum to mix and burn the biomass; extracting the ash.

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