VTT is one of the largest and best-known European research and development units also in the field of bioenergy, especially in forest biomass-based expertise, and developing also distributed energy concepts.
VTT´s activities cover the whole bioenergy chain from harvesting and handling of biomass-based fuels to energy production technologies and end-use. VTT with its expertise on bioenergy is in a key position in the development of new technology needed to achieve this goal in co-operation with industry and other stakeholders. Finnish bioenergy technology is well-known globally especially for recovery and utility boilers utilised in forest industry. Advanced combined heat and power production and residential heating are areas of extensive growth.
The bioenergy research at VTT covers the whole biomass production and utilisation chain from fuel production and handling to combustion, gasification and liquefaction of biomass fuels including environmental and techno-economic studies. Main research areas are biomass fuel production and handling technologies, fluidised bed combustion, gasification, fast pyrolysis of biomass into liquid biofuel and research on small-scale wood burning appliances. VTT also carries out field measurements at district heating stations and power plants. We are participating in a number of national and other cooperation projects.
The main aims of the research and development on biomass fuel production and handling technology are to improve competitiveness and quality of biomass fuels and to decrease environmental impacts of biomass fuel production. The research and development on production and handling technologies include the following biomass fuels: forest fuels, industrial woody by-products, peat and agrobiomass, e.g. reed canary grass and straw.
We aim to promote technological development of heating and power plants in order to secure high levels of plant availability and reliability especially in multifuel operation. In multifuel applications our research activities focus on solving problems related to ash behaviour such as fouling of heat transfer surfaces and hot corrosion.
As the legislation on emission levels of heating and power plants is continuously tightening, we can offer our clients expertise on emission control and reduction techniques. We develop small-scale wood burning appliances in order to reduce emissions and improve efficiency and availability. Majority of the activities is experimental research work, which takes advantage of our unique test facilities, strong experience and contacts covering the whole research community of Europe.
Main bioenergy research areas
Production and handling technologies of biomass fuels
- fuel production, harvesting technologies and drying
- logistics - storage, transport and transport control
- pelletization of different raw materials and pellet characterisation
- fuel handling at the plant - crushing and screening
- environmental effects of biomass fuel production and ash recycling
Multifuel applications of boiler plants
- secure and improve plant availability and performance in multifuel applications
- ash behaviour studies, deposit formation high temperature corrosion
- flue gas emission control
In the field of multifuel applications our aim is to improve plant availability, operation economics and to develop monitoring methods for boiler fouling.
Fluidised bed process research
- fuel combustion behaviour at CFB conditions
- fuel reactivity and combustion profile
- material behaviour in fluidised bed process (char, ash, additives)
Research in this area promotes the development of high efficiency CFB processes. Our aim is to develop process measurement and modelling methods in order to deepen knowledge on CFB process in all its complexity.
Batch combustion of wood in small-scale
- combustion, heat transfer, CFD-modelling
- development of new products
Continuous combustion in small-scale
- stoker burners
- grate combustion up to 10 MWth
- fuel specific combustion systems
Reduction of emissions of small-scale combustion
- particles and aerosols, CO- and organic compounds
- flue gas scrubbers, flue gas condensation and heat recovery
VTT's role in the project
In order to make woodheat attractive to the consumer it must show that it can compete with other forms of heating on price, performance and reliability. It is not enough simply to promote woodheat based on its positive contribution to mitigating climate change or enhancing environmental values.
VTT will explain how woodheat became successful in Finland and develop a programme of seminars and site visits for partners and non-partner guests to demonstrate some of the best of what has been achieved in Finland by applying an entrepreneurial approach to investment. The study tour, will be tailored to explore supply and demand situations, similar to those found in the less experienced participating Member States. VTT will provide expertise in the following:
- wood fuel supply chains
- wood fuel procurement technology
- heat entrepreneurship
- feasibility and cost analysis of heat plants
Contact
Mr. Jyrki Raitila - Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus (VTT)
Postal Address: PL 1603, 40101 Jyväskylä, Finland
Street Address: Koivurannantie 1, Jyväskylä, Finland
Phone: +358 20 722 2509
Email: jyrki.raitila@vtt.fi