According to researchers at N.C. State, wood could be the new coal.
Using a process called torrefaction, woodchips are dried out in what equates to an industrial sized toaster oven that changes them both physically and chemically. While they retain 80 percent of their energy content, they are much lighter and easier to crush – an ideal burnable energy source.
Burning the woodchips is also much greener and more efficient, boasting a zero carbon output.
While torrefaction is nothing new in itself, N.C. State researchers have managed to develop one that is mobile and self powered, in comparison to the bulky, less efficient machines of the past.
“This process could help us build a bridge to more energy independence,” Chris Hopkins, a doctoral student in forestry and developer of the new torrefier machine, said in a press release issued March 11.
The new machine, called the Autothermic Transportable Torrefaction Machine (ATTM), is usable in field-based operations and would greatly cut the costs of transporting tons of woodchips to the traditional torrefaction facilities.
Also, according to Hopkins, nearly half of the state’s forests are not adequately thinned because landowners lack a market for small diameter trees, rotten or unusable trees and logging residue. That land could be producing more valuable wood products if it was managed more effectively.
The use of torrefied wood could have a substantial economic impact.
According to the Annual Report of the Energy Policy Council and the State Energy Office, North Carolina has no active coal mines and must import all its coal, which powers about 62 percent of the state. More than four billion is spent on that each year.
Hopkins estimates that if wood-chips are collected and sold to help fire North Carolina’s energy generating plants, the state’s tax base could be increased by nearly $400 million a year. Wood-chips are abundant throughout the state.
To start commercializing this technology the N.C. State Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) announced an exclusive license agreement with AgriTech Producers, LLC of Columbia, S.C. which will call the product “Carolina Coal.”
“This partnership is an example of how N.C. State contributes to the strengthening of our state and national economy,” Billy Houghteling, director of OTT, said. “By partnering with organizations like AgriTech, the University’s scientific discoveries move beyond the Belltower and into the marketplace where they can really make a difference.”
Duke Energy, a major provider of energy to North Carolina, said it is open to ideas regarding new energy sources.
“We’re looking into any form of renewable energy,” Tim Shiel, a communications manager with the company, said. “We recently sent out requests for companies and individuals who had alternative energy sources to partner with Duke and see what we could do to deal with [the energy crisis], certainly we need to do something”
The idea of a new, greener energy source received a positive reaction from students including Katie Parker, a senior in English literature.
“If it is a viable alternative source then it’s a great idea,” Parker said. “In a world where a lot people don’t believe in global warming or take it with a grain of salt, I always think a cleaner, more efficient fuel option is best.”
Aaron Horne, a junior in civil engineering, agreed with Parker.
“This could provide us with a good alternative energy source, and is definitely a step in the right direction.” Horne said. “Not only can it save us money but it’s more renewable. Once you log a certain area you can replant on that tract, whereas coal takes years to develop.”
