EvK2CNR's experience with the EARTH technology has given rise to an opportunity for a technological/industrial spin-off, a thermodynamic system that produces electrical energy and heat from biomass combustion. The project is particularly interesting and innovative for the thermodynamic cycle used, which allows very high efficiencies while using reduced powers. NATUREnergy will also be compact and could be installed wherever biomass disposal is a problem, such as on farms or in public or private parks, where the remains of pruning and woods upkeep would power the system. The project will be carried out in collaboration with the Bergamo University Center for Territorial Studies, the Bergamo Colli Park (Parco dei Colli) and CNR- Institute for the Dynamics of Environmental Processes (IDPA).
OBJECTIVES
The project aims to improve management of biomass waste in protected areas simultaneously creating a renewable energy source.
The specific objective of this initiative is to develop a marketable NATUREnergy prototype able to process a large enough amount of biomass so as to obtain an economic profit. The pilot system will produce 360 kWe/hour, of which 20 kWe will be used for the machine itself. The remaining 340 kWe can be sold for 7,800 hours a year, for an annual total of 2.652.000 kWh.