The use of electricity in those processes needing cooling, such as fermentation and storage, can be avoided or reduced thanks to the introduction of an absorption chiller system which uses the heat generated from biomass. The Figure below presents an example of cold production from biomass in the Miguel Torres S.A. winery.
A wide range of configurations (from small systems to large ones) can be found for wine producers. Operational data are thus conditioned by the winery requirements and the design of both systems (biomass combustion plant and absorption chiller).
The Tables below (1 and 2) summarise the main operational data of two examples of wineries using biomass for heat and cold production:
Table 1: Examples of the main operational data of two different biomass systems
|
Parameter |
Explanation |
Miguel Torres SA |
Biomass |
Size |
Maximum admissible size of biomass (mm). |
180x30x30 mm |
Lower heating value (LHV) |
Energy content of the biomass on a dry basis, (kWh/kg). |
2.3-4.7 kWh/kg |
|
Moisture |
Total water content based on total weight (%). |
10-50 % |
|
Ash |
Total ash content based on total weight (%). |
<3% |
|
Density of biomass |
Weight of biomass per unit of volume (kg/m3) |
170-300 kg/m3 |
|
Biomass boiler |
Thermal power |
(kW) |
2,628 kW |
Energy |
Thermal output generated |
Steam |
|
Efficiency |
Thermal energy generated from biomass (%) over the total thermal energy demand |
83 % |
Sources: MIGUEL TORRES SA, 2013; L.SOLÉ S.A, 2013;
Table 2: Examples of the main operational data of two different absorption chillers
|
Parameter |
Explanation1 |
Miguel Torres SA |
Absorption Chiller |
Power |
Energy produced (kW) |
2,000 kW |
Warm fluid |
Fluid that provides the energy needed for cooling. |
Steam |
|
Coefficient of performance (COP) |
Index of the efficiency of the chiller: cooling capacity obtained in the evaporator divided by the net heat input. |
1.40 |
|
Refrigerant |
Cooling fluid |
Water/Lithium bromide |
|
Absorbent |
Medium that absorbs the refrigerant vapour-releasing heat. |
Water |
Source: MIGUEL TORRES SA pers. comm., 2013; L.SOLÉ S.A, 2013;
- MIGUEL TORRES, S.A. Description and Technical specifications on the system for heat and cold production from biomass placed in Miguel Torres winery (Personal communication, 2013).
- SOLÉ L., S.A. Description and Technical specifications on the system for heat and cold production from biomass placed in Miguel Torres winery (Personal communication, 2 June 2013).