WO2007001172A1 - Device for generating energy out of fat - Google Patents

Device for generating energy out of fat Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2007001172A1
WO2007001172A1 PCT/NL2006/000318 NL2006000318W WO2007001172A1 WO 2007001172 A1 WO2007001172 A1 WO 2007001172A1 NL 2006000318 W NL2006000318 W NL 2006000318W WO 2007001172 A1 WO2007001172 A1 WO 2007001172A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fat
fuel
unit
tank
filter
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NL2006/000318
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Klaas Klifman
Original Assignee
Powertech-Projects & Contracts B.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Powertech-Projects & Contracts B.V. filed Critical Powertech-Projects & Contracts B.V.
Publication of WO2007001172A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007001172A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23G—CREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
    • F23G7/00—Incinerators or other apparatus for consuming industrial waste, e.g. chemicals
    • F23G7/008—Incinerators or other apparatus for consuming industrial waste, e.g. chemicals for liquid waste
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23G—CREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
    • F23G5/00—Incineration of waste; Incinerator constructions; Details, accessories or control therefor
    • F23G5/44—Details; Accessories
    • F23G5/46—Recuperation of heat
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23K—FEEDING FUEL TO COMBUSTION APPARATUS
    • F23K5/00—Feeding or distributing other fuel to combustion apparatus
    • F23K5/02—Liquid fuel
    • F23K5/04—Feeding or distributing systems using pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23G—CREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
    • F23G2206/00—Waste heat recuperation
    • F23G2206/20—Waste heat recuperation using the heat in association with another installation
    • F23G2206/203—Waste heat recuperation using the heat in association with another installation with a power/heat generating installation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23G—CREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
    • F23G2900/00—Special features of, or arrangements for incinerators
    • F23G2900/70—Incinerating particular products or waste
    • F23G2900/7002—Animal fat, e.g. lard, tallow, stearin
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E20/00—Combustion technologies with mitigation potential
    • Y02E20/12—Heat utilisation in combustion or incineration of waste

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for generating energy out of fat.
  • a fat fraction which can be used partly in the food industry and in the cosmetics industry.
  • the unused part of this fat fraction is disposed of as waste material.
  • a residual fat fraction further results in the food industry wherein (animal and vegetable) fats are processed or used in for instance frying processes.
  • the invention has for its object to use these fat fractions in the sense that energy is generated. This energy generation thus contributes toward improving the economic value of the processes from which these waste fat materials are created.
  • the present invention has for its object to use fat in the sense that energy can be generated therewith with a high efficiency.
  • a device for generating energy from fat comprising: i) a tank for fat provided with heating means; ii) a gas turbine provided with a compression unit, a combustion unit and an expansion unit, wherein the combustion unit is connected via a pump to the fat tank; and iii) a generator driven by the gas turbine.
  • An optimal efficiency is obtained by making use of a gas turbine in which the fat is burned in the combustion unit thereof after it has been heated to a sufficiently low viscosity and has a sufficient flash point. It has been found in experimental research that, particularly in the expansion unit of the gas turbine, substantially no deposition of combustion products occurs, and the gas turbine can thereby be operated for a prolonged period of time under optimum load for the purpose of generating energy.
  • the expansion unit of the gas turbine can therefore have a plurality of expansion stages.
  • a fat conduit connecting the fat tank to the combustion unit is provided with filter means
  • the combustion in the combustion unit is further optimized in that possible solid particles are removed from the heated liquid fat flow.
  • These filter means preferably comprise a first filter for removing particles with a size of 200-500 ⁇ m, more preferably of 300-400 ⁇ m.
  • the filter means preferably also comprise a second filter with a relatively low filter value of for instance 30-80 ⁇ m, for instance 40-60 ⁇ m.
  • a three-way valve with a fat return conduit to the fat tank is preferably arranged in a fat conduit connecting the fat tank to the combustion unit, a fat cycle results whereby the fat circulates in the fat conduits and an optimal supply of fat to the combustion unit is ensured.
  • fat conduits are provided with heating means, for instance electronic tracer means.
  • electronic tracer means are adapted and disposed such that the conduits, and thereby the content of the conduits, are held at a constant temperature.
  • a fuel supply unit is connected to the combustion unit.
  • This additional fuel can consist of gas, but diesel is recommended due to a higher flashpoint. A flashpoint in the order of magnitude corresponding with that of melted heated fat. It is therefore recommended that the fuel supply unit comprises a diesel supply unit.
  • non-return means are arranged in the fat conduit and fuel line. This also avoids the possible occurrence of fat solidifying through contact with the relatively cool diesel fuel.
  • the other fuel is also arranged in a fuel cycle for optimum control of the supply and mixing of this fuel with the fat as fuel. It is therefore recommended that a three-way valve with a fuel return line to a fuel tank is incorporated in the fuel line.
  • a control unit controls the fat three-way valve and the fuel three-way valve .
  • the efficiency of the energy generation can be improved further if additional energy is extracted from the flue gas.
  • a heat exchanger is connected to a flue gas outlet of the gas turbine, for instance for the purpose of generating warm water and/or steam.
  • FIG. 1 shows a device 1 for generating energy out of fat.
  • Device 1 comprises a tank 3 provided with heating means 2.
  • Present in tank 3 is animal fat 4 which is stirred using a stirring means 5.
  • heated state 140 ° C
  • the fat has a viscosity below 4.5 mmVsec and has a calorific value between 30-40 MJ/kg.
  • Fat 4 from tank 3 is fed via a conduit 6 to a filter unit 7 which filters at a filter value of for instance 300-400 ⁇ m.
  • the filtered fat 4 is then fed to a three-way valve 10 via a pump 8 and a second filter unit 9 (filter value 40-60 ⁇ m) .
  • the heated fat is fed back to tank 4 via a return conduit 11. A fat cycle is thus created.
  • Three-way valve 10 is connected via a conduit 12 and a preheating unit 13 to a combustion unit 14 for burning the fat.
  • Combustion unit 14 forms part of a gas turbine 15.
  • Gas turbine 15 comprises a compression unit 16 with an inlet 17 for combustion air and an outlet 18 for compressed air.
  • the compressed air is supplied to combustion unit 14.
  • the compressed flue gas from combustion unit 14 is fed via a conduit 19 to an expansion unit 20, where the flue gas is expanded and is fed via a conduit 21 to a chimney 22.
  • Compression unit 16 and expansion unit 20 are connected to a shared rotation shaft 23, to which is also connected a shaft 24 which drives a generator 25. Energy is thus generated from fat 4 with an increased efficiency using generator 25.
  • Figure 2 shows another device 26 for generating energy out of fat. Elements corresponding with the device according to figure 1 are designated with the same reference numerals .
  • Device 26 additionally comprises the use of another fuel, in this case diesel.
  • the diesel is supplied from a source and a pump 28 via a line 27 to a three-way valve 29 which is provided with a return line 30.
  • a line 31 fuel can be supplied via a non-return valve 32 to a three-way coupling 33, which is connected to combustion unit 14 via a line 34.
  • Heated fat 4 from tank 3 is fed via conduit 12 and also passes through a non-return valve 35, and enters three- way coupling 33 via a conduit 36.
  • All conduits (conduit 6, 11, 12, 36 and 34) are provided with electronic tracing means 37 with which the fat in these conduits can be held at the desired temperature (for instance 120-180 ° C, preferably 140 ° C).
  • Device 26 further comprises a control unit 42 which is connected via signal lines 38, 39 and 40 to respectively the three-way valves 10 and 29, and further to combustion unit 14.
  • the supply of diesel, heated fat and a mixture thereof to combustion unit 14 can be regulated using control unit 42. It is thus possible to start up device 26 using diesel as fuel and then switch over to the combustion of fat, while during power-down of the device this can take place again by switching back to diesel fuel. It is furthermore possible to run on a mixture of both fat and diesel.
  • a heat exchanger 41 is further arranged on flue gas conduit 21 in order to extract energy from the flue gas in conduit 21 in the form of warm water and/or steam.

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for generating energy from fat, comprising: i) a tank (3) for fat (4) provided with heating means (2) ; ii) a gas turbine (15) provided with a compression unit (IS) , a combustion unit (14) and an expansion unit (20) , wherein the combustion unit is connected via a pump (8) to the fat tank; and iii) a generator (25) driven by the gas turbine.

Description

DEVICE FOR GENERATING ENERGY OUT OF FAT
The present invention relates to a device for generating energy out of fat.
In the processing of cadavers and residual animal materials there results a fat fraction which can be used partly in the food industry and in the cosmetics industry. The unused part of this fat fraction is disposed of as waste material. A residual fat fraction further results in the food industry wherein (animal and vegetable) fats are processed or used in for instance frying processes. The invention has for its object to use these fat fractions in the sense that energy is generated. This energy generation thus contributes toward improving the economic value of the processes from which these waste fat materials are created.
It is known to incinerate this fat fraction (which has a substantially solid consistency at room temperature) . The efficiency of this incineration is however relatively low.
The present invention has for its object to use fat in the sense that energy can be generated therewith with a high efficiency.
This is achieved according to the invention with a device for generating energy from fat, comprising: i) a tank for fat provided with heating means; ii) a gas turbine provided with a compression unit, a combustion unit and an expansion unit, wherein the combustion unit is connected via a pump to the fat tank; and iii) a generator driven by the gas turbine.
An optimal efficiency is obtained by making use of a gas turbine in which the fat is burned in the combustion unit thereof after it has been heated to a sufficiently low viscosity and has a sufficient flash point. It has been found in experimental research that, particularly in the expansion unit of the gas turbine, substantially no deposition of combustion products occurs, and the gas turbine can thereby be operated for a prolonged period of time under optimum load for the purpose of generating energy. The expansion unit of the gas turbine can therefore have a plurality of expansion stages.
If in further preference a fat conduit connecting the fat tank to the combustion unit is provided with filter means, the combustion in the combustion unit is further optimized in that possible solid particles are removed from the heated liquid fat flow. These filter means preferably comprise a first filter for removing particles with a size of 200-500 μm, more preferably of 300-400 μm. The filter means preferably also comprise a second filter with a relatively low filter value of for instance 30-80 μm, for instance 40-60 μm. By making use of two filters the advantage is achieved that the finer filter becomes less quickly clogged.
If a three-way valve with a fat return conduit to the fat tank is preferably arranged in a fat conduit connecting the fat tank to the combustion unit, a fat cycle results whereby the fat circulates in the fat conduits and an optimal supply of fat to the combustion unit is ensured.
In order to avoid fat solidifying in the fat conduit between the fat tank and the combustion unit, it is further recommended that fat conduits are provided with heating means, for instance electronic tracer means. These electronic tracer means are adapted and disposed such that the conduits, and thereby the content of the conduits, are held at a constant temperature. Under some conditions it is recommended to adapt the device such that not only is fat burned in the device, but also an additional fuel. In this case it is therefore recommended that a fuel supply unit is connected to the combustion unit. This additional fuel can consist of gas, but diesel is recommended due to a higher flashpoint. A flashpoint in the order of magnitude corresponding with that of melted heated fat. It is therefore recommended that the fuel supply unit comprises a diesel supply unit. In order to avoid that, when switching between fat as fuel and the other fuel, these fuels enter each others conduit systems, it is recommended that non-return means are arranged in the fat conduit and fuel line. This also avoids the possible occurrence of fat solidifying through contact with the relatively cool diesel fuel.
As stated above in respect of the fat, it is also recommended that the other fuel is also arranged in a fuel cycle for optimum control of the supply and mixing of this fuel with the fat as fuel. It is therefore recommended that a three-way valve with a fuel return line to a fuel tank is incorporated in the fuel line.
An optimal combustion of each fuel and an optimal combustion during the change-over from the one fuel to the other is realized if in further preference a control unit controls the fat three-way valve and the fuel three-way valve .
The efficiency of the energy generation can be improved further if additional energy is extracted from the flue gas. In this respect it is therefore recommended that a heat exchanger is connected to a flue gas outlet of the gas turbine, for instance for the purpose of generating warm water and/or steam.
Stated and other features of the device for generating energy from fat are further elucidated hereinbelow on the basis of two exemplary embodiments, which are only given by way of example and without the invention being deemed limited thereto. Reference is made herein to the accompanying drawings, in which: figures 1 and 2 each show a schematic flow diagram of a device according to the invention for generating energy out of fat. Figure 1 shows a device 1 for generating energy out of fat. Device 1 comprises a tank 3 provided with heating means 2. Present in tank 3 is animal fat 4 which is stirred using a stirring means 5. In heated state (140° C) the fat has a viscosity below 4.5 mmVsec and has a calorific value between 30-40 MJ/kg.
Fat 4 from tank 3 is fed via a conduit 6 to a filter unit 7 which filters at a filter value of for instance 300-400 μm. The filtered fat 4 is then fed to a three-way valve 10 via a pump 8 and a second filter unit 9 (filter value 40-60 μm) . The heated fat is fed back to tank 4 via a return conduit 11. A fat cycle is thus created.
Three-way valve 10 is connected via a conduit 12 and a preheating unit 13 to a combustion unit 14 for burning the fat. Combustion unit 14 forms part of a gas turbine 15.
Gas turbine 15 comprises a compression unit 16 with an inlet 17 for combustion air and an outlet 18 for compressed air. The compressed air is supplied to combustion unit 14. The compressed flue gas from combustion unit 14 is fed via a conduit 19 to an expansion unit 20, where the flue gas is expanded and is fed via a conduit 21 to a chimney 22.
Compression unit 16 and expansion unit 20 are connected to a shared rotation shaft 23, to which is also connected a shaft 24 which drives a generator 25. Energy is thus generated from fat 4 with an increased efficiency using generator 25.
Figure 2 shows another device 26 for generating energy out of fat. Elements corresponding with the device according to figure 1 are designated with the same reference numerals .
Device 26 additionally comprises the use of another fuel, in this case diesel. The diesel is supplied from a source and a pump 28 via a line 27 to a three-way valve 29 which is provided with a return line 30. Via a line 31 fuel can be supplied via a non-return valve 32 to a three-way coupling 33, which is connected to combustion unit 14 via a line 34. Heated fat 4 from tank 3 is fed via conduit 12 and also passes through a non-return valve 35, and enters three- way coupling 33 via a conduit 36.
All conduits (conduit 6, 11, 12, 36 and 34) are provided with electronic tracing means 37 with which the fat in these conduits can be held at the desired temperature (for instance 120-180° C, preferably 140° C).
Device 26 further comprises a control unit 42 which is connected via signal lines 38, 39 and 40 to respectively the three-way valves 10 and 29, and further to combustion unit 14. The supply of diesel, heated fat and a mixture thereof to combustion unit 14 can be regulated using control unit 42. It is thus possible to start up device 26 using diesel as fuel and then switch over to the combustion of fat, while during power-down of the device this can take place again by switching back to diesel fuel. It is furthermore possible to run on a mixture of both fat and diesel.
A heat exchanger 41 is further arranged on flue gas conduit 21 in order to extract energy from the flue gas in conduit 21 in the form of warm water and/or steam.

Claims

1. Device for generating energy from fat, comprising: i) a tank for fat provided with heating means; ii) a gas turbine provided with a compression unit, a combustion unit and an expansion unit, wherein the combustion unit is connected via a pump to the fat tank; and iii) a generator driven by the gas turbine.
2. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a fat conduit connecting the fat tank to the combustion unit is provided with filter means.
3. Device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the filter means comprise a first filter with a filter value of 200-500 μm, for instance 300-400 μm, and a second filter with a filter value of 30-80 μm, for instance 40-60 μm.
4. Device as claimed in claims 1-3, wherein a three-way valve with a fat return conduit to the fat tank is arranged in a fat conduit connecting the fat tank to the combustion unit.
5. Device as claimed in claims 1-4, wherein fat conduits are provided with heating means, for instance electronic tracer means.
6. Device as claimed in claims 1-5, wherein a fuel supply unit is connected to the combustion unit.
7. Device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the fuel supply unit comprises a diesel supply unit.
8. Device as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein nonreturn means are arranged in the fat conduit and fuel line.
9. Device as claimed in claims 6-8, wherein a three-way valve with a fuel return line to a fuel tank is incorporated in the fuel line.
10. Device as claimed in claims 6-9, wherein a control unit controls the fat three-way valve and the fuel three-way valve .
11. Device as claimed in claims 1-10, wherein a heat exchanger is connected to a flue gas outlet of the gas turbine, for instance for the purpose of generating warm water and/or steam.
PCT/NL2006/000318 2005-06-28 2006-06-27 Device for generating energy out of fat WO2007001172A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL1029354 2005-06-28
NL1029354A NL1029354C2 (en) 2005-06-28 2005-06-28 Device for generating energy from fat.

Publications (1)

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WO2007001172A1 true WO2007001172A1 (en) 2007-01-04

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WO (1) WO2007001172A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2368046A1 (en) * 2007-09-11 2011-11-14 S3D Installation for combusting fats and/or oils of plant and/or animal origin in an i.c. engine
CN103225817A (en) * 2013-05-02 2013-07-31 龙岩卓越新能源股份有限公司 Waste oil sludge atomizing device for realizing direct combustion in boiler

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000005492A1 (en) * 1998-07-24 2000-02-03 Finch International Limited Combustion of fats and oils
GB2339842A (en) * 1998-07-24 2000-02-09 Finch International Ltd Burning oils and fats in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere in an engine
WO2001029154A1 (en) * 1999-10-20 2001-04-26 Qlear B.V. Fuel for diesel engines
GB2412716A (en) * 2004-03-30 2005-10-05 Devrone Ltd Process of steam production from tallow

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000005492A1 (en) * 1998-07-24 2000-02-03 Finch International Limited Combustion of fats and oils
GB2339842A (en) * 1998-07-24 2000-02-09 Finch International Ltd Burning oils and fats in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere in an engine
WO2001029154A1 (en) * 1999-10-20 2001-04-26 Qlear B.V. Fuel for diesel engines
GB2412716A (en) * 2004-03-30 2005-10-05 Devrone Ltd Process of steam production from tallow

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2368046A1 (en) * 2007-09-11 2011-11-14 S3D Installation for combusting fats and/or oils of plant and/or animal origin in an i.c. engine
CN103225817A (en) * 2013-05-02 2013-07-31 龙岩卓越新能源股份有限公司 Waste oil sludge atomizing device for realizing direct combustion in boiler

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL1029354C2 (en) 2007-01-09

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