EnerSysNet is developing self-contained, mobile woody biomass to liquid fuel conversion systems to produce fuel oil, diesel and gasoline-type hydrocarbons from logging and wood product residues.
A mobile energy conversion (“MEC”) system capable of converting biomass into an energy-dense liquid at the biomass source will be extremely competitive in terms of capital cost, operating expenses, and transportation charges.
MECs will serve a critical need to access and process forest residues on public lands and/or temporary biomass resources resulting from annual harvests, pine beetle devastation, forest thinnings, storm-related downed timber and manufacturing residues
The MEC simultaneously overcomes two major hurdles limiting utilization of low value biomass resources – transportation costs and low value products. Transportation costs for raw biomass can often exceed the cost of the biomass itself. Dispatched to the feedstock source, MECs enjoy a competitive advantage by eliminating biomass transportation costs.
The MEC system will employ an innovative design to afford relatively low-cost construction, a robust and reliable ablative fast pyrolysis step and in situ catalytic upgrading methodologies; while enabling high throughput conversion – all within a very small footprint. The MEC system design includes a number of patented and patent pending components, and integrates proven technology in novel ways, resulting in additional protected intellectual property.
As a pioneer in the biomass to liquid hydrocarbons industry, EnerSysNet recognized that, for an alternative fuel to be embraced, it must (1) work seamlessly in the existing liquid fuel infrastructure; and, (2) be competitive with petroleum in the open market without subsidy or preferential treatment. The output of our MECs will meet these requirements. The major difference between EnerSysNet’s liquid energy products and fossil fuels is the fact that EnerSysNet uses the same principles of heat and pressure to convert contemporary woody biomass into a renewable liquid hydrocarbon in minutes instead of millions of years.
The design envisions simultaneously upgrading the pyrolysis oil to 90% refined hydrocarbon liquids that can be sent to existing petroleum refineries to be “finished” into transportation fuels. These liquids are true hydrocarbon fuels, not alcohols such as ethanol, and have equivalent properties and characteristics as, and perform exactly like, diesel or gasoline derived from fossil fuels. They do not require changes in distribution infrastructure or engine design to accommodate them.
ESN’s mobile energy conversion system makes the distributed production of infrastructure-compatible, renewable liquid energy possible. The MEC is the only technology that can cost-effectively access and process forest residues on public lands and/or temporary biomass resources.
MECs can be deployed at sawmills, furniture plants and other wood manufacturing operations that generate large amounts of wood residue. This eliminates transportation costs, presents a higher value to the mill operators, and eliminates the risk of building a fixed plant.
In isolated, biomass-rich regions of the world, MECs are ideal for producing liquid fuels to power machinery and generate electricity. Working within forest sustainability parameters, the MEC can engender thriving, sustainable human communities.
EnerSysNet expects to raise sufficient capital to bring MECs to the commercial market in 2013.