Combined heat, power, and biochar with ventilator

Abstract

The production of biochar generates syngas, VOCs, CO and other gasses that can adsorb to biochar and reduce the quality of the final product. A controller measures the operating parameters, such as temperature, pressure and oxygen level, and automatically controls a feedstock auger motor, blower(s) and other subsystems of a continuous combined heat, power and biochar carbonizer. The carbonizer pyrolyzes feedstock. A catalytic converter combusts unburned components in by-product gases and generates additional thermal energy. Thermal energy drives an engine, such as a Sterling, steam, or ORC engine, to generate electricity or operate a mechanical device. Remaining thermal energy is transferred using another medium, such as air or water, via a heat exchanger. The feedstock is purposefully incompletely combusted, to produce biochar that consists largely of carbon. The biochar may be used to augment soil for cultivation, filtration or for other purposes. Some embodiments condense water from the exhaust to provide potable water.