Onsite Field-Feeding Waste to Energy Converter

This Phase II research and development project will result in a first-of-a-kind, prototype, On-site Field-feeding Waste to Energy Converter (OFWEC) capable of converting dry military packaging waste to high quality electricity and heat. Based on successful research in Phase I, the prototype OFWEC will be able to gasify organic wastes such as paper products, plastics, food and miscellaneous materials. The OFWEC will have a peak power of 20 kWe, and will be housed in a 20’ ISO container. The OFWEC will also generate thermal power of up to 40 kWt. A containerized prototype Fuel Supply System for converting the waste into a finished product for gasification will be integrated with the OFWEC. Based on proof-of-concept testing performed during Phase I, Community Power Corporation’s existing small modular biopower system will be modified to: improve waste material feeding without bridging; pass through inorganic residues such as oxidized aluminized film; sustain longer periods of operation; and start the gasifier without the use of fossil fuel. In addition we will conduct screening tests of air emissions, and test the ash to confirm that gasification byproducts are non-hazardous. Following shakedown testing at CPC the OFWEC and Fuel Processing System will be delivered to Natick for independent testing.