Cost-effective thermochemical reactors

MASH Energy is a spin-off project from DTU, which specialises in developing and commercialising thermochemical processes for the production of energy from various waste substances, such as residual products from agriculture, waste water, plastic, etc. These substances are converted into combustible, sustainable fuels in the form of gas and/or oil. These products can then be combusted in order to produce electricity. The by-product is a sustainable fertiliser and soil improvement product called biochar.

Challenge

The challenge is to reduce the production cost of the system by using optimal materials and technologies. Furthermore, it is to ensure that the plant can be approved (in accordance with the Machinery Directive) for the Danish and European market.

Solution idea

Commissioning of the thermochemical machine; a so-called “two-stage carburettor”, built in India by MASH, based on knowledge from decades of research at DTU. The commissioning task is so complex and critical that the best thing to do is to have it performed at DTU, where the inventors of the technology can lead the process. By moving the machine to Denmark and carrying out the commissioning there, Mash Energy also has an ideal opportunity to document all of the dimensions of the machine, as well as to identify and implement the changes needed to prepare the machine for the Danish and European markets.

Project deliverables

Commissioning of Mash Energy’s “two-stage carburettor” pyrolysis system, including material optimisation and documentation. In addition, the project will develop a virtual platform for operator training, as well as operation and maintenance of machines.

This project is financed by Energy Cluster Denmark’s Technology, Innovation, Environment, and Energy (TIME, from the Danish initials) support programme. It offers three years of support to allow small- and medium-sized businesses to collaboratively develop innovative electronic products focused on energy optimisation. The TIME project is supported by the European Regional Development Fund.