Aquafuel Research

Since the announcement of our breakthrough technology for glycerin CHP we have been inundated with commercial enquiries and technical questions.

On behalf of the whole team I'd like to thank you for your interest in our work.  I have compiled the most popular questions into the following Q&A, but if you have a specific enquiry please get in touch.

Paul Day
CEO and Founder

What is the amount of glycerin consumed per kwh generated?
Glycerin has a lower calorific value than diesel or biodiesel.  Specific fuel consumption is
~570 Kg/MWh or 0.57Kg/KWh

What kind of glycerin is it possible to use?
Glycerin from any source can be used.  The technology is tolerant of water, methanol and organic contaminants.  The technology was developed over two years, in cooperation with Greenergy, who operate a large scale biodiesel plant in the UK, so it was designed from the outset to use biodiesel production glycerin.

Is it possible to use crude glycerin or refined glycerin without humidity?
It is possible to use crude glycerin.  However the inorganic salts (biodiesel catalysts) must be removed.  This is achieved by distillation, the proven technology for this, using standard off-the-shelf equipment.  The heat required for distillation comes from the combined heat and power combustion of the glycerin, so it has no cost.

What level of impurities concentration in glycerin is tolerable?
The combustion is remarkably tolerant of water and organic impurities, but inorganic salts need to be controlled down to the limits for heavy fuel oil – this is simply achieved by distillation.

Is your company already selling the diesel generator itself or it will just sell the technology?
Aquafuel is a technology licencing company, but we do provide consultancy in the design and integration of CHP plants into client’s businesses. The technology uses standard diesel generators, standard waste heat boilers, and standard glycerin distillation kit.  Aquafuel provides access to its patented technology and the know-how to implement it successfully.

How this technology will be commercialised?
We are seeking licensing agreements directly with large biodiesel producers (plants of 50,000 mt per annum and upwards).

There is also possible demand for CHP energy from small biodiesel producers who may not have the investment capital or scale to justify their own distillation plant. So we will seek supply-chain solutions with investors who could process (desalinate) the crude glycerin centrally then distribute it to our licensees.

When and how might this technology be commercialised?
We have proven the technology on our fully instrumented diesel engine test bed, verifying everything from full spectrum emissions measurements to lube oil compatibility. Additionally, Aquafuel is already engaging with potential partners around the world, and would expect the technology to be introduced this year, with several plants in 2010.

What will be the cost to apply/implement this technology on a biodiesel plant?
There is capital cost associated with the implementation, for the diesel engine CHP plant, but these are in line with the costs of standard diesel-fuelled generators.  The overall cost depends on the size of plant, where it is sited, and how the heat and power are used.  Because glycerin CHP can provide all the electricity needed for biodiesel production, with excess to sell, and can provide a significant proportion of the plant’s process heating, the payback times are compelling.