ACEP Researcher Daisy Huang Traveled to Tanana for Biomass Boiler System

Project Description:

This project seeks to examine performance of wood-fired hydronic boiler systems in three different Alaskan communities. Performance of the boilers has been monitored using an energy metering system comprised of an inline flow meter, and two temperature sensors, one on the hot water supply side and the other on the return side. By tracking the water flow rate and the temperature at both sides, the amount of heat input to the water can be obtained. By correlating this against wood consumption and wood moisture content, a rough measure of boiler efficiency may be obtained. Additionally, an emissions probe will be brought to each site during an extremely cold time and during a moderately cold time. During these visits, stack emissions will be measured.

Project Update:

Daisy travelled to Tanana to read the Btu meter on the biomass-fired boiler at the fire station for the last time.  Daisy now has a year's worth of data and will begin processing the data to determine how much energy is generated from burning cordwood at the Tanana station.

Project Lead: Daisy Huang
Project Funding: Alaska Energy Authority (AEA)
Project Research Partners: City of Tanana, Gulkana Village Council, Delta Greely School District

Photo: Daisy Huang at her work station at the Tanana station. Photo courtesy of D. Huang, ACEP/UAF.