Definition
Q What is a
biomass energy system?
A Biomass energy is produced by burning organic
material, usually woody products such as sawdust and wood chips. It is
possible to mitigate or even eliminate the energy requirement for small or large
organizations using only renewable woody fuels. Other organic fuels can also be used
including grasses, sugar cane, husks and more.
Return On Investment
Q How fast will an AFS Biomass Energy System pay for itself?
A The payback period for a biomass system depends
on many variables. One of our customers, a city hospital, paid for their
$2.1m system in just 17 months! Over ten years later, they are laughing
all the way to the bank. What they may not have expected were the awards and
the wealth of positive publicity they received from the New England media for their
green energy success. Of course, your R.O.I. (Return on Investment) will
vary depending on many factors including the need for & design of a building,
fuel costs and many other variables.
AFS is a turnkey provider and when we are the complete solution, the R.O.I. or
payback period is optimized.
Vendor Selection
Q What should a company interested in
biomass energy / renewable energy look for in a vendor?
A The two biggest factors are experience and turnkey solutions? Do they have
technicians ready to travel if needed?). If you really want to learn about
a Biomass vendor, ask them for a list of all of their clients. Call
anyone you please and you will get a good feel for their experience and
abilities. What do they outsource and therefore not have complete total control over? AFS has been in business almost twenty-five years, has over
100 combined years of biomass engineering experience and they outsource nothing
but portions of some remote installations!
Location
Q Does it matter where I am located?
A The only geographic limitations that could exist
with biomass energy are state or local regulations and fuel accessibility.
AFS installs systems all across North America. Many of these systems are installed
at sawmills everywhere so your AFS Sales Representative can connect you with fuel suppliers in most cases. The AFS Engineering
Team will determine of there might be any municipal concerns but in most cases -
local and state governments will welcome any green energy technology.
Fuels
Q What fuels can I burn in
an AFS Biomass Energy System?
A Most AFS systems burn some form of wood residue including
sawdust, yard waste, tree trimmings, wood chips and more. We always analyze any
potential fuels so, if you have a potential fuel source you would like to use as
fuel, we will test burn a sample and let you know if it is a viable fuel source.
AFS Energy Systems has installed biomass systems at sawmills across North
America for over twenty years so we often can help our customers find quality
fuel at reasonable prices.
Footprint
Q How much space do I need
to add a biomass energy system on my business property?
A The footprint of a biomass energy system varies
depending on (a) the equipment required and (b) the available space. AFS
custom designs every section of every system to ensure optimal usage of your
existing space as well as maximum cost control and
return on investment (R.O.I.).
Energy Types
Q What types of energy can I produce?
A AFS Biomass Energy Systems produce steam or hot
water. Steam energy can be used for heat, hot air, hot water, cooling (air
conditioning), electricity (using a steam turbine), sterilization and any other
specialized need such as producing cheese, cardboard or a wealth of other
products that require steam to produce. Hot water systems are typically
used in conjunction with existing hot water systems, buildings with pools, etc.
Energy Potential
Q
How much energy can I produce and what do I do if my needs vary?
A Your new AFS Biomass System automatically adjusts
to your energy demands. Of course, you might need to adjust your fuel
ordering at times but the rest is mostly automatic. AFS energy systems are
very flexible so your system will run just as well on low fire (low demand) as
it will on high fire (high demand). If you can produce more energy than is
needed, you might be able to sell your excess energy to your neighbors!
System Design
Q How do I select a design package for my biomass energy
system?
A You don't! Every AFS Energy System is
custom designed to your specific goals, needs, desires and limitations.
You will get what you need and want - nothing more or less! AFS does not
use cookie cutters.
Emissions
Q How do I meet air quality permit requirements burning wood?
A All AFS Energy Systems will meet or exceed all
air quality permit requirements; guaranteed! AFS uses fly ash collectors,
bag houses and electrostatic precipitators to scrub the emissions, assuring your
stack test is passed.
Labor Requirements
Q How much will my labor costs rise with a biomass energy
systems?
A Your labor requirement should be reduced with an
AFS biomass energy system. Of course, only you know how much time your
people spend on your system now but an AFS system requires very minimal human
intervention. The AFS Total Control System uses state-of-the art computer,
Primary Logic Controller (P.L.C.) and Variable Frequency Drive (V.F.D.)
technology and logic to automatically control your energy system. If an
issue arises, the system automatically contacts your Operator
so constant oversight isn't necessarily required. Bottom line - the
average system administrator spends 2-4 hours per week caring for the biomass
system!
Support
Q What happens if I need service or support for my system?
A The AFS Service Team assists you in many ways.
You can reach them anytime through the AFS 24 x 7 Customer Service Hotline.
The AFS Service Vans are seen across the highways, traveling to see customers
when needed. Additionally, the AFS Total Control computer systems are
configured for remote access so AFS support technicians and engineers can
connect to and assist you in tweaking your system when needed. Whatever you
need, AFS is equipped and staffed to assist you when and where you need it.
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