Jim ZoellickThe design and procurement phases of the BLR Biomass to Energy Project are in full swing and the project team is involved in a flurry of activity. A group of engineers from SERC, as well as staff from Serraga Energy, LLC at the Blue Lake Rancheria (BLR) project site, are meeting weekly to discuss design decisions and move the effort forward. Frequent interactions are also taking place with our technology partners: Proton Power (gasifier), Xebec Adsorption (PSA gas cleanup unit), and Ballard Power Systems (fuel cell). Below is a list of key activities currently underway:
- site layout is largely completed
- fire marshal review – first phase is complete
- site work has begun and will ramp up significantly over the next few weeks
- gasifier is being fabricated – witness testing will occur in late July with delivery in August
- PSA design and fabrication are underway – delivery is expected in late August
- syngas compressor requirements have been specified and quotes have been obtained – orders will be placed in the next couple of weeks
- fuel cell is on site – installation is slated for July or August
- central control and monitoring system – design is underway
- ventilation system – design analysis is underway
- fuel storage and processing – design is underway
- electrical service (auxiliary power supply and fuel cell generator/utility interconnection) – electrical engineer and contractor team are working on design, procurement, and the utility interconnect application with Pacific Gas & Electric
The next phases of the project will include component installation (summer and early fall 2014), system integration and commissioning (fall 2014), and system operation, data collection, analysis and reporting (late fall and winter 2014/15). Stay tuned for additional updates in upcoming newsletters.
