Biomass-Based Combined Heat and Power (CHP) for Buildings

Detailed overview of innovation with sample startups and prominent university research

What it is

Biomass-based CHP (Combined Heat and Power) for buildings involves using biomass fuels, such as wood chips, pellets, or agricultural residues, to generate electricity and heat simultaneously for individual buildings or building complexes. This technology offers a highly efficient and sustainable energy solution, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Impact on climate action

Biomass-Based Combined Heat and Power (CHP) for Buildings in Biomass for Heating & Power advances climate action by utilizing renewable biomass to produce heat and electricity. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, this innovation mitigates carbon emissions, promotes energy efficiency, and accelerates the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon energy system.

Underlying
Technology

Biomass Combustion or Gasification: Biomass is either burned directly in a boiler or converted into syngas through gasification.
Electricity Generation: The heat generated from biomass combustion or gasification is used to produce electricity, typically using small-scale generators or microturbines.
Heat Recovery: The waste heat from electricity generation is captured and used for heating purposes, such as space heating and hot water production.
System Integration and Optimization: Biomass CHP systems require sophisticated integration and optimization to ensure efficient and balanced electricity and heat generation to meet the building’s energy demands.

TRL : 7-8

Prominent Innovation themes

Micro-CHP Systems: Micro-CHP systems are small-scale CHP units that are specifically designed for residential and commercial buildings. These systems are becoming more efficient, affordable, and easier to install.
Advanced Biomass Gasification Technologies: Innovations in biomass gasification, such as catalytic and plasma gasification, are improving the efficiency and syngas quality, leading to more efficient and cleaner CHP systems for buildings.
Integrated Heat Recovery Systems: Innovative heat recovery systems are maximizing the capture and utilization of waste heat from electricity generation, improving overall system efficiency and reducing energy costs.
Smart CHP Control Systems: Smart control systems and AI algorithms are being used to optimize CHP system operation in real-time, adjusting parameters based on building energy demand and environmental conditions.
Fuel Flexibility: Some biomass CHP systems are being designed to be fuel-flexible, allowing them to utilize different types of biomass fuels, such as wood chips, pellets, and agricultural residues.

Other Innovation Subthemes

Efficient Biomass Utilization
Syngas Quality Enhancement
Heat Recovery Optimization
Residential Micro-CHP Solutions
Advanced Gasification Techniques
Waste Heat Utilization
Real-time Optimization Algorithms
Fuel Flexibility Advancements
Building-Integrated CHP Systems

Related Innovations

Sample Global Startups and Companies

Ener-Core:
- Technology Enhancement: Ener-Core specializes in innovative power generation solutions, including biomass-based Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems for buildings. Their technology converts various biomass feedstocks, such as wood waste, agricultural residues, and organic waste, into clean energy through gasification and oxidation processes. The generated heat and power can be utilized for heating, cooling, and electricity generation, offering a sustainable and efficient energy solution for buildings.
- Uniqueness of the Startup: Ener-Core stands out for its advanced gasification and oxidation technology, which enables the conversion of low-quality biomass feedstocks into high-value energy products with low emissions. Their CHP systems are modular, scalable, and adaptable to different biomass sources and building requirements, providing flexibility and reliability for end-users.
- End-User Segments Addressing: Ener-Core serves a wide range of end-user segments, including commercial and industrial facilities, municipalities, and institutions seeking sustainable energy solutions for buildings. Their biomass-based CHP systems are deployed in applications such as district heating, microgrids, wastewater treatment plants, and agricultural facilities, providing clean and cost-effective energy solutions.
Baxi:
- Technology Enhancement: Baxi is a leading manufacturer of heating and renewable energy solutions, including biomass-based Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems for buildings. Their biomass boilers and CHP units utilize wood pellets, wood chips, or other biomass fuels to generate heat and electricity simultaneously. Baxi’s systems are designed for high efficiency, low emissions, and ease of integration into existing heating systems.
- Uniqueness of the Startup: Baxi stands out for its long history and expertise in heating and energy solutions, with a focus on renewable energy and sustainability. Their biomass-based CHP systems are designed for reliability, performance, and user-friendliness, making them suitable for a wide range of building applications, from residential homes to commercial and industrial facilities.
- End-User Segments Addressing: Baxi serves residential, commercial, and industrial customers looking to reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs through renewable energy solutions. Their biomass-based CHP systems are deployed in buildings such as schools, hospitals, hotels, and manufacturing plants, providing reliable and sustainable heating and power generation.
Hoval:
- Technology Enhancement: Hoval is a leading provider of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions, including biomass-based Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems for buildings. Their biomass boilers and CHP units utilize wood logs, wood chips, or wood pellets as fuel to generate heat and electricity for buildings. Hoval’s systems are designed for high efficiency, low emissions, and integration with renewable energy sources.
- Uniqueness of the Startup: Hoval stands out for its comprehensive range of HVAC solutions and its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Their biomass-based CHP systems are tailored to the specific needs of customers, offering flexibility, reliability, and energy savings for buildings of all sizes and applications.
- End-User Segments Addressing: Hoval serves residential, commercial, and industrial customers seeking energy-efficient and environmentally friendly heating and power solutions. Their biomass-based CHP systems are installed in buildings such as residential complexes, offices, schools, and manufacturing facilities, providing sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions.

Sample Research At Top-Tier Universities

Technical University of Munich (TUM):
- Research Focus: TUM is at the forefront of research on Biomass-Based Combined Heat and Power (CHP) for Buildings, focusing on developing advanced technologies and system solutions for efficient and sustainable biomass utilization in decentralized heating and power generation applications.
- Uniqueness: Their research involves the design, optimization, and integration of biomass combustion, gasification, and CHP systems with innovative heat exchangers, thermal storage, and control strategies to maximize energy efficiency, resource utilization, and emissions reduction. They also investigate the utilization of novel biomass feedstocks, such as agricultural residues, forestry biomass, and energy crops, to diversify biomass supply chains and enhance sustainability.
- End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings, as well as district heating networks. By deploying Biomass-Based CHP systems, TUM’s research contributes to reducing fossil fuel dependence, lowering carbon emissions, and promoting energy independence in urban and rural areas.
University of California, Davis:
- Research Focus: UC Davis conducts innovative research on Biomass-Based Combined Heat and Power (CHP) for Buildings, leveraging its expertise in bioenergy, agricultural engineering, and environmental science to develop integrated biomass utilization systems for sustainable heating and power generation.
- Uniqueness: Their research encompasses the development of biomass conversion technologies, such as pyrolysis, torrefaction, and anaerobic digestion, for producing renewable heat, electricity, and biogas from biomass feedstocks. They also explore co-generation and tri-generation systems that utilize biomass-derived heat for cooling and refrigeration applications, enhancing overall energy efficiency and system performance.
- End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work find applications in residential communities, educational campuses, and agricultural facilities. By harnessing Biomass-Based CHP technologies, UC Davis’s research supports rural development, agricultural waste management, and greenhouse gas mitigation efforts, while providing reliable and affordable energy services to local communities.
Aalto University (Finland):
- Research Focus: Aalto University is engaged in cutting-edge research on Biomass-Based Combined Heat and Power (CHP) for Buildings, leveraging its expertise in energy systems, sustainability, and renewable resources to develop innovative solutions for biomass utilization and decentralized energy generation.
- Uniqueness: Their research involves the integration of biomass CHP systems with district heating networks, industrial processes, and renewable energy sources to create integrated energy systems that optimize resource utilization, energy efficiency, and environmental performance. They also explore the potential of biochar production, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and bioenergy with carbon capture and utilization (BECCU) technologies to enhance carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.
- End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in urban planning, industrial symbiosis, and climate-resilient communities. By advancing Biomass-Based CHP solutions, Aalto University’s research supports Finland’s transition to a low-carbon economy, fosters regional energy independence, and promotes sustainable development in the built environment.

Commercial Implementation

Biomass CHP systems for buildings are commercially available and are being implemented in various building types around the world, including residential homes, apartment buildings, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. For example, Ener-Core has deployed its micro-CHP systems in residential and commercial buildings in Europe and North America.

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