Fuels for Schools, David Gillen

At the SAF meeting I listen to Robert Taylor talk about fuels for schools. This tied in with the topic that I researched the previous week titled; Utilization of Low Value Wood for Biofuel in Schools or Other Institutions.
Mt. View School is located near the Pocono’s, and uses wood as a biofuel in the school. The school has two buildings that are approximately 200,000 sq. ft. In 1991 a wood boiler was purchased to provide heat for the high, and elementary school. The two school are 1 ¼ mi. apart.
Robert explained that 350 cu. yards of wood chips usually lasts about three to four days. This supply can sometimes fluctuate depending on the outside temperature. Robert added that the system is very efficient, and has not broken for the 17 years.. Robert gave a brief description of how the machine worked. He explained that wood chips run on a belt which heads to an auger. This in turn goes to a hopper which dumps the chips into the boiler.
Combustion within the boiler reaches temperatures of 1900ºF. Because of this high temperature very little ash accumulates from burning the wood chips. Any ash that does remain however is removed to another hopper. These emissions are in turn used for fertilizers, and used for removal of ice at the schools.
Robert emphasized the benefits that are coming out this system. The benefits included saving money, reduced oil combustion, and reduced costs of maintenance. Robert also said that the cost of 1 ton of wood chips is equal to the price of 6 gallons of oil! In 2005 the school saved $68,000 from burning wood rather than oil. As of today the school has saved $89,000.
In tying this presentation with what I have already researched I can say with confidence that this system of heating is more economical, environmental, and even more efficient than oil. When researching this topic I did not find many industries or schools in the United States using this particular system. However, European nations are using this system much more, and are beginning to perfect the system. With what I have learned from my research, and the presentation of this topic, I can say that this system is the way of future, and will become a major heating source in the years to come.