Boilers making most of wood waste Last year proved pivotal for Polytechnik Biomass Energy, which in 2011, entered the Australasian market with state-of-the-art low emission technology for the utilisation of biomass for energy generation. Christian Jirkowsky, general manager of the Austrian firm’s New Zealand operation says there were “many highlights” during 2014, including the company’s first local customer, K&L Nurseries winning the EECA Supreme and Small to Medium business awards for its Polytechnik biomass boiler system. “We also enjoyed the successful start-up of our first boiler plants in Australia; and the installation of New Zealand’s most advanced wood energy plant at Zealandia Horticulture in Christchurch,” he says. Among other projects the firm was also awarded the contract to establish an advanced and high efficiency steam boiler plant system at Burwood Hospital in Christchurch, which will see it supply two wood fired boilers and one diesel back-up boiler, replacing its old and inefficient coal boiler plant. “We are now dealing with large New Zealand companies, with our plants getting bigger and more sophisticated as time goes on. It is very pleasing.” One of the main advantages of Polytechnik biomass boilers over other wood boilers is superior fuel-handling capability allowing its customers to tap into wood waste streams. They are also designed to accept fuels with moisture contents of up to 60 percent, with the fuel dried in the boiler before it is gasified and completely combusted. “This means customers can use much cheaper fuel sources and significantly reduce running costs,” says Jirkowsky. K&L Nurseries was able to use wood and green waste as a fuel source, and are already saving around $100,000 a year in energy costs. The biomass boilers are also a far greener alternative to coal boilers, which produce thousands of tonnes of carbon and sulphur dioxide as well as other hazardous emissions each year. Polytechnik has more than 50 years experience in the engineering, manufacture, installation and commissioning of biomass fired heat and power plants, which generate energy from renewable biomass.
Polytechnik has more than 50 years experience in the engineering, manufacture, installation and commissioning of biomass fired heat and power plants, which generate energy from renewable biomass. Its boilers have a thermal output ranging from 300kW to 30,000 kW with various combustion systems and combinations able to be employed depending on the available fuel. A range of mediums such as hot water, air, hot gases, super-heated water, saturated and superheated steam, and thermal oil can be utilised within the system to transfer the resultant energy. “Our engineers work closely with clients to tailor the solutions specifically to their needs,” he says. The firm opened its New Zealand office Polytechnik Biomass Energy Pty Ltd in 2011 and is the only European wood/biomass boiler manufacturer with an established base here.
Polytechnik says its biomass boilers have superior fuel-handling capability allowing its customers to tap into wood waste streams.
“Although the initial capital outlay may be greater, a 50 percent saving in fuel costs provides a significant return on the investment, and helps the system to pay for itself in a very short time.” “We are a fully established subsidiary branch, and part of the Polytechnik worldwide group which means our customers don’t have to worry about additional mark-ups. “They are also provided with full financial guarantees and warranties on the products and can talk directly with the boiler supplier if they have any questions or ideas.” The firm has partnered with Energy Plant Solutions in Palmerston North and Energence in Australia who provide distribution and installation services. “We operate in a specialised boiler market, so rather than compete with these firms, we contract their resources when we need them, which works well for everyone. This arrangement also allows us to keep our overheads low and plants cheaper for our customers without compromising the support,” says Jirkowsky.” Some other New Zealand projects which Polytechnik has been involved with include working for Energy Plant Solutions on the installation of a 14MW gas-fuelled boiler for Guardian’s dairy plant in Balclutha, and on a 32MW gas-fuelled plant for Fonterra in Pahiatua which it is currently installing. Jirkowsky says the timber and sawmill industry is a logical target market for Polytechnik
in New Zealand given Energy Plant Solutions’ expertise in servicing wood boilers for these industries; and the fact Polytechnik’s has 3000 reference plants and is a market leader in Russia’s sawmilling industry. “We’ve already had numerous enquiries from firms in these sectors which look promising. “Once we’ve demonstrated the advantages of an advanced biomass boiler systems to the New Zealand sawmilling industry we believe we can make a difference in terms of lowering their energy and operating costs and emissions.” Polytechnik was recently honoured with Austria’s Coat of Arms, which recognises industry leaders in their fields, and was a “great honour”, he says. Overall Jirkowsky is happy with the company’s progress in Australasia. “It’s still early days but after selling ten boilers with a thermal capacity of over 20 MW in New Zealand and Australia in the last two years we’re getting more and more enquiries as people begin to appreciate the benefits of advanced biomass systems. “Although the initial capital outlay may be greater, a 50 percent saving in fuel costs provides a significant return on the investment, and helps the system to pay for itself in a very short time.”
81 St Andrews Road, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand
T: +64 6 211 3496 F: +64 6 877 4607 E: office@polytechnik.co.nz W: www.polytechnik.com