Wood Biomass Systems

Ecofirst has wide ranging experience in the design and installation of renewable heat technologies. We have a particular specialism in wood biomass systems but we can also offer solar thermal systems and heat pumps. Very often the best solution will involve a combination of renewable heat technologies, i.e. a biomass boiler system augmented by a solar thermal system, and to deliver this successfully requires a particular emphasis on design engineering and system integration, which Ecofirst offers.

Wood biomass systems are very often the best renewable heating solution in retrofit situations, particularly where significant improvements to the thermal performance of a building are impossible or impractical.

For properties currently heated by oil, wood biomass can often be a very attractive alternative both in terms of reducing cost and carbon emissions. The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which is set to be introduced in April 2011, will make the replacement of an oil boiler with a wood biomass boiler particularly attractive.

Ecofirst can install a wide variety of wood biomass systems taking into account ready sources of fuel, availability or lack of facility management personnel and machinery on site, space restrictions and the integrity of the property concerned.

Boilers and Stoves

Ecofirst selects from a wide range of biomass stoves and boilers ensuring that the product selected meets the requirements of the client. In our Technical Centre in Yeovil, we have run simulated control and output programmes for several weeks on behalf of clients to ensure smooth installation and operation on site. From large output log, chip or waste wood systems, through highly efficient wood pellet boilers, down to attractive biomass stoves, we have unique experience in a wide range of manufacturer’s products. This includes radiant and convection heating in a wide variety of property types and designing and installing the appropriate flue type to meet site and environmental conditions.

If there is immediate access to logs, for use as they are or in a wood chip form, then we would assess the client’s needs from that perspective. Alternatively if waste wood is available, this would influence the solution we would put forward. However, if minimal management and a near oil or off grid gas ‘experience’ operation is required with low ash and particulate outputs then wood pellet fuelled units might be more appropriate.

Wood biomass boilers are uniquely suited for replacement of oil or off grid gas units. Although idiosyncratic in their operation, Ecofirst can make them work with existing controls or minimal adjustments in most cases, making retrofit a very viable option. In recent times new build projects have been designed around biomass heating and Ecofirst has been heavily involved in such projects. In some cases this has even involved development of new boilers with our sister organisation Woodpecker Energy to deliver a concise solution to the client’s needs.

District Heating Systems

Ecofirst’s experience in this type of work has included projects retro-fitting to replace several separate properties’ electric heating units and using on site available biomass fuels for a central boiler, as well as new build accommodation blocks. Laying at times miles of highly insulated fusion welded district heating pipe work across a multiple-building site brings economies of scale by avoiding the production of excess amounts of heat per property.

Ecofirst has a particular specialism in district heating systems powered by wood biomass, usually wood chip or pellet. We have designed and installed systems for both new build and retrofit projects, ranging from new build housing to commercial/mixed use retrofit.

You can find biofuel suppliers with the new National Biofuel Supply Database interactive map http://nbsd.carbontrust.co.uk/