As awareness of environmental issues increases, so do energy prices. Modest in size and efficient to run, modern biomass boilers are being promoted as an affordable renewable energy source with a low environmental impact.
Danfoss is helping the switch to greener energy solutions
During the last three years, the number of small solid fuel boilers in use has increased by 25 percent. There are an estimated 5 million units installed worldwide today – and if energy prices continue to rise, we can expect this number to increase at an even greater rate in the next three years. Danfoss, with its strong record of environmental responsibility, is gearing up for this growth with the introduction of the BVTS thermostatic valve.
Thermostatic valves play two very important roles in small, solid fuel boilers. The first is to sprinkle water onto the bio-mass fuel if the burning process moves backwards into the fuel feed screw and magazine. The second is to dissipate excess heat so that the water temperature does not exceed 100°C in the boiler.
The BVTS has been developed from the AVTA thermostatic valve, which is still commonly used in back burning safety applications. But where the AVTA is adjustable – the BVTS is pre-set to open at a temperature of 95°C – which is mandatory for safety components in the heat dissipation application. The BVTS is intended for boilers under 100 kW, which corresponds to the limit of the valve flow cooling capacity. The BVTS is based on reliable, mature technology at a competitive price – the result of Danfoss’ many years producing tight thermostatic valves.
Because of their very high resistance to dirt, Danfoss valves are particularly well-suited to this demanding environment. Combined with Danfoss’ other traditional strengths – long-life, space-saving and ease of installation and servicing – the BVTS is a natural choice for this growing market segment.
Of the various renewable energy sources available today, biomass has been singled out as the most promising. The European Commission’s White Paper for a Community-wide strategy and action plan calls for a doubling in the proportion of energy consumption produced from renewable sources, aiming at 12 percent of total energy consumption by 2010 in the EU. Potentially, this would correspond to the need to install around 350,000 new bio-mass boilers a year – all in need of reliable, affordable thermostatic valves.
For more information please visit www.danfoss.com/biomass
By Jørn E. Rasmussen, Product Market Director
