Learn more about the hardworking Project Investigators behind the Waste to Wisdom project. Click the photos for more information on each team member.
Project Management
Reports and other deliverables will be provided in accordance with the Federal Assistance Reporting Checklist. Additional deliverables will be submitted as required including attending Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored Peer Review meetings every other year, and occasional sponsored seminars or workshops.
Feedstock Development
The Feedstock Development team will apply field-based experimental studies to develop strategies and methods of sorting and arranging forest residues resulting from timber harvesting and fuel reduction thinning operations. The goal is to develop a feedstock supply that 1) minimizes contamination, 2) facilitates comminution, 3) improves moisture content control, and 4) improves handling and transportation efficiency.
Subtask 1.1 : Sorting and arranging forest residues
Subtask 1.2 : Densification of loose forest residues
Subtask 1.3 : Production of high quality feedstocks through comminution
Subtask 1.4 : Controlling feedstock size with new screening technologies
Subtask 1.5 : Centralized biomass feedstock operations supporting biomass conversion technologies
Subtask 1.6 : Integration of biomass conversion technologies with landscape level planning and transportation logistics
Conversion Technologies
The Conversion Technologies team proposes to develop and test three biomass conversion technologies: specifically a biochar production system, a torrefier/pelletizer, and a briquetter. Project activities will focus on the development of biomass conversion technologies that are energy-independent, compatible with a wide range of biomass feedstocks, and are ready for commercialization.
Subtask 2.1 : Scale up and development of field ready unit
Subtask 2.2 : Testing and field deployment
Subtask 2.3 : Adapt unit for field readiness and operation
Subtask 2.4 : Scale up unit, and field deployment and testing
Subtask 2.5 : Assess suitability of commercial briquetting unit for field operation
Subtask 2.6 : Operate a briquetting unit
Subtask 2.7 : Assess potential to utilize waste heat for energy input needs
Subtask 2.8 : Test biomass conversion technologies using a variety of residue types and tree species under field conditions
Subtask 2.9 : Perform data analysis and report on outcomes
Sustainability Analysis
The Sustainability Analysis team will evaluate the economic feasibility, along with the social and environmental impacts, of the three proposed in-woods biomass conversion technologies studied in the Conversion Technologies technical area. Incorporated into these evaluations will be integrated analyses of the sorting, collection and comminution operations studied in the Feedstock Development technical area. A life cycle analysis will be performed to identify tradeoffs between uses from both an economic and environmental perspective. A community outreach program will help to identify local concerns as well as establish effective communications between the project team and the local community(ies) and promote the adoption of the biomass conversion technologies.
