FAQs

Answers to some of your most asked questions.

How does Enexor’s Bio-CHP™ generate electricity?

The Bio-CHP™ system is different from other bioenergy technologies in that it does not use gasification as a means of power generation. Instead, Bio-CHP™ units use a patented combustion process that breaks down material at a molecular level, leaving only the inorganic elements to be collected as ash.

Enexor’s organic waste fuel supplies do not contain lead, sulphur and other heavy metals. As such, the ash is non-toxic and can at times be used for a variety of agricultural and industrial applications depending on the organic waste fuel source. This process makes the Bio-CHP™ system extremely clean, meeting both US and EU emissions standards and PM2.5 particulate standards – which is the highest global standard. Additionally, this process allows the Bio-CHP™ unit to safely expand acceptable feedstocks, which includes most plastics.

 

What is CHP?

CHP, or Combined Heat and Power, is typically a form of onsite DG that recovers waste heat from the electricity generation process to improve efficiency. Efficiency is improved by utilizing the waste heat for thermal applications offsetting the fuel consumption that would otherwise be needed. Most CHP systems will generate electricity from sources like natural gas, and will use the waste heat from the combustion process as heating for water, HVAC, and industrial processes. Combined with a special type of chiller, known as an absorption chiller, CHP units can also function as CCHP or Combined Cooling, Heat, and Power. CHP and CCHP systems are typically much more efficient (85% efficiency) than the local electric grid, since there are no electrical transmission losses and because waste heat is captured and used instead of being discarded into the environment.

What is Enex-Fuel™?

Enex-Fuel™ is Enexor’s custom blend of locally sourced organic material that is homogenized to produce consistent heat values and moisture content. The custom blend varies location to location, based on the organic waste(s) most prevalent in the area. The blend can include a vast array of combinations including, but not limited to – agrowaste, saw dust, biosolids, unrecyclable plastic and seaweed. Plastic is an ideal component of the overall Enex-Fuel™ blend as it has a very high heat value and no moisture content, making it combine well with components such as spent grains or green wood – both of which have lower heat values and a higher moisture content.

What is Bioenergy?

Bioenergy is a form of renewable energy produced from materials derived from biological sources – also known as organic waste. Organic waste is any material which has stored sunlight in the form of chemical energy. Some of these sources include wood, straw, hemp, sugarcane, and seaweed. Enexor uses a mix of organic waste known as Enex-Fuel™ to create clean, low-emissions energy directly from organic waste.

What is Distributed Generation?

Distributed generation (“DG”), also distributed energy, on-site generation (“OSG”) or district/decentralized energy is electrical generation and storage performed by a variety of small, grid-connected, or stand alone (non grid connected), or distribution system-connected devices referred to as distributed energy resources (“DER”). DG is common among larger energy consumers who have a central plant connecting all major building/campus mechanical systems. The Enexor Bio-CHP™ system is classified as a DG system.

What is Net Metering?

Many utility companies have a net metering policy which allows customers who generate electricity onsite to offset their excess generation with peak consumption. Think of it like a virtual battery. Any “extra” electricity generated is fed into the grid through a bi-directional meter. The energy fed into the grid is credited to your account, and you typically have 11 months to use those credits. For example, if a majority of your energy consumption is Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, most of the energy generated by your DG system on weekends will be stored as credits for future use during peak hours, or when your DG system is undergoing maintenance or fails to meet demand.

Net metering is operated by utilities, but mandated by state legislators. The ability to net meter is usually part of a renewable energy portfolio, typically set by state DOE or a public utilities department (as applicable). The details of local net metering plans vary from state to state and country. Some localities operate under a use-it-or-lose-it model, while some pay credits (which can vary quire a bit).

Essentially, the grid is not only used as a place to send electrons, which are not stored, but is used as the peak supplier allows to operate at maximum power full-time – maximizing the value of the DG asset.

What is a Microgrid?

A microgrid is a local, interconnected energy system within clearly-defined electrical boundaries. It incorporates decentralized energy resources, including storage; multiple energy sources or electrical-only; grid-connected or off-grid mode; a single entity with its own independent control in both modes; power ranges from several kW to multiple mW, with voltage ranging up to mV. Microgrids provide practical and accessible answers to improve energy reliability, resiliency, and energy accessibility, among other things. Microgrids are being used to rapidly electrify developing markets, while also finding applications in established areas as a means of stabilization and decentralization. Another major advantage of microgrids is the elimination of expensive transmission lines that are usually needed for a small community.

What is a circular economy and how does Enexor BioEnergy fit in?

A circular economy is an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources. In most parts of the world, products are landfilled or discarded in a take, make, waste fashion. Enexor seeks to close the loop by deriving value from waste products while returning them to the earth in their natural form. This new step in the chain adds value for communities, incentivizing modern and rural communities alike to take up a different view on their waste.