File:Proof of Concept Pyrolysis System Design-Final Report.pdf

This report documents the design and manufacturing of a continuous screw pyrolysis unit within the scope of a capstone project.

ABSTRACT: There is currently a need to design new energy and waste management systems which are capable of mitigating climate change while maintaining commercial viability. This report documents the overall system design and subsequent detailed design undertaken in the development of a proof of concept (POC) pyrolysis bioenergy system in the context of an undergraduate mechanical engineering CAPSTONE project. The project was selected based on the current need to design new energy and waste management systems capable of mitigating climate change while maintaining commercial viability. This report along with the manufactured POC will be used as a stepping stone towards the ultimate goal of manufacturing a fully functional prototype capable of mitigating climate change through the production of sustainable energy carriers from organic waste. The commercially viability of this project will depend on the trend in global markets to start pricing externalities such as carbon dioxide emissions. If this trend continues carbon markets will continue to develop and mature over time. Once these markets are fully integrated into our economic system companies will be aggressively seeking new forms of energy in order to avoid the cost of carbon dioxide emissions. The energy carriers generated through pyrolysis can be sold as sustainable energy sources, or in the case of Biochar, can be used as a carbon sink. Pyrolysis systems can thus produce sustainable sources of energy while simultaneously sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. Early entry into this underdeveloped market is critical for strategic placement and future commercial success.