Beautiful Machines

According to the latest survey published by the International Energy Agency [IEA, Key World Energy Statistics 2012], combustion processes remain by far the main energy resource. The world’s current annual primary energy supply is estimated with 12.7 Gtoe (16.9 TW). 81% of these are provided by conventional combustion of oil, coal and natural gas. This value is extended to 91% when considering combustion of biomass and waste.

This is what we need for our living standards. This is what is being used by all of our thermal processes. This is what our civilisation depends on.

We need time. Make a better management of the remaining natural resources, and extract more energy out of them for a lower environmental impact. Now. This is advanced combustion management, and the engineering office Combustion Bay One was designed for this.

We know that natural resources are shortening. We are also aware of the exhaust emissions and their direct impact on the environment. Renewable energies are rising, and decentralised energy production goes towards a more rational use and less dependency. However, facts are facts. Renewable energies need time before they catch-up and eventually achieve a significant level.

If a significant step can be done in the short term, it definitely lies on the side of thermal machinery. More efficiency, less emissions, more security and operability, more elegance. This is what we combustion engineers call beautiful machines.

5% fuel burn reduction is possible

At Combustion Bay One, we believe that the rising curve in energy needs can be inflected with an amelioration of combustion technology. One can make an interesting social analogy. Compare our dynamic and vibrant society with a common 40 years-something person who is fully part of it, but who suffers a slight overweight. Nothing bad, but enough to feel uncomfortable a few seconds in front of the mirror in the morning. Oh, yes, a weight reduction would not arm. 5% less weight? Yes of course it is possible, if only I had the time, if only I had the will...

If this character had the will, he would live longer. As simple as this.

Back to the planet’s scale, back to our energy needs, back to your company''s thermal processes, it is the same. Based on a rational use of resources, and implementing the latest technologies even as a retrofit, a 5% reduction in fuel costs related to an even higher reduction in GHG gases is a goal within reach. With a bit of an effort, with a bit of a motivation, and with a bit of good faith. This is what CBOne can help you to achieve.

The MethaNull Programme

An example: MethaNull – Towards zero Methane emissions in the atmosphere. This research programme at CBOne aims to burn gases with low heat contents under enhanced operation and safety conditions. Heat extraction is therefore made possible, combined to a lower environmental impact. According to the data provided by the Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership (GGFR), the global amount of gas flared – or more simply said, of wasted hydrocarbon resources - corresponds to 30% of the annual consumption of natural gas of the EU. It also contributes to 1,2% of the greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. Our intention is to provide within a 3-years frame a portable technology based on pulse combustion. The industry who will use this technology will reduce its energy costs by making a better use of the energy resources it has at hand, and it will significantly reduce its impact on the environment. The pilot phase of MethaNull was kindly sponsored by the FFG (project 836583 / MethaNull). As a result a concept for a flexible system was developed.

It is able to precisely tune combustion even when using aggressive gases (hot flow, elevated moisture, with impurities, strongly fluctuating gas contents). Comparing this system to conventional, a pilot gas reduction equivalent to 10% of the total heat is achievable, with a combustion efficiency very near to 100%. In the next step of MethaNull we move towards demonstration.