🌱 CST EnviroTech Integrated Biomass–Hydrogen Steam & Energy System for DC Mills

CST EnviroTech’s Integrated Biomass–Hydrogen Steam & Energy System for Coconut Processing Mills is a high-efficiency renewable energy platform designed to supply steam, thermal energy, and electricity while maximizing fuel utilization and minimizing waste. In this system, biomass or MSW briquettes are converted in a gasifier into clean combustible producer gas (CO, H₂, CH₄), with ash safely separated as a by-product. The raw gas passes through a tar separation unit to remove heavy hydrocarbons and particulates before being supplied to an IC engine–alternator for on-site power generation.

The electricity produced supports mill operations and powers an alkaline electrolyser, which generates hydrogen. This hydrogen is blended back into the engine fuel stream to enhance combustion efficiency and increase total energy extraction from the biomass input. Oxygen produced during electrolysis can be safely vented or used for auxiliary applications.

The engine exhaust, typically around 550°C, is recovered in a Heat Recovery Boiler (HRB), where incoming water is converted into steam. This steam is distributed through steam radiators to key coconut processing operations such as coconut washing, drying, and fluidized bed drying (FBD). The controlled thermal energy ensures uniform drying and moisture control, critical for product quality and shelf life. After heat exchange, condensate is collected and reused, improving water efficiency and reducing overall operational costs.

In addition to exhaust heat recovery, thermal energy from the engine jacket water system is also captured and utilized, further enhancing plant efficiency. By integrating power generation, hydrogen enrichment, steam production, and thermal process heating into a single system, the plant achieves maximum resource optimization.

The result is a sustainable, cost-effective energy solution that reduces dependency on conventional fuels, lowers operational expenses, and supports environmentally responsible coconut processing operations.