Used biomass boiler question

[Beefsmith]

Hi, we’ve been to look at a used boiler to install for grain drying. Its comes with a full history of records of servicing, heat output etc. We can transfer the rhi which has been confirmed by Ofgem who have given us a check sheet to look at because obviously down the line we could have an inspection.
Is there a calculation or theme between total boiler output (kWh) and boiler running hours? Reason we ask is that the boiler only burns when heat is required but obviously is still running when it’s not burning because it’s pumping water? I’m not sure if we are over complicating things by even thinking about this?
The figures in question are 18100kwh and 77200 hours.
Or is there anything else we should be checking for due diligence?

 

[Doing it for the kids]

What boiler / fuel?

 

[f0ster]

the make of boiler and the availability of spare parts is a good place to start. almost anything Austrian made should be ok for years and years.

 

[Fogg]

If the 77200hrs just means it's been switched on, I'd not worry.

18100kwh for 8yrs isn't much output. Are those numbers right? It's got to be a tiny boiler!

 

[Beefsmith]

What boiler / fuel?

Linka and it can burn various fuels on the paperwork.
Probably a better question is what’s required on an inspection by Ofgem?

 

[rollestonpark]

Probably a better question is what’s required on an inspection by Ofgem?

In my experience, they inspect EVERYTHING.
But never volunteer anything unless directly asked. Don't speak unless asked a question. (to be honest this is a principle I follow for any inspection nowadays)

You will require a current emission certificate for your planned fuel, that is upto date and is exactly how they want to see.
Nowadays that will likely mean doing a test. And they aren't that easy to pass. No pass, no RHI.
Planning permission documents.

They will inspect/want to see EVERY fuel delivery ticket since the start.
Meter calibration certificates (think they need new ones every 10 years).

There will be much more that this, but these tend to be the problem areas

 

[Doing it for the kids]

I think the boilers themselves are good, all though they like a bit of power!
@warksfarmer has one

 

[FarmerD89]

I worked for a biomass log drying firm as an engineer being used to larger megawatt chicken litter burners, very quickly found out their only goal in life was to lie to their insurer and ofgem, so the only real idea of a boiler was to get into it, and had horrible habits of having the head engineer swap meters round between sites to give false tariff readings or corroborate them. Go have a look check the refractory concrete as this will set you back a good few grand to sort. Check the cross over has not become too hot and warped the dividing panels, check the exhaust fan motor and bearings for noise when cold, ask for the unit to be ramped up to 100% on primary air and secondary, I’d avoid anything your unsure of as it will bite you in the arse. There’s a binder biomass boiler man floating around Ipswich who talks the talk but does not have a clue and leaves safety micro switches off on every panel he gets near.

 

[Beefsmith]

In my experience, they inspect EVERYTHING.
But never volunteer anything unless directly asked. Don't speak unless asked a question. (to be honest this is a principle I follow for any inspection nowadays)

You will require a current emission certificate for your planned fuel, that is upto date and is exactly how they want to see.
Nowadays that will likely mean doing a test. And they aren't that easy to pass. No pass, no RHI.
Planning permission documents.

They will inspect/want to see EVERY fuel delivery ticket since the start.
Meter calibration certificates (think they need new ones every 10 years).

There will be much more that this, but these tend to be the problem areas

Thank you. Who does the emission certificate?
Why do we need planning for this? It’s smaller than a shipping container and will sit in an adjoining shed to the grain store. There’s only about 20m of pipe needed to get an exchanger in front of the fan.
The fuel will be in house as it’ll be straw out of our fields so we’ll weigh it as each load comes in but then it’ll be put into a straw shed for storage. Do we have to weigh it out into the boiler as all I’ll have is a grand total of each load.

 

[555]

Beef smith Hi. Andrew from Manco Energy here. I am the importer of the Linka Boiler you have or will have. If you have any questions happy to help . Andrew 07507 562954

 

[rollestonpark]

Thank you. Who does the emission certificate?
Why do we need planning for this? It’s smaller than a shipping container and will sit in an adjoining shed to the grain store. There’s only about 20m of pipe needed to get an exchanger in front of the fan.
The fuel will be in house as it’ll be straw out of our fields so we’ll weigh it as each load comes in but then it’ll be put into a straw shed for storage. Do we have to weigh it out into the boiler as all I’ll have is a grand total of each load.

1 of the first things Ofgem will ask, 'provide planning permission for the boiler' if you think you don't need planning (unlikely in Ofgem's eyes) you need to provide a letter from the council that you don't.
If you don't satisfy this requirement, then wave goodbye to the RHI.

This applies to current installs as well. On an inspection/audit of a current boiler, they will ask for the planning. No planning, then your kicked off the scheme. Maybe have to repay the money etc etc.

With the straw, assuming you pass the emissions test (very big assume there), you might be OK if you count the bales you use or something. Ofgem are very particular about how much fuel your using and matching that against the meter readings. So I'd get clarification about what your suppose to do on that one from Ofgem and keep their response safe, as you might have to fight them with what was agreed when that audit comes.

There are companies around that do the emission certificates, but you need to be sure its written out exactly how Ofgem want it, else they will reject it and your back to square one, unless the emissions test company are willing to alter it without a new test.

I can suggest a testing company if it helps (that I have used).

Chris

 

[555]

The boiler is accredited to burn straw as well as various other non standard fuels - coffee for one .All certs are updated and have been accepted. No need to be retested.Planning or proof of no planning is needed. On the fuel side you just need to demonstrate average weight of bales and tally bales on the conveyor .

 

[555]

Oh, and as long as it was originally commissioned before Dec 18 no need for the MPCD unroll 2029.,