Go Green: Biodiesel in boiler is OK, so far

In November, the UW-Green Bay heating plant started burning a blend of standard fuel oil with 20 percent biodiesel (fuel generated from plant sources instead of oil). A separate fuel system was installed to store and deliver the biodiesel to the trial boiler. The boiler ignited without problems and produces a stable flame with very little difference from earlier performance marks. The trial will continue through winter with periodic boiler shutdowns for inspection and maintenance. A fuel blend with progressively higher amounts of biodiesel will be introduced after each shutdown. The project will evaluate fuel handling properties, boiler efficiency, boiler emissions and cost to operate. Bio-fuel was introduced to the boiler as part of the Governor’s initiative to move UW-Green Bay and the entire state toward using more renewable energy sources. The data and experience gained during this trial will be used to evaluate the future use of biodiesel fuel at other state of Wisconsin heating plants.