Biomass, consisting of wood, plant residues, and waste, is an important component of renewable energies and helps to reduce the use of fossil fuels. However, its storage poses a major fire protection risk. Ultimately, biochemical processes can lead to dangerous temperature increases and spontaneous combustion. This is all the more problematic since biomass fires cannot be extinguished with water and are difficult to fight. To ensure the safety of biomass plants, it therefore makes sense to have an early detection system for the heating of biofuels. This is precisely what a large district heating plant in southern Sweden has implemented using innovative JUMO technologies.
Visualisation of temperature measurement in biomass
The fire protection system for biomass plants was realised by the JUMO Wtrans B, a head transmitter with wireless measured value transmission, which is available in different standard lengths depending on the size of the biomass stack. The sensor can be used either as a lance or in a screw-in version and can be easily inserted into the centre of the stack thanks to its sturdy handle. Made of stainless steel, it is resistant to cellulose acids and high temperatures, which ensures a long service life and high reliability. Individual lengths are available on request for special requirements.
The signal from the fire protection sensor is transmitted wirelessly and almost interference-free at a radio frequency of 868.4 MHz to the JUMO Wtrans receiver T01, which supports up to 16 sensors. Thanks to the optimal placement of the antenna and antenna amplifier, ranges of over 2 km can be achieved. Low battery levels are indicated by the receiver at an early stage, so that functional reliability in the monitoring system is always guaranteed.
Fire protection system for biomass
For large plants requiring more than 16 sensors, the receiver can be replaced by the JUMO variTRON 300 modular PLC, which enables the operation of up to 32 sensors and can also be expanded.
The measured values can be transferred directly to the JUMO Cloud or JUMO smartWARE SCADA, enabling quick, easy, and browser-based access to all process data. This makes it easy to monitor even larger biomass plants with numerous stacks at a central location in a single dashboard.
The new fire protection system ensures the early detection of overheating in all biomass stacks. This includes biofuels such as wood chips, pellets and sawdust, agricultural products such as straw, hay, grain and peat, as well as waste from waste centres. The system ensures safe operation, prevents fires and minimises energy losses and negative environmental impacts. In addition, time and resources are saved because the stacks no longer have to be turned over preventively, but only when there is actually a risk of dangerous overheating. Reliable radio transmission and flexible sensor integration enable continuous monitoring, which supports sustainable and efficient use of biomass.
