Ener-Core Powerstation FP250 at U.S. Army Base Landfill in Fort Benning, GA
Transforming Low-Btu Landfill Gas into Clean Onsite Power
Click here to read about the FP250's Independent Emissions Testing Results Click here to download a Case Study on the FP250 at Fort Benning
In November 2011, Ener-Core commissioned a FP250 field test unit at the U.S. Army base at Fort Benning, Georgia. The Fort Benning FP250 project was funded by the DoD Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (“ESTCP”), which seeks innovative and cost-effective technologies to address high-priority environmental and energy requirements for the DoD. We were a subcontractor to Southern Research Institute (“SRI”), a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) scientific research organization that conducts advanced research in environmental, energy, and other fields.
As part of the ESTCP protocol, SRI conducted independent verification tests in October 2012. Exhaust emission measurements were taken per standard EPA reference methods. Among the results, which will be published formally in coming months by SRI, the FP250 emitted far below the allowable NOx limits of California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) 2013 waste gas standards, considered among the strictest in the world. To our knowledge, the FP250 is the only power generation solution to meet this standard using a gas turbine or reciprocating engine without chemicals or catalysts.
The Fort Benning project provided us with an opportunity to successfully operate the FP250 on a closed landfill with application challenges. First, the landfill collection system initially provided fuel of insufficient volume to operate the unit. Our team adapted the unit to accept supplementary fuel in addition to the LFG. Also, an unreliable electric grid caused impediments to operation. Our team addressed this application challenge by modifying the hardware and software to ensure robust, continuous operation in this harsh environment. In addition to overcoming these application challenges, we also made key improvements to core components, such as the filter, insulation systems, and system controls. These changes and improvements will be included in future applications and the commercial product.
The Fort Benning FP250 now is property of the base, and we are working with SRI and the Army on a successful transition to full commercial operation.