SPACE HEATING USING SMALL-SCALE FLUIDIZED-BEDS - A TECHNOECONOMIC EVALUATION

The technical and economic feasibility of small-scale fluidized-bed fu rnaces (SSFBF) for providing residential space and domestic hot water heating in Nova Scotia is analysed. A model of the provincial housing stock is developed to estimate the residential energy consumption for domestic space and hot water heating. The number of dwellings in the p rovince is estimated from available statistical data, and the heating equipment in these dwellings is classified by type, age, and principal heating fuel. Market share levels are assumed for the new and replace ment residential housing markets, and the number of SSFBFs required fo r those levels is calculated. The amount of coal water slurry (CWS) fu el used by the SSFBFs is calculated, and the quantities of oil, wood, and coal displaced by the CWS, as well as the number of jobs created b y the adoption of SSFBF technology, are estimated. A procedure is deve loped to design SSFBFs in the 15 250 kW capacity range. Computer progr ams are developed, based on this procedure, to calculate the furnace d esign and performance parameters. The manufacturing cost, and the annu al fuel and maintenance costs of SSFBFs are estimated, as were the cap ital, and annual fuel and maintenance costs of various residential hea ting systems. From these estimated costs, economic analyses are carrie d out using the annualized cost and total present worth methods. The f indings of this work indicate that SSFBF technology is technically fea sible, and is economically superior to conventional oil, wood and coal fired systems for residential space and domestic hot water heating.