Report
Teaser, summary, work performed and final results
Periodic Reporting for period 1 - OPTIFUEL (A reliable and transparent solid biofuels online quality control system)
Teaser
Target of the feasibility study was to determine the technological, practical and economic viability of Inray’s business idea: A reliable and transparent solid biofuels online quality control system (OPTIFUEL). Feasibility study was carried out 1st of October 2014 to 31st of...
Summary
Target of the feasibility study was to determine the technological, practical and economic viability of Inray’s business idea: A reliable and transparent solid biofuels online quality control system (OPTIFUEL). Feasibility study was carried out 1st of October 2014 to 31st of January 2015. Feasibility study included following activities:
1. End-user survey
2. Partner search
3. IPR study
4. Elaborated business plan
Work performed
End-user survey’s target was to clarify practices of the solid fuel quality control and fuel payment basis in selected EU countries. Target was also to study authority requirements of fuel quality control. Main findings of the end-user survey was that quality control practices varies a lot and in many cases quality control is in very low level and with online quality control systems current situation could be improved significantly. Authority requirements do not limit the use of online measurement systems if quality assurance of the method is assured.
Partner search target was to find partners from energy companies and power plant suppliers for Phase 2 project and for future co-operation. Main result was finding two power plant partners for OPTIFUEL long-term demonstration in Phase2 project.
Target of the IPR study was to accomplish novelty search, update Inray’s IPR strategy and to do preliminary agreement with partners of sharing IPR’s in the Phase 2 project. Main results were FTO (freedom to operate) analysis and updated IPR strategy. The FTO is showing that Inray’s product, is not infringing valid intellectual property rights of others. Agreements with demonstration partner of sharing IPR’s were not done and were decided to complete during phase 2 project.
Target of the elaborated business plan was to update and complete Inray’s business plan with market studies and business model evaluations. Main results were market studies of selected countries, new business model, and elaborated business plan and investor material.
Final results
Expected final results of feasibility study is Phase2 demonstration project, which would speed-up the commercialization of a reliable and transparent solid biofuels online quality control system (OPTIFUEL). Phase 2 project’s specific objectives are:
- Development of solid biofuel quality control and combustion optimization technology;
- Performance verification and certification;
- Demonstration in field environment at customer premises;
- Dissemination of the information to the potential customers, partners and general public.