Report
Teaser, summary, work performed and final results
Periodic Reporting for period 1 - KB plus (Ultra Compact and Highly Eco-efficient Heating System)
Teaser
Compact water boilers are commonly used in small to medium size boats for heating and hot water. The most compact ones are also used to heat up the cabin of buses and heavy trucks or RVs in cold weather. This equipment is generally run on diesel, because electrical boilers are...
Summary
Compact water boilers are commonly used in small to medium size boats for heating and hot water. The most compact ones are also used to heat up the cabin of buses and heavy trucks or RVs in cold weather. This equipment is generally run on diesel, because electrical boilers are not so powerful or would need very high capacity batteries. The performance of current technologies is often between 75% and 90% the lower heating value of diesel. Our objective is to reach levels of up to 106% this value through blue efficiency: fuel burns at temperatures of around 1,560 C, and as the combustion is almost complete there is no soot generate (what reduces maintenance costs and keeps performance with use). The second objective is to make these diesel boilers hybrid (electric-diesel) and adaptable to biodiesel. Higher performance and hybrid technology mean fuel and maintenance savings for end users, and lower carbon, NO2, SOx and particles emission.
Work performed
KB+ is a step forward with respect to KB Ecoline, the first series of water boilers including blue efficiency. We have developed TRL6 prototypes after a project that started in 2016 and supported with our own resources. Thanks to the H2020 SME Instrument Phase 1 program, in the last 4 months we have been able to validate the technical, commercial and financial viability of our novel technology. We have identified necessary technical tasks and have estimated the costs of manufacturing the water boilers that we will send (covering the 8 to 100 kW range). We consider three distribution channels: dealers, ship and vehicle builders, dealers and owners. We have identified risks and analysed competitors and competing technologies. We have conceived communication, dissemination and exploitation plans to reach our target and involve stakeholders. Sales forecasts anticipate a profitable business even in a pessimistic scenario.
Final results
KB+ series leads to fuel savings for heating small boats and some wheeled vehicles of 30%, on average, in comparison to current technologies. It reduces greenhouse gas and pollutant gas emission in the same rate (or even more thanks to the capability for using biodiesel). And even more thanks to the use of electricity when hoteling or when batteries or PV panels contribute. Consequently, people working in the maritime sector or in road transport, or those enjoining recreational boats or vehicles will low operational costs time for reparations. In summary this technology will make portable heating more efficient and less pollutant.
Website & more info
More info: http://kabolaheaters.nl.