NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Gwich'in Settlement Area

Tags: energy, engineering, economic feasibility

Objective(s): To determine the economic, social, and environmental value from local production of pellets for biomass boilers.

Project Description: Aurora Research Institute (ARI) will determine the economic, social, and environmental value from local production of pellets for biomass boilers. During this study ARI work with an industry partner to evaluate and improve the quality of the product, and measure the efficiency and maintenance costs imposed by the cardboard pellet fuel source. Collection of waste cardboard will take place in partnership with largest waste cardboard producers in Inuvik, including Stanton Distributing, and the Inuvik Regional Hospital. This cardboard will be processed into pellets using a shredder and pellet mill installed in a Delta Enterprises facility in Inuvik. The proposed location for the pellet mill is 130 Veteran’s Way, next to the Mackenzie Hotel. The cardboard pellets will be burnt in Delta Enterprises owned boilers and stoves in the Mackenzie Hotel and in a selection of residential units around Inuvik. Select batches of pellets (expected to total about 100kg) will be sent to the University of British Colombia’s Biomass and Bioenergy Research Group for testing. Here the pellets will be tested for their heat energy and ash content in a bomb calorimeter, and for durability in a variety of handling and drop tests. The results of this testing will be used to advise changes in the additives and process used to manufacture the pellets in order to improve their properties. Posters and pamphlets about this project will be shared with East Three School and the Inuvik Youth Centre in order to increase participation in the residential waste cardboard diversion. Posters will also be put up around Inuvik to advertise where to get more information about the project, and where to drop off residential waste cardboard. ARI staff will share the results of this project to local residents through slideshow presented during the ARI Summer Speaker Series. Although the project is expected to be break-even or have a small profit, it will allow more regular staffing for Delta Enterprises employees who, during low-work periods, will be able to work on creating cardboard pellets. The results of this project will be made available on the nwtresearch.com website. These results will include any posters, promotional material, and results summaries as well as the complete feasibility study and field reports. ARI staff will create and share a slideshow presentation containing the findings of this project as part of the Summer Speaker Series hosted at ARI. In order to boost waste cardboard diversion participation, ARI will be providing posters and pamphlets regarding the project to East Three School and the Inuvik Youth Centre along with putting up posters advertising where to learn more about the project and where to drop off residential waste cardboard. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from January 23, 2019 to December 31, 2019.