Innovative technological solutions moving towards the realization of a stand-alone biomass boiler with near-zero particulate emissions

The paper describes two innovative technological solutions developed at the University of Bologna and shows a preliminary design on how they can be integrated in a commercial biomass boiler for residential application. The first innovation is a high efficiency and low cost filter for particulate emissions: the first prototype of bubble-column scrubber was tested in University of Bologna laboratory on a 25 kW th and reaches PM2.5 removal efficiency up to 95%. The second innovation is the integration of a thermoelectric generator able to produce electricity directly from heat exchange. A prototype has been realized and tested in University of Bologna laboratory and represents a new approach in the design and application of thermoelectric generator in the field of biomass boiler. The paper will evaluate how these new technologies can be integrated in a residential size biomass boiler from a technological and economic point of view, considering also operation and maintenance costs.