Bredenoord attaches a great deal of value to sustainable relationships. A striking example is our partnership with the Vandaele family and the company BIOdynamics ...

In 2006, together with BIOdynamics, we supplied a 346 KWe combined heat and power system (CHP) to the Vandaele family in Belgium. This biogas installation was successfully installed. The next challenge was to expand the installation and to best utilize the surplus heat for a manure drying installation. The installation had to be geared for three engines.

Laborious subsidy process
One of the biggest challenges during the process was securing a subsidy. In Belgium the level of the subsidy depends mainly on the total output in terms of both heat and electricity. This output is checked by measuring the power currents with standard equipment. We supplied the required gas meters and thermometers and were in constant contact with the Belgian funding bodies to discuss the readings. 

Second CHP is purchased
The laborious subsidy process was successful: the application was approved. In expectation of this, the Vandaele family happily continued with the expansion of the installation. In 2007, a second CHP was purchased and manure drying started in order to utilize all the heat. At the same time, we jointly devised a system to utilize practically 100% of the extra energy. For this we designed and supplied the heat exchangers, exhaust valves and the controls.

One of the first CHP installations with 100% heat utilization
As well as heat from the engine cooling system, the Vandaele family also currently uses heat from the intercooler, exhaust and ventilation for the drying process. As a result, the family has one of the first biogas installations with 100% heat utilization. We even supplied the emergency flare for the biogas and connected it to the existing control system. At the end of 2008, the family decided to expand the installation yet again with a 350 kWe machine. A further expansion to 800 kWe lies ahead. Currently the installation runs continuously and delivers the required certainty.