Limington Lumber Company (“Limington”) intends to offset electric use at its East Baldwin, Maine Sawmill through the installation of a novel high efficiency backpressure steam turbine. Limington uses waste biomass as fuel for steam production which provides heat energy to ten onsite lumber dry kilns. To more effectively use the available biomass, a Microsteam® Turbine (“MST”) will be integrated within the existing steam system to reduce pressure and generate electricity. Limington intends to install an MST, a patented technology, proven in commercial application, and a perfect technical fit for the site. Feasibility study results and a pre-design study currently underway, show a potential annual savings of over $130,000 with a simple payback of 2.5 years. Generating electric power with renewable biomass waste onsite reduces Limington’s dependence on non-renewable energy from the grid and improves plant economics. Successful implementation of the MST at Limington’s Facility will be a first industrial application of the technology, the first application at a lumber mill, and the first MST installed in the State of Maine. This project will make Limington a leader in technological and economic innovation, improving its competitiveness in an increasingly challenging global marketplace.
Goal 1: Prepare the Limington Facility for turbine installation and operation.
o Objective 1: Identify challenges and get initial feasibility estimates through engineering analysis. (complete)
o Objective 2: Complete mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering constructions plans with complete specification set. (in progress)
o Objective 3: File for interconnection with Central Maine Power.
Goal 2: Microsteam Turbine Technology implementation
o Objective 1: Purchase stationary wood energy equipment (MST).
o Objective 2: Install turbine in parallel with the pressure reducing station.
o Objective 3: Make necessary piping and electrical modifications to the existing system.
o Objective 4: Commission the newly installed equipment.
