Cyclone Power, B&W to explore micro-scale methane-to-power systems

American energy firm Cyclone Power has signed a teaming agreement with Pennsylvania’s B&W Constructors & Equipment to jointly explore commercial applications for distributed micro-scale methane-to-power systems with the help of Cyclone’s all-fuel, clean-tech engine technology.

Both firms have already developed a prototype methane gas combustor / heat exchanger, and integrated it with Cyclone’s Waste
Heat Engine (WHE-25), which is expected to generate up to 5kW of electrical output from the combustion of methane gas formed in pit manure storage facilities or landfills.

Fully-functional demonstration unit of the compact system is likely to be available by the end of the year, according to Cyclone Power.

B&W renewable energy research director Lance Wright said that there is huge potential and demand for power systems that utilize
more methane gas generation.

"This waste gas must be burned to avoid release into the atmosphere, which would be far more harmful than CO2. We are excited to be working with Cyclone because we believe they have the perfect technology for these applications," Wright added.

Cyclone president Christopher Nelson further said that the agreement marks an important step forward in the company’s objective to commercilise the external combustion engines for various in-demand applications.

"We’re very pleased to partner with Lance and his team to advance the development and deployment of micro-scale methane-to-power systems utilizing Cyclone Engines," Nelson added.