Planning, implementation, and history of the first 5 years of operation of the Craig, Alaska, pool and school biomass heating system—a case study

Allen M. Brackley; K. Petersen

doi:10.2737/PNW-GTR-936

Treesearch

Planning, implementation, and history of the first 5 years of operation of the Craig, Alaska, pool and school biomass heating system—a case study

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Allen M. Brackley, K. Petersen

Year:

2016

Type:

General Technical Report

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/PNW-GTR-936

Source:

Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-936. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 22 p.

Download (PDF 12.37 MB)

Download (PDF 12.37 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/50935.pdf

Abstract

A wood-based energy project in Craig, Alaska, to heat the community's aquatic center and two of its schools was the first such installation in Alaska to convert from fossil fuels to a renewable energy source. Initial interest in the project started in 2004. The system came online in April 2008. This report provides an overview of the new heating system's history, including a review of fuel costs during the study period; background information about the climate and wood resources in the region; initial conception, design, tendering, and construction; and a 5-year summary of operating problems and financial performance. The report will provide information to assist others interested in conversion to renewable wood-energy systems.

Keywords

Biomass, wood energy, district heating

Citation

Brackley, Allen M.; Petersen, K. 2016. Planning, implementation, and history of the first 5 years of operation of the Craig, Alaska, pool and school biomass heating system—a case study. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-936. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 22 p.