CHILE

DBFZ Research Activities

DBFZ Activities

Since 2010 the DBFZ has been involved in R&D projects in Chile. Although the cooperation has quite recently started, especially with the Fraunhofer Chile Research Foundation, strong links to different partners and stakeholders have been established.

DBFZ R&D and Project Focus

The main focus of the previous DBFZ engagement in Chile has been on biorefinery technology and combustion technology for solid biomass.

Development of a wood chip combustor for residential heating
Development and evaluation of a biorefinery concept for Chile based on oil producing plants

DBFZ Future Activities

Chile is a focus country of DBFZ cooperation in Latin America. The DBFZ aims to successively extent cooperation with universities, research institutions, as well as the private and public sector. Especially in the field of biorefinery, bioeconomy and combustion technology the DBFZ would like to strengthen its activities in Chile. In particular, the DBFZ seeks to further develop its engagement in Chile the following fields:

Developing technologies for emission reduction in small-scale wood combustion
Development and evaluation of biorefinery concepts (Jatropha)
Development of strategies to advance the Chilean bioeconomy
Scientific exchange on HTC (hydrothermal carbonization)
Modelling biogas processes
Support the continuous exchange of scientists and PhD students

DBFZ Partners

The DBFZ has signed 2 cooperation agreements with research and academic partners in Chile so far. Further contacts have been established to universities and the German DLR for future project activities.

Cooperation agreements	Universidad de Talca (UTALCA) Fraunhofer Chile Research Centre for Systems Biotechnology (FCR-CSB)
Project partners	Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) Universidad de Chile Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso

DBFZ Reference Projects (selected)

01/2014 - 06/2015	Desarrollo y experimentación de combustor de astillas de madera (FONDEF) “Development of a small wood chip stove” A wood chip combustor for residential heating was developed in order to achieve a good combustion result with low emissions and high efficiency. At the University of Talca a test bench with dilution tunnel was constructed and emission measurements in accordance with current Chilean standards were performed.
2014	Experimental based assessment of hydrothermal carbonisation of food industry waste (Fraunhofer Chile Research) Hydrothermal Carbonisation HTC is a hydrothermal process for the production of a solid fuel, the so called “HTC-coal”. The target product is a solid fuel with properties similar to lignite. Because HTC-coal can be dewatered up to 65 % (and higher) with mechanical concepts, the energy effort for drying is very limited. Within the food industry of Chilea wide range of wet residues and sludges is generated. Against this background, it is the objective of the offer to clarify the possibility to use the HTC-process for the application of waste materials.
10/2014	Feasibility study for the pelletization and utilization as energy source of walnut shells (Fraunhofer Chile Research) A fuel analysis of walnut shells was conducted in order to determine its possible use as energy source and its appropriateness for pelletization.
09/2012 - 09/2014	Biorefinery Concept for Chile Based on Oil Producing Plants (BMBF/ CONICYT) Research cooperation with the Fraunhofer Chile Research Foundation on the development and evaluation of a biorefinery concept for Chile based on oil producing plants as well as the interchange of promising biorefinery technologies. The project had the objectives of: Identification of promising oil producing plants and their adequate use in Chile; Evaluation of sustainable production potentials; Integration of previous activities and approaches regarding oil plant based biofuels. (e.g. Jatropha, Castor Oil Plant). Evaluation of biodiesel and aviation fuel production possibilities, based on vegetable oils. Evaluation regarding the use of residues e.g. from aquacultures.
11/2010 - 05/2011	Scientific Consulting for La Comisión Económica para América Latina (CEPAL) Consulting service for the "Dialogue on policies for institutional development and innovation in biofuels in Latin America and the Caribbean".

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About the DBFZ

DBFZ is the leading German research institute in the field of energetic and related material use of biomass. The DBFZ monitors and evaluates the most promising applications for bioenergy in theory and practice, realizing research and collaborative research projects at both national and international level, with partners and stakeholders from industry, administration, politics and academia. Currently about 180 scientists in the departments Bioenergy Systems, Biochemical Conversion, Thermo-chemical Conversion and Biorefineries carry out application-oriented R&D that also provides scientifically-based results to support informed political decision making.