Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/155925
ter flows of 10,000-250,000 gallons per day. He said a single reactor generates enough methane to produce 30-46 kilowatts (kW) of electricity from a cogeneration turbine as constant output, assuming constant wastewater flow and system operation. EcoVolt systems can provide electric power output ranging from 30 kW to 276 kW, depending on system size and capacity. The EcoVolt system is now on the market. Clos du Bois' parentcompany, Constellation Brands, is supporting a full-scale installation at the winery. Clos du Bois currently has sufficient wastewater processing capacity, so in this case, the EcoVolt provides the benefits of reducing aeration pump electric costs while also generating usable energy. "This system generates a good return for us, but it would fit even better in a scenario for planning a new winery, a winery operating at 46 V I N E YARD & WINERY MANAGEMENT | full wastewater capacity or a winery expanding its production capacity," Hemphill said. "Constellation has wineries in all three of those situations. Our plan as a company is to go full scale with the EcoVolt system here, and then assess other site opportunities." In Northern California, Cambrian has been in contact with Pacific Gas & Electric Co. regarding utility financial incentives and energy efficiency programs that can help pay for system installation. "A range of local utility and state and federal incentive programs exist for agricultural and industrial customers and our team will be working with customers as part of their evaluation of the economics of installing a system," Silver said. Cambrian has been talking with wineries and breweries worldwide about the EcoVolt for possible future installations. The company has been developing the technol- Sept - Oct 2013 ogy since 2008, with funding and assistance from the National Science Foundation and private investors. Cambrian is also working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NASA and the military on bioelectric technology applications. The company is also ready to work with wineries on an overall systems approach to decrease water use and utilize renewable energy technologies, Silver said. "Our goals are to help processing facilities move off the electric grid and to reduce their carbon footprints." Ted Rieger , CSW, is a writer and photographer based in Sacramento, Calif., and has been a contributing editor for V&WM since 1990. Comments? Please e-mail us at feedback@vwmmedia.com. w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m