MHG Systems, a Bioenergy focused ERP software provider form Mikkeli Finland, has introduced a feature to the popular MHG Bioenergy ERP service, which will estimate the moisture content of biomass storages. The estimate is based on an algorithm which is built in the system. With the new feature it is possible to monitor very accurately the moisture content and value of the feedstock.

Because of the rapid increment of feedstock purchases in the near future, controlling the moisture content of the feedstock storages is growing more and more important, not only because of economical efficiency, but also because of the ecological reasons. The higher the moisture content of feedstock the smaller should be the compensation for the entrepreneur when the billing is based on the energy content, i.e. megawatts. Additionally CO₂ emissions in the transportation and the amount of nitrogen and small particles during burning process go much higher when transporting and using too wet material.

“The new service now available, furthermore enhances MHG Systems’ service package and the real time monitoring and controlling of biomass delivery chain. Monitoring the moisture, quality and value, and the accurate documentation through every step, is essential part of the MHG Bioenergy ERP –service”, tells MHG Systems’ CEO Mr. Seppo Huurinainen.

“With the moisture content algorithm implemented to the system you are now able to see the current moisture content of any biomass storage and get an estimate about how the moisture content will change during the next six months. The system shows changes in the storage moisture content with a simple graph which then helps planning when and how to process the storage in the future”, tells software developer Mr.  Esa Hiiva. “In the future the service will also utilize data from the weather stations which will further more enhance the accuracy of the prediction”, continues Hiiva.

Huge savings annually
“With better moisture management the yearly savings in Finland’s forest fuel business would be millions. Savings for middle sized city would be 200 – 300 000 euro”, emphasizes Huurinainen referring to the studies done with Metla and the University of Eastern Finland. That means 800 – 1000 extra 60 ton truck loads of chips delivered to the energy plant. For a power plant this means approximately 500 tons of extra carbon dioxide emissions with all the parts of the delivery chain combined. “To practice ecologically and economically sustainable forest energy business there should be directing methods coming from the side that pays the financial supports”, suggests Huurinainen.

Development of the algorithm continues in the recently started Laava –project coordinated by Prof. Lauri Sikanen from the University of Eastern Finland.

MHG Systems Ltd
MHG Systems Ltd is one of the world's leading suppliers of Bioenergy ERP systems. The company utilizes its partner network to produce customer-oriented IT and map service solutions designed for developing Bioenergy and field work business operations. The company’s services bring significant cost savings and environmental benefits to all operators in the delivery and production chains. With MHG Systems' services the companies can verify their social and environmental responsibilities, as the origin and the carbon dioxide emissions of the shipments can be reliably proven and all costs and earnings are available for scrutiny. MHG Systems' ERP services merge mobile communication, Internet,GIS, NFC, RFID, satellite-based location information, CO2 and moisture monitoring technologies into one business-enhancing service, and allows the use of new and empowering operational models and real-time enterprise resource planning.

Contact information
MHG Systems Ltd
Mikpoli, Patteristonkatu 2
FIN-50100 Mikkeli

Tel: +358 (0)10 400 6280
Fax: +358 (0)10 400 6289
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Internet: http://www.mhgsystems.com