Summerhill Biomass Systems,Inc., has developed new technology that utilizes a low-cost, revolutionary process to burn wood and other biomass in place of oil and propane fossil fuels for heating applications in existing furnace systems. Essentially, Summerhill’s technology can help reduce the world’s dependence on fossil fuels and usher in a new era of green energy consumption.
Dr. James T. McKnight and son J. Kimball McKnight began working on a fuel system that could run on corn and wood pellets in 2006. Their goal was to produce a form of renewable energy that was more efficient than ethanol. The McKnights developed a smokeless, odorless technology wherein plant waste is reduced to a fine powder that burns as intensely as a gas. A conventional thermostat allows control of temperature, and the unit can be turned on and off instantaneously.
In 2008, Summerhill received a $75,000 grant from New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to aid in a technical and economic feasibility study. According to the company’s business and marketing plan, the powder system has regional, national and global potential as the cost of fossil fuels continually increase and other forms of biomass energy prove to be inefficient. The technology’s uses range from grain drying to commercial applications to small scale industrial facilities.
Summerhill was showcased at a new business exposition at the Syracuse Technology Garden. The event attracted interest from investors and the media. The company has been featured in the Syracuse Post-Standard, the Central New York Business Journal, Reuters and several other national and industry trade publications. Company principals are currently in discussions with interested parties throughout the United States and Europe.
Summerhill, named after the Cayuga County community where the technology was developed, was incorporated in 2007. It has patents pending on this new technology in several countries and is continuing research in this exciting new technology.