E-Magazine Listrik Indonesia edition 99 Air Dome Innovation, a new solution for coal storage to keep it "BURNING" - Page 72

When discussing coal, it is universally acknowledged that coal is a valuable resource in Indonesia, inseparable from daily life. At the very least, we benefit from a steady flow of electricity at home, in offices, and in shops, all thanks to coal, often called "black gold."

Coal is a vital energy source worldwide, primarily used as fuel for power plants. For centuries, coal has played a crucial role not only in generating electricity but also as a key fuel in steel production, cement manufacturing, alumina processing plants, paper mills, chemical industries, and pharmaceuticals.

However, most people are unaware of the coal handling process, particularly storage methods that ensure consistent availability to meet reliable electricity needs. Addressing challenges in coal storage and stockpiling, PT Breesen Technology Indonesia offers an innovative technological solution known as the Air Dome.

Understanding Air Dome

According to Shen Chao, Director of PT Breesen Technology Indonesia, the Air Dome is an air-supported structure using a specially designed membrane maintained by pressurized air. "The Air Dome is a fully enclosed structure featuring an air dome roof built on a foundation," Shen explained in an interview at Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK), Jakarta, on June 12, 2024.

Originally, Air Domes were employed as "mobile living tents" during World War II by the military and subsequently adapted for constructing sports facilities in North America.

In the early 2000s, Air Dome technology was introduced to China by Broadwell (Shenzhen) Technology Co. Ltd. Since then, numerous advancements in design, material production, and installation have been made, enabling rapid adoption across industries including sports centers, exhibition halls, conference centers, logistics hubs, clean rooms, bulk material storage, and more.

The Air Dome structure consists of several key components: a custom-designed PVDF membrane forming the dome’s main body; a cable net system reinforcing the dome's strength and stability; blowers to maintain air pressure and recycle air; various doors (personnel, vehicle, emergency exits); lighting systems; optional heating/cooling systems; air filtration to improve internal air quality; backup generators for power continuity during outages; and remote monitoring and control systems.

Advantages of Air Dome

Compared to traditional structures, Air Domes offer significant benefits:

• Cost savings of 30% to 50% on construction.

• Rapid installation, with projects completed within months.

• Low operation and maintenance costs.

• Ability to maintain high-quality internal air tailored to needs.

• Long service life, lasting 25 years or more.

Due to these unique advantages, Air Domes have been widely utilized in numerous power plant projects in China as coal storage facilities, replacing steel structures. "Since the first coal storage Air Dome was built in China in 2012, over 100 similar facilities have been constructed by Broadwell, all operating successfully," Shen said.

With over a decade of proven usage, Air Domes provide major benefits for coal storage in power generation compared to steel structures, including:

• Spanning up to 200 meters without internal columns, allowing large equipment inside and enhancing utilization efficiency.

• Completely eliminating coal dust pollution to the outside air.

• Minimizing maintenance costs.

• Significantly reducing construction costs compared to steel buildings.

Shen added that Broadwell holds more than 300 patents related to Air Dome industrial applications developed over 20 years. "By the end of 2023, thousands of Air Dome projects were built across China by Broadwell, making it the ideal solution for large-span structures."

Beyond China, Broadwell exports Air Dome technology and products to various countries, including South Korea, Russia, Malaysia, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Canada, the United States, Israel, and others. "Under a special license from Broadwell, PT Breesen Technology Indonesia aims to collaborate with clients in Indonesia to promote Air Dome technology locally," concluded Shen.

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