1. Availability of raw materials: The proximity and accessibility of wood sources are critical design considerations. The facility should be located close to sufficient sources of wood for transportation efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
2. Storage requirements: Storage space and capacity should be incorporated into the design to avoid delays in production caused by inconsistent supply of raw materials.
3. Processing equipment: The facility must maintain the appropriate machinery for processing wood into fuel. Equipment such as chippers, shredders, and grinders are imperative to successfully create fuel.
4. Environmental regulations: Industrial wood-to-fuel facilities must comply with state and federal environmental regulations. Design should incorporate emissions reduction technologies, and facilities should acquire necessary permits.
5. Energy conversion: Efficient use of energy resources is important in this kind of facility. The design should consider how to generate electricity from the process so that it can be re-invested into the production.
6. Transport: The design should plan for smooth and speedy transport of the end product to where it is needed. Evolving transportation technologies and efficiencies should be kept in mind in the design phase, to maximize economic benefits.
7. Maintenance: Innovations are important to reduce maintenance costs, erosion, and production inefficiencies. The design should encourage employee understanding of the equipment and enabling continued, long term success.
8. Safety: The design should furnish a safe working environment, with necessary emergency and safety provisions in place.
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