Biomass Efficiency

Developing alternative energy forms such as wind, solar and biomass is very important to develop a new energy economy away from oil and gas. However, what is also important is how to improve to efficiency of these new forms of energy. Biomass, unlike wind and solar is a energy source which takes time to grow and cultivate, and there is a limit to the volume of biomass we can produce. We therefore when using biomass need to achieve maximum efficiency, and capture as much energy from the biomass as possible.

Biomass Cogeneration with Electricity

Using biomass for energy production in most cases means combustion, primarily to generate heat for homes and businesses. In you look at the first basic biomass heating systems such as log stoves and boilers, much of the energy was wasted up the flue and into the environment. Today however, with the development of biomass pellet fuels for example, much more efficient pellet combustion systems are available, however these systems can be improved further. As well as heat, all modern homes today also require electricity. Now the creation of electricity has always been seen to be only practical and affordable on a long term basis through large power plants. However, there are now several companies developing electrical generators which operate on heat. One example from Cyclone Technologies called the WHE or Waste Heat Engine, is a closed loop steam engine, operating on purified water. The engine can run on any source of heat, and the company has built a biomass demonstration unit running on wood pellets producing up to 10Kw's of electricity. 10Kw's of electricity is a substantial amount for most homes and small businesses, and could run the whole property. If the electricity is not required, then it can simply be fed back into the grid, with the owner been paid for the energy they generated by the power company. This is clearly a way to increase the efficiency of biomass, by generating both heat and power through biomass combustion. Many electrical generation experts now believe the future of electrical supply could be a network of smaller energy producers feeding power into the network. This not only supports the local economy, but it also encourages users directly to use less energy as they see a net gain in income.

Biomass Fuel in The Form of Fuel Pellets

Biomass in its unprocessed form is difficult to use, and achieving high efficiency can be very difficult. Therefore one of the most practical solutions is to upgrade the biomass into pellet form. Almost any biomass resource can be upgraded into pellet fuel and gives the material the positive properties of a greater energy density, uniform size and shape and reduced moisture percentage. In pellet form transportation costs are also vastly reduced as the bulky biomass is reduced.

Biomass Pellets Production Techniques

The Wood Pellet Production Guide © PelHeat Ltd - Biomass Efficiency