Biomass Electricity

Biomass electricity mainly focuses on large scale power generation from converted coal power plants. Within recent years there has been an adoption of biomass energy into coal power plants. Wood and straw in pellet form has been co-combusted with coal to help reduce the carbon emissions of the plant. Biomass electrical generation is also possible on a small scale, see the video below of the WHE engine.

Pellet Fuel

The reason pellet fuel is chosen for biomass electricity generation in coal power plants is due to energy density and transportation benefits. When the pellets reach the power plant they are reduced to dust, however dust transportation is very expensive due to a low energy density, also dust explosions are common and very dangerous. In pellet form lorries can carry a much greater amount of fuel, with very little risk. There is a large variety of pellet fuel used in power plants for biomass electricity generation. This includes wood pellets however it also includes, other fuel pellets such as wheat straw pellets. Global food production needs to increased, so using waste residues such as straw for power generation has multiple benefits.

Small Scale Biomass Electricity

However energy production with pellets is not only about large scale electrical generation, it can also be produced on a small scale. Small scale power generation promotes local jobs and lower energy prices using local biomass. There are various ways to generate biomass electricity on a small scale. However one of the most practical solutions in development is the Waste Heat Engine, see below.

Biomass Electricity Pellet Generator

Below is a video of a WHE or (Waste Heat Engine) developed by Cyclone Power Technologies. In this video you will see the engine running off the heat from burning pellets. The engine is a closed loop steam engine. However this is like no other steam engine. Deionised water is the operating and lubricating fluid. The water is kept at higher temperatures and re-circulated around the system. Making a highly efficient, reliable and most importantly simple way to generate electricity on a small scale with fuel pellets.