Biomass Gasification

There are many ways to convert biomass fuel into a useable source of energy, one method is biomass gasification. Gasification is thermal process, where heating the biomass in a low oxygen environment generates a gas mixture called syngas or synthesis gas. This gas is made up of mainly hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Depending on the efficiency of the gasification process used a very clean gas can be produced. This gas can be used for several purposes, even in a one too one ratio in internal combustion engines as was done heavily in world war 2. However transportation applications are not the most practical means to take advantage of biomass gasification. The best way to take advantage of biomass gasification is to generate both electricity and heat, biomass CHP.

Biomass Electricity and Low Carbon

Biomass CHP units, or combined heat and power units are developing as one of the key ideas in sustainable energy production on both a large and small scale. A biomass gasification unit can be used to power a CHP unit. For example the gas can be used in a internal combustion engine to power a generator. There will residual waste heat generated from both the gasifier and internal combustion engine which could be used to heat the property. Making both electricity and heat from biomass at the same time can capture far more of the energy from the biomass to meet the demands of modern living. It is also a renewable and also carbon neutral way to generate the energy we need.

Biomass unlike fossil fuels can be replaced within the life cycle of its consumption. Therefore we can quickly replace the biomass energy we use. Another important factor is that biomass is already part of the natural carbon cycle. As this is the base, when we burn biomass or use it in a biomass gasification unit, the carbon released is already part of the cycle, and does not contribute to a net increase in carbon dioxide levels. Reducing the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is a crucial step to reducing climate change, and fossil energy increases carbon levels.

Biomass Pellets and Biomass Wood

To make a gasifier work efficiently, not just any fuel can be used. To work properly in a gasifier the fuel must have a suitable density and size to flow through the hopper and a low moisture content to achieve the thermal decomposition temperatures. This criteria matches the characteristics of pellets perfectly. Therefore to run a gasifier with fewer complications it makes far more sense to run on pellets as apposed to wood chips for example which do not flow as well through hoppers and also are not guaranteed to have a moisture content of a low enough percentage.

Biomass Bioenergy and Biomass Fuel

Biomass energy along with other renewable energy forms such as wind and solar will play ever more important roles in the future to produce the energy we need. Biomass gasification is part of that energy mix, making small CHP units a reality. Many believe that the network will be made up or small scale units.

PelHeat Wood Pellet Production Guide

At PelHeat we have many years of experience in pellet production, and we provide a pellet production consultation service. The PelHeat guide download will show you how to make wood and other fuel pellets.