Biomass Potential

Biomass is a form of captured solar energy, through the process of photosynthesis, solar radiation is transformed into cellulose matter. There is huge potential in biomass as it a store of solar energy which we can use on demand to generate heat, electricity, liquid and gaseous fuels. There are many different forms of biomass, some well known and many others which are currently overlooked or referred to as waste. One of the most obvious and well known forms of biomass energy is wood energy. Woody biomass has been used for thousands of years in log form to generate heat for cooking and general warmth. Many people today still have basic log stoves which they use to heat their main living space as an additional source of heat. However the basic log stove is not longer practical with today's busy lifestyle as a complete heating solution due to the maintenance involved. Also basic log stoves are not very efficient. They produce significant amounts of smoke and particulates, and much of the energy create is lost in the exhaust gases. Therefore woody biomass and other forms of biomass need to processed into a more efficient and convenient form of energy for home heating solutions.

Biomass Renewable Energy and Fuel

There are many reasons why biomass has the potential to make a serious contribution to the energy market. One aspect is cost, many biomass resources are still to this day regarded as waste and sent to landfill. Through various processing techniques the potential of this biomass can be realized, and turn a costly waste material into a valuable energy asset. So biomass has the potential to lower our current energy costs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. However, biomass also has the potential to help us fight climate change and provide a more renewable form of energy that future generations can also use. One of the main issues with climate change is carbon dioxide emissions released during the combustion of fossil fuels. Burning oil, gas and coal places additional carbon into the atmosphere. The carbon then acts a reflector and increases the temperature of our climate. When biomass is burnt it also releases carbon dioxide. However as biomass is part of the current carbon cycle, there is no net increase in the levels of carbon dioxide. As new biomass grows it consumes the carbon dioxide from the previous generation of biomass and the cycle continues. Therefore biomass as a renewable energy source is what also makes is a carbon neutral source of energy and climate friendly.

Biomass Pellet and Wood Pellets Fuel

One of the simplest ways to process biomass into a more efficient and usable form of energy is to compress into a pellet. The pellets formed have a uniform size, high density and low moisture content giving them the perfect qualities for efficient combustion generating less smoke and more usable heat. Advanced heating systems such as pellet stoves and boilers can use the pellets automatically and be controlled via a standard wall thermostat. These systems will feed the pellets into the combustion chamber and light the fire on demand with a hot rod igniter. Some pellet stoves and boiler can even be started via a text message from a mobile phone.

The Wood Pellet Production Guide © PelHeat Ltd - Biomass Potential