Biomass Renewable

Biomass is one form of renewable energy. Other common forms of renewable energy include solar and wind power. A renewable form of energy simply refers to a source of energy which we can replace within the life span of its consumption. Fossil fuels for example are none renewable. Fossil fuels take thousands of years to develop, and our rate of consumption is far beyond the rate at which new fossil fuels are been formed. Wind and solar energy are renewable from the point they are pretty much always available. Obviously certain places have more sun and wind than other, so the positioning of these types of renewable energy solution is critical. The other issue with wind and solar is the fact they cannot always provide energy on demand due to weather conditions. This is where biomass has its advantages, biomass is essentially a store of solar energy. Through combustion and other processes the energy from biomass can be released.

Biomass Renewable Energy and Fuels

Renewable energy is very important to provide sufficient energy sources for the future, however tackling climate change is also very important. The key issue with climate change is to lower carbon emissions. Carbon dioxide along with several other greenhouse gases are responsible for reflecting the suns energy, increasing global temperatures. Now, with wind and solar energy it is clear that they do not produce any emissions. However, when it comes to biomass many people are unclear how burning biomass can still be green form of energy. The reason burning biomass is carbon neutral, is because the carbon dioxide released during combustion was already part of the current carbon cycle. There is therefore no net increase in the levels of carbon dioxide. However, what is important is efficient combustion. Burning logs on an open fire is technically carbon neutral, however in the smoke generated there are various unwanted and dangerous chemicals. Biomass in its raw form is very hard to burn efficiently without smoke as it has a low density and high moisture percentage. Therefore to reduce the smoke generated the biomass needs to be processed.

Biomass Pellets and Wood Pellet Fuels

One of the simplest and most practical processes to upgrading biomass in a low smoke, highly efficient fuel source is to compress the biomass into pellets. In fact once a pellet fire is up to temperature, no visible smoke can be seen from the chimney. Pellets have a moisture content below 10%, which is much lower than raw biomass materials, and means a much higher combustion temperature can be achieved. This burns up the volatiles and particulates, reducing smoke output. These pellets can then be used in pellet stoves

Biomass Pellet Mill and Pellet Making

The Wood Pellet Production Guide © PelHeat Ltd - Biomass Renewable