The Facts

Benefits of Biomass Boilers

The Facts , , , , 0 Comment

Biomass is a form of stored solar energy and is available in a number of different forms, such as wood, straw, energy crops, sewage sludge, waste organic materials and animal litter. This energy is released by burning or fermentation and distillation.

Of all possible renewable heating solutions, biomass has the potential to deliver some of the most significant and cost-effective carbon savings, particularly for commercial and industrial applications.

It can also stimulate local economic activity by creating fuel chains and make use of resources that would otherwise be treated as water and sent to landfill.

Biomass fuels are typically delivered as woodchips or wood pellets. These are available from The Engineering Support Partnership Ltd or uk-biomass that provide assistance with setting up competitive fuel supply contracts from third party distributors.

The benefits of using biomass boilers are that wood fuel can be characterised as carbon- neutral, these boilers provide a sustainable, efficient energy solution. The biomass boiler is the heart of the biomass heating system, and there are many different types, they are;

– Log boilers – some log-fired boilers are basic, but others are highly efficient and sophisticated systems. - Pellet boilers – wood pellets burn evenly as they do not contain much moisture. - Wood chip boilers – these are most suitable for medium and large scale installations.

The choice of boiler type is determined, in the first instance, by the fuel that is intended to be used, and then the level of automation required; this is a trade-off between convenience and cost.

A biomass heating system can be used for space heating of buildings, hot water production, steam production, or any combination of these and it primarily uses biomass as a fuel, some systems can also dual-fire with a fossil fuel to meet peak demands for back-up.

They can be used at almost any scale, from domestic through to ‘light’ commercial, to industrial or district heating systems.

The key elements of a whole biomass heating solution are:

• Fuel delivery • Fuel reception, storage, and extraction from storage to the boiler unit. • A specialised biomass boiler unit. • Ancillary equipment: flue (chimney), ash extraction mechanism, heat storage, connecting pipe work, expansion tank, fire dousing system, controls systems and possibly an integrated fossil fuel system.

From an operational perspective, one of the most notable differences between a biomass heating system and a conventional fossil fuel heating system is that the biomass boiler is best suited to being operated relatively continuously (between c.30% and 100% of its rated output). This method of operation will generate the greatest cost savings; this is because biomass fuels are cheaper than many fossil fuels. Cheaper fuel means cheaper running costs.

A biomass heating plant will be considerably larger in volume than an equivalently rated fossil-fuel plant due, to the inherent combustion characteristics of solid, organic materials.

The additional equipment such as the flue/chimney and ash handling is mostly determined by the type and size of the boiler, whilst the need for thermal stores for example, hot water cylinder and fossil fuel stand-by is determined by the site heat load and reaction times required.

To summarise; biomass heating systems can generate significant cost savings versus conventional heating. The degree of saving will vary depending on the particular system chosen. Furthermore the environmental benefits are a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

An Introduction to Biomass Fuels

The Facts , , , , 0 Comment

Do you dream of creating biomass power? If so, it’s important that you have a firm understanding of biomass fuels. The following should provide you with enough information to get you started on the path to generating clean, green power.

• Biomass fuels burn cleaner than fossil fuels—As everyone knows, burning fossil fuels pollutes the Earth’s atmosphere. But when you burn biomass fuels, you join the good fight against global warming. This is due to the fact that burning biomass fuel recycles carbon dioxide already in the carbon cycle, as opposed to burning coal, which releases carbon stored eons ago.  As a result, you produce less noxious fumes to pollute our air when you burn biomass. And not only that, but you will also positively affect your public perception. Everyone loves a “Green” company. 

• They’re one of the most reliable alternative energy fuel sources—One worry many people have when switching to alternative energy sources is their perceived lack of reliability.

Let’s face it—no one has found a fool-proof plan for harnessing the energy of the sun, making solar energy unreliable. The solar cells simply do not operate with a high level of efficiency. And when it comes to harnessing wind energy, you just can’t predict wind patterns well enough to rely on it as your sole energy source. However, with biomass it’s different. One of the biggest advantages to burning biomass fuels is that the raw materials needed are always being produced in the timber harvest process, where it’s called “waste.”

• You need to match proper biomass technology to your biomass fuel sources—Some people fail when it comes to using biomass fuels. And usually it’s for one simple reason—they don’t have the correct technology to properly process it. That’s why it’s a good idea to hire a biomass energy company experienced in analyzing raw materials and matching them with proper technology.

• A biomass energy engineering company can help you turn your ideas into money—You stand to benefit from doing business with a biomass energy company. That said, you need to make sure you pick one that has plenty of experience. There are lots of fly-by-night companies out there, but you want one that has been dealing with biomass fuels for decades. They’ll know how to handle all aspects of your project, ensuring financial success.

• Biomass fuels can be burned with fossil fuels through the process of co-firing—Some people think they can’t use biomass fuels because they own pre-existing power plants that burn coal or other fossil fuels. If that describes your line of thinking, then you need to look into co-firing. This option allows you to continue burning fossil fuels while simultaneously burning biomass fuels. The result? You cut down on fossil fuel use and can meet changing government energy regulations. There’s no need to build new facilities. You just adapt the system you already have in place.

Still interested? If so, the next step is a simple one. Find a biomass energy company that can help get you started.

Learn more about biomass energy and biomass technology at EvergreenEngineering.Com.

Reducing Carbon Footprint in Farming – Bio Fuel

The Facts , , , , 0 Comment

If you want to reduce the carbon footprint of your farm, then consider making the switch to bio fuel. Because they are derived from renewable organic materials that are found in abundance, bio fuels like biodiesel are a far more environmentally friendly way of running tractors and other farm equipment.

What are Bio Fuels?

Fuels like biodiesel are derived from organic materials that are readily available and can be grown as needed to meet increasing demand. Best of all, scientists have found a wide variety of plants and other organic materials that are suitable for use. For example, common crops such as coleseed, oil palms, peanuts, sunflowers and soybeans all have a naturally high vegetable oil content that makes them ideal for bio fuel production.

But these aren’t the only potential source of organic material for these fuels. Scientists are also researching the possibility of using algae for large scale bio fuel production. Not only does algae have the potential to yield far greater quantities of oil than traditional crops, but it can also be grown in harsh environments such as sewage treatment plants where it grows on (and consumes) unwanted waste. Growing algae in this way also means that valuable farmland would not have to be used for production.

Benefits of Using Biodiesel on the Farm

The primary benefit of use on the farm is that they reduce the carbon footprint of vehicles such as tractors. This is possible because biodiesel burns much cleaner and more completely in combustion engines than those derived from fossil fuels. This means that they have no negative impact on the carbon cycle because they only release the carbon dioxide that the plant absorbed while it was growing. This is in stark contrast to fossil fuels which pollute the air and increase greenhouse gases, which contributes to global warming.

Biodiesel also has another key benefit over fossil fuels. Because they are biodegradable and non-toxic, they also reduce wear and tear on engines in tractors and other equipment found on the farm. This means less tractor service and maintenance over the life of the vehicle, which ultimately reduces the cost of ownership.

Reduce Your Farm’s Carbon Footprint Today

Going “green” on your farm isn’t difficult. One quick and easy way to begin reducing the carbon footprint of your farm is to simply make the switch to biodiesel. Not only is it cheaper than regular diesel, but it will also extend the life of your tractor and other farm equipment, all while helping to save the environment.

Markdale Tractor is a full tractor service and tractor sales shop that has been in business for fifty years. Dann Olesen is the owner of Markdale Tractor and they have a full inventory of tractor equipment.

Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dann_Olesen

On The Biofuel Debate

The Facts , , , , 0 Comment

Every opinion on a subject is biased by your own background. On the biofuel debate, I tend to go for a contrarian approach. There is so much resistance against bio fuel that I think, why don’t we give it a go.

Who are involved in the debate: defenders of the poor (Jean Ziegler) a United Nation’s independent expert on the Right to Food: Biofuel is a crime against humanity. Or Paul Krugman (economist): “we … need a pushback against biofuels, which turn out to have been a terrible mistake.” (1) Or another economist Jeffrey Sachs – “European efforts to promote biofuels should be rethought because of the contribution they have made to rising food prices” (2)

Or … a Nobel laureate has cautioned the government against rushing into biofuel development because there’s little energy to be gained from it. Dr. Hartmut Michel, the 1998 Nobel Prize winner for chemistry… said investing in biofuel development was “counterproductive.When you calculate how much of the sun’s energy is stored in the plants, it’s below one percent, when you convert into biofuel, you add fertilizer, and then harvest the plants. There’s not real energy gained in biofuel,” (3)

Fidel Castro, or … Hugo Chavez: “Venezuelan petrotyrant Hugo Chavez has renewed his denunciations of biofuels.”

Instead, crops like corn meant for food production will be diverted to create more biofuels so that ‘illogical, absurd and stupid capitalism can continue its voracious growth,’ the Venezuelan leader said. (source, search for: venezuela-chavez-warns-of-biofuel)

Pro biofuel is of course: the president of Brazil, Lula da Silva who said that opposing biodiesel would be crime against humanity

And than … President Bush backs biodiesel: … “touted biodiesel as a key component of his plan to confront high fuel prices … if you depend on foreign pertroleum, you have a big national security problem…”

And all the CEO of energy companies … In Spain only the bioindustry has invested about 4 billion euros in plants that are not productive and waiting for a solution…

Those who are against may have a founded reason.

At least now that the food prices are rising, whether it is due to biofuel or not, people seem to care for the poor and developing countries.

My opinion on the biodiesel debate is this: perhaps now it is not efficient to produce biodiesel, but I think it is one of the innovations that costs money and is a product-in-the-make. How eventually the biofuel will be produced will still be uncertain, but somehow we have taken a first step and that must be ok, otherwise it would have been taken. The current resistance from all places including Brazil against a possible deforestation will help to lead the discussion in the right direction.

This is one of those changes where (current) resistance is productive.

(1) – http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/07/opinion/07krugman.html?incamp=article_popular_2)

(2) – (ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=42247)

(3) – http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080114-112152/Rethink-biofuel-says-Nobel-laureate)

Hans Bool

Hans Bool writes articles about management, culture and change. If you are interested to read or experience more about these topics have a look at: Astor White.

Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hans_Bool

Learn About The History Of Biofuel Cars

The Facts , , , , 0 Comment

Biofuel has been around for long than any of us have been alive. Indeed, the first diesel cars were designed to run on peanut oil in the 1880s!

Rupert Diesel could even be considered one of the fathers of environmental awareness since he wanted to prove that automobiles didn’t have to depend on fossil fuels, so those diesel engines ran on peanut oil for the next 40 years.

Even Henry Ford mass-produced biofuel cars, beginning with the 1908 Model T Ford, and owned his own ethanol plant. 25% of the fuel sold by Standard Oil was biofuel. Eventually hemp became one of the main resources used for biofuels production since it produced so much more fuel than did peanut oil.

Unfortunately, the growing oil industry decided that petroleum based products were ‘better’…even though they weren’t…and, through aggressive marketing, convinced people that oil and gas were better and cheaper.

When they began demonizing hemp as “the evils of marijuana” – even though the hemp used in biofuels production wouldn’t get anyone high – it was the beginning of the end. Up until that point, hemp usage had been legal in the United States. After the oil companies got through with their intense marketing, the biodiesel industry collapsed in the 1930s.

After World War II, petroleum companies also started buying up trolley car lines, which ran on electricity, and replacing them with buses running on diesel, and pushed for new highways. The boom following World War II led to an explosion of car purchases – all running on petroleum-based products, not biofuels.

What the oil companies didn’t recognize then was that non-renewal energy sources are finite. That we would run out of oil. That we would become dependent on foreign old resources only 40 years later… and not be able to control foreign oil forever. After all, what are a few decades when they were getting rich then?

Now the auto industry is coming around full circle as public demand for more environmentally friendly cars that use renewable energy sources. Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge RAM trucks are among the 2008 vehicles that are designed to run on biofuels. Flex-fuel and hybrid cars also are being sold in greater numbers, and all US cars sold since 2000 can run n a combination of gas and biofuels.

Of course, the petroleum industry still fights back, coming up with reports claiming that petroleum is better for car engines than biofuels, an approach that is disputed by many other studies. But by 1985, all cars in Brazil could run on biofuels. Many other countries have been turning to biofuels over the past 20 years and, unlike in the United States, biofuels are available at most service stations across Europe.

There are currently several hundred major fleets of biofuels vehicles – cars, buses, and vans – in the United States, including fleets used by the military, the US Postal Service, and many transit systems.

So, while the petroleum industry fights to keep their control over the fuel industry, it looks like the history of biofuels cars, while shunted aside for a while, is still be written.

Next, click here to discover how EarthShips can mean sustainable living for all!

Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_H._Longoria