What is Biomass?
Biomass is basically formed from living organisms and is therefore biological in nature. Biomass is a renewable energy source and can either be used directly, or converted into other energy products such as biofuel.
How does it work?
Organic material is digested by anaerobic bacteria with is the fermentation process which is then stored and distributed.
Biodegradable waste or organic material is digested by anaerobic bacteria meaning the bacteria thrives and digest organic material in the absence of oxygen. We also call this process ‘fermentation.’ It works best at around 35~40 degrees Celsius.
Type of Gases produced
Depending on the material will determine the type of gas produced.
- Garden waste, manure or sewage produces mainly methane and carbon dioxide
- Wood products like wood chips or other produces mainly carbon monoxide hydrogen, nitrogen, and even a little methane
Examples of Biomass
Examples of biomass used include forest residues – such as dead trees, branches stumps, clippings, wood chips and even household waste. In a sense, biomass includes plant material or animal material that can be transformed into fibres, other manufacturing chemicals, including biofuels such as methane or methanol, natural gas, and oil.
Biomass in USA
Biomass is the second-most common form of renewable energy used in the United States and it provides enough electricity to power more than two million homes.
Conversion Technologies
There are a number of conversion technologies such as Thermal, Chemical or Biochemical alternatives which are available to convert various biomass types into renewable energy. Thermal conversion technology may liberate the energy directly, in the form of heat or electricity, while Chemical may change it to different type such as biogas or liquid bio-fuel. Some types of biomass resource may use a number of options, while for others there may be only one suitable technology.
Biochemical conversion
Microbial electrolysis cell show the process for the development of hydrogen fuel.
Carbon Counter
If you are you looking for a Biomass Fact Sheet you can download one here
