As current energy sources come under more scrutiny for the levels of carbon dioxide they contribute to the atmosphere, alternative energy sources are being considered to provide us with the energy we need. Nuclear energy by some is seen as a solution, as it does not contribute to global warming. However nuclear power plants are extremely expensive to produce, have high risks associate to the plants themselves and to the waste they produce. There is still the issue of what we can do with nuclear waste; simply burying it underground for future generations to deal with is not a responsible and sensible solution. Wind and solar are ever improving forms of renewable energy that will play an important role in our low carbon energy future. However both have issues in terms of their use of land and energy on demand. As they only produce energy when the wind blows and the sun shines, not necessarily when we need it.
Biomass is any cellulose material, which can be used as an energy source. Biomass includes wood, straws and grasses to name but a few. Biomass is part of the carbon cycle, so it does not contribute to global warming; it simply recycles available carbon within the atmosphere to grow more biomass. Biomass in its raw form though does not burn efficiently enough to be a future clean green fuel. To achieve efficient combustion with the highest levels of heat output and the lowest levels of particulates and emissions, the biomass must be compressed. By compressing the biomass a denser material is formed, which performs far better in stoves and boilers. One type of biomass compression is a pellet. Pellets look like colouring crayons; they have a very high density and low moisture content. Due to these qualities pellets perform very well, and many pellet stoves and boilers can achieve 99% efficiency.
Wood pellets are currently the most common form of biomass fuel pellets. They are commonly made from softwood and hardwood by-products. They produce very low ash and high heat and low maintenance. Wood pellets are very popular in Europe and particularly Sweden, and their popularity is growing all over the world. Pellets flow like a liquid due to their consistent shape, size and density. These properties mean that pellets are suitable for screw auger and hopper systems. With automatic cleaning systems on stoves and boilers, maintenance levels can be kept to an absolute minimum. This replicates current oil and gas heating systems, making the transition for the user as small as possible. Designing alternative energy systems that fit into our current lifestyle is very important to convenience people over to the change. Once you factor in the cost benefits of pellets compared to oil or gas, many people see the advantages.
Read more about Wood Pellets Production and Pellet Mill Press
Get important points of view about traffic to website – welcome to your personal guide.
