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Seven things you should know about biomass CHP

Biomass CHP

Biomass is the organic waste generated which includes animal remains, food leftovers, wooden fragments, plant waste, etc. This is used often to generate energy and is a good source of natural fuel. This technology is attracting tremendous attention due to a number of reasons. Firstly, in the wake of global warming and environmental problems, clean sources of energy are becoming more popular. Also it is mostly produced in small plants which reduces dependence on large scale power grids and increases self reliance among industries.

1. Environment benefits

This efficient renewable energy source lowers carbon emissions significantly. The carbon dioxide generated during production is lesser than many other energy sources. If biomass is made predominantly of wood then the carbon impact of the process is reduced even further. So it is quite environment friendly. Also, it helps in waste management. Trash that would be dumped into sewage or landfills is burnt off to create energy instead.

2. Energy efficiency and conservation

Biomass CHP or Combined Heat and Power is when both heat and electricity are produced at the same time using this organic waste. It is much better to produce both when compared to generating electricity alone from biomass. This dual energy production makes biomass highly fuel efficient. Not only is biomass CHP a clean source of energy, it also aids in energy conservation. In the production process, it recovers heat that would usually be wasted. Thus it can truly be called energy efficient. This energy preservation helps to cut down on production costs also. This is much better when compared to burning of fossil fuels where heat generated is not utilized.

3. Reliable power supply

There are many uses of this green energy. It can be applied in a number of settings both domestic and commercial. All biomass power installations work proficiently. In fact, they are much better than coal and gas fired power stations. The efficiency rate is said to be about 70 percent. This source of energy is also a lot more dependable. This is because you don’t have to rely on your national grid for electricity supply. This means eliminating power outages and other minor hiccups that happen with such electric supplies every now and then. Therefore countries and regions that have low electric supply or experience power outages should adopt this technology. Like any other clean and green energy, there are many incentives given out for biomass production. The producers of biomass can reap benefits from various schemes that offer financial subsidies.

4. Commercial computer users

The quality of electricity supplied is much more consistent than other alternatives. This is great for commercial establishments. Also offices and other centers where a large number of computer stations have been set up will be better off when electricity generated from biomass is used. This electricity is a lot more stable and dependable.

5. Industrial applications

Due to its nature and characteristic, biomass energy is well suited to a number of industrial sectors. All establishments that use up a lot of power will benefit from biomass installations. It is ideal for the manufacturing sector, especially units producing food products, beverages and paper. Also, places where heat is needed all day should switch to biomass CHP energy systems. These can be hospitals and the hotel industry. In fact, both heating and cooling systems can be powered up by biomass.

6. Two methods

Biomass can be generated in two different ways. One is organic rankine cycle (ORC) and other one is gasification. In ORC water is not used for vaporization. Another organic liquid is used which has a boiling point lower than water. Thus lesser amount of heat is needed to generate the steam cycle. In gasification, biomass is incinerated with air and pure oxygen and all carbon is converted into gas leaving behind only char or ash.

7. Viability

Large scale production of biomass has some constraints. If you have to use this technology, a model with a small scale plant should be chalked out. It is better to put up these production plants locally near sites where energy will be used. Also, these small scale set ups should have systems for advanced thermal conversion processes. Only then they will be of enough value. Building a biomass station near the site of use also aids in reducing transportation and storage costs. This further adds to the ecological benefits of adopting this technology. A production site near the supply also means that there will be fewer losses in transmission and distribution.

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