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Biomass Definition (Energy Source)
One of the most common definitions of biomass is “the organic matter that can be used as a fuel, such as wood, bark, and agricultural waste.” Biomass is renewable because it can be regrown. The definition can be expanded to include “the organic matter that is produced by living organisms.”
Definition of Biomass in terms of energy
Biomass is a renewable energy source that comes from plant and animal materials. Biomass can be burned to produce heat or used to create electricity.
Plants that are a rich source of Biomass energy and hence considered for Biofuel production
Plants that are a rich source of biomass energy are typically fast growing, high yield plants that can be easily converted into fuel. The most common type of biomass fuel is ethanol, which is made from plants that have been converted into sugar. Sugarcane is the most common plant used for ethanol production, but other plants, such as corn, can also be used.
Ways to produce Biomass energy- Thermal conversion
- Thermal conversion technologies are the most common methods for converting biomass into energy. The technologies use heat to break down biomass into a gas or liquid that can be burned to produce heat or electricity. The most common thermal conversion technologies are combustion, gasification, and pyrolysis.
- Combustion uses heat to break down biomass into a gas that is burned to produce heat or electricity. The most common combustion technologies are boilers and turbines.
- Gasification uses heat to break down biomass into a gas that can be burned to produce heat or electricity. The most common gasification technologies are fixed-bed and fluidized-bed.
- Pyrolysis uses heat to break down biomass into a liquid that can be burned to produce heat or electricity. The most common pyrolysis technologies are torrefaction and thermal depolymerization.
Ways to produce Biomass energy- Biofuel
There are a few ways to produce biomass energy.
- One way is to burn biomass to create heat or electricity. This is called combustion.
- Another way to produce biomass energy is to extract biofuel from the biomass. Biofuel is a fuel that is made from biomass. Biofuel can be used to power cars, buses, and trucks.
Ways to produce Biomass energy- Biochar
1. Agricultural waste can be burned to create heat, which can be used to produce electricity.
2. Agricultural waste can be converted into biofuel, which can be used to produce electricity or heat.
3. Agricultural waste can be converted into biochar, which can be used to produce heat or electricity.
Ways to produce Biomass energy- Black liquor
1. Black liquor is a waste product from the pulp and paper industry.
2. It is produced by the chemical digestion of wood pulp in the production of paper.
3. The black liquor contains a high percentage of organic matter, which can be used to produce biomass energy.
4. Biomass energy can be produced by burning the black liquor in a thermal combustion plant.
5. The heat from the burning black liquor can be used to generate electricity or heat.
6. It can also be used to produce steam, which can be used to power turbines and generate electricity.
Ways to produce Biomass energy- Hydrogen fuel cells
- Use algae to produce hydrogen fuel
- Use biomass to produce hydrogen fuel
- Use biogas to produce hydrogen fuel
- Use biomethane to produce hydrogen fuel
