Biomass Boilers and StovesBiomass heating systems generally burn logs, wood chips and fuel pellets. The carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere when wood is burnt is the equivalent amount that was absorbed by the wood when it was growing. Biomass is a sustainable energy provided that new trees and plants are grown in place of those that are used for fuel. There are some carbon emissions associated with biomass fuel due to the non renewable fuel used for the cultivation, manufacture and transportation of this product. These carbon emissions can be reduced by ourselves if we buy locally sourced fuel. Although we can burn biomass fuel such as logs on an open fire it is much more efficient to use a burning device that has an enclosure because this enables the air flow to be restricted. Examples of devices that have enclosures and can restrict the airflow to the fuel are wood or fuel pellet burning stoves and boilers.
Fuel PelletsAn alternative to logs and woodchip are fuel pellets. Fuel pellets can be made from various types of biomass including wood, straw, waste cotton and miscanthus, which is a form of grass. Fuel pellets made of different materials burn in different ways. Using the correct fuel pellet is very important – A biomass stove or boiler will be set up to use a particular type of pellet and using a different type could cause inefficiencies and even risk damaging the unit. Purchasing fuel pellets – Fuel pellets can be purchased in various different quantities ranging from small 10 kg bags to being delivered by tanker. It is best to buy in large quantities as this will considerably reduce the fuel pellet cost per kilogram. Fuel pellet storage – When storing pellets you need to ensure that your storage area is well sealed and dry. Pellets can break down into dust if they get wet or are crushed.
Stoves and BoilersStoves – stoves are used to heat single rooms. They can be wood-burning, but increasing in popularity are pellet stoves which usually have an integrated fuel hopper that feed pellets into the stove as they are required. Some stoves incorporate a boiler which is able to heat water to supply heat to radiators and/or domestic hot water. Boilers – biofuel boilers can be used to run domestic heating and hot water. There are a large range of boilers available, ranging from very basic, robust and reliable, to boilers that are highly efficient and have a range of sophisticated options. Biofuel boilers will normally operate with an accumulator tank so that they are able to be batch fed. This enables better control over the amount of heat produced so that it can match the amount of heat demanded, therefore avoiding the problems of waste and shortfalls.
Considerations for having a biomass boiler or stoveDo you know if you are in a smokeless zone – Properties that are in smokeless zones are restricted to appliances that are approved for use in these areas. Do you have enough space – Biofuel boilers are large and so are the hoppers that feed them. You will need a suitably large space somewhere in or close to the property so that the boiler can be connected to your heating system. Also required is a large dry area close to the boiler to store your biomass fuel. Do you have a suitable chimney or flu –A flu may be required to be fitted to your property. Planning permission may be required if the flu is going to extend more than 1 meter above the height of your roof, and in some areas if it will be visible from the road. If you want to use your existing chimney it may have to be sealed or fitted with a blind flu. A vent (also known as a draw) that is specifically designed for biomass fuel appliances to ensure that there is sufficient air movement for the correct operation of the stove or boiler, may also be required. Safety and building regulations – this is particularly important if you live in an old or unusual property. Check to see that you will be able to meet all building regulations. Moving your fuel – If you are planning to use wood logs are you physically able to move the wood from its storage area to where it is required. Also, will you be able to do this in 10 to 20 years time? Disposal of waste ashes – There are waste ashes that will need to be collected and disposed of. Modern systems are very efficient, so this combined with large collection trays can mean that the waste ashes may only need to be emptied once a month. Financial savings – Do you have a property with, or access to, your own supply of wood? If not fuel cost savings could be hard to achieve and there maybe better options available to you.
Advantages of biomass stoves and boilersSignificant reduction in CO2 – This is a sustainable energy that can significantly reduce CO2 emissions, provided that new trees and plants are grown in place of those that are used for fuel. A good use for certain waste materials – Burning waste wood and other materials is an excellent method of disposal and a better alternative to being sent to a landfill site.
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