What Is Biomass Energy, And Why Is It Worth Considering?
Biomass energy can be used in several ways, with some of the most typical categories being biofuels, biopower, bioproducts, and space heating and cooling.
Biofuels
* Biofuels have been around for a long time, but only recently have started attracting serious attention as a viable energy source. Having realized its hidden potential, many companies are now undertaking new biofuel ventures.
* The two main types of biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel.
1) ETHANOL: the most commonly used form of ethanol is made from the corn-grain starch. It is then added to petroleum-based fuels to reduce toxic air emissions and increase octane. Also available as an alternative fuel known as E-85, this type of fuel contains 83% ethanol during the summer, and 70% in the winter.
2) BIODIESEL: Biodiesel, on the other hand, is made from soybean oil. Though not as popular as its ethanol counterpart, it has significant benefits to air quality. Biodiesel is usually mixed at 20% with petroleum diesel, and is called B-20. The same process that is used to create biofuels can also be used to create antifreeze, plastics, glues, artificial sweeteners and toothpaste gels.
Biopower
* The only renewable electrical generation that is used more than biopower is hydropower. Biomass is created using direct combustion using conventional boilers that burn waste wood products. Steam is produced by this combustion, which in turn spins a turbine, activating a generator that creates electricity.
* When biomass is turned to gas prior to this combustion, toxic materials are removed from the process. These systems are useful for powering isolated communities with electricity. There are significant amounts of biomass resources in the eastern half of the United States.
Bioproducts
* Bioproducts are products that can be made from fossil fuels. These products general require a reduced amount of energy to create than petroleum-based products.
* If oxygen is present when heating biomass, then more of the two gases are produced. This process is called biosynthesis, and it can be utilized to create plastics and acids. These, in turn, can be used to create photographic films, textiles, and synthetic fabrics.
* On the other hand, when biomass is heated without oxygen, pyrolysis oil is formed and phenol can be extracted from this formation. Wood adhesives, molded plastics, and foam insulation can then be created from phenol.
Space Heating and Cooling
Heating and cooling account for about 56% of the energy use in a typical US home, making it the largest energy expense for most homes.
Given the large number of heating and cooling options available, it’s important to research the most efficient ways to utilize renewable energy.
According to Navtej Kohli, the day is not too distant when the entire human race will resort to Alternative energy.
Fossil fuels are serving the mankind since the dawn of civilisation. But why, all of a sudden, do we need alternative sources of energy to keep the world going? Also Read Navtej Kohli Fossil Fuels Energy Renewable Energy