Author: Tal Potishman
Article:
If you ask the public what is the most popular renewable energy
technology, you are likely to hear solar panels and wind
turbines. These technologies probably have the highest profile
within the much hyped green energy sector. Solar panels and wind
turbines have good credentials and should be viewed as true
alternative technologies nevertheless. Still, most people forget
a much simpler and humbler technology that has been around for
many centuries. Wood burning stoves are not only effective and
proven, but are also categorized as green, which makes them
attractive yet again.
First let's understand how it works. Biomass means that the
energy is produced from organic sources (bio-energy). The energy
is released when organic sources (wood in this case) are burned,
in the same way as mankind was doing for centuries. The fuel
used in biomass boilers is either untreated wood or treated
wood. Most common fuels are logs, wood chips and wood pallets.
From the types of wood used by biomass boilers the most
effective and 'user-friendly' is the wood pallets fuel. Wood
pallets are actually sawdust, which is compressed under high
pressure into small pallets (roughly 5 cm in length). During the
compression, the saw dust loses its moisture, making the pallets
very dry and highly potent in terms of output to weight ratio.
This ensures full burning performance and low residue on the
burners.
When we burn fossil fuels, we release a high volume of carbon
that was previously captured underground for millions of years.
During the burning process, the resulting carbon dioxide is
emitted into the atmosphere and contributes to the climate
change phenomenon. Boilers that burn wood, however, are much
less harmful as they only release carbon that was captured by
the plant during the years. They do not bring any more carbon
into the delicate balance of our plant and are generally
considered to be carbon neutral.
Before installing a biomass boiler it important to consider a
few aspects of this technology:
* Reliable fuel supplier - it is recommended to check whether
there are any sawmills or carpentry workshops in your vicinity
that could supply a steady flow of wood, such as sawdust, wood
chips etc.
* Space consideration - unlike modern gas and oil boilers, a
biomass boiler is larger in size and requires a large area
nearby to store the wood. It is wise to plan for this space in
advance.
* Chimney consideration - it is essential to have a chimney in
the property. In addition, the chimney needs to be lined for
wood-fuel burning. However, even if it is not properly lined,
there are solutions to overcome this problem (e.g. inserting an
inner flue).
* Smoke implications - some areas are designated 'Smoke Free'.
If you live in such are, you need to find a unit that is
exempted under the Clean Air Act.
* Other considerations - It is wise to check with your local
authority's planning department regarding fitting a flue in the
property. This is very important in cases where the property is
a listed building, or within a conservation area.
About the author:
Tal Potishman, member of Heating Central, writes content about
central heating,
mbledon">Wimbledon plumbers, boilers, heat pumps and solar
thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on
efficient heating
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