Biomass boilers are a renewable source of energy obtained by burning plant material like wood. The energy generated has low carbon percentage and can be used in form of electricity in homes and offices.
How can it be used?
Biomass boilers are an amazing alternative to existing coal and gas boilers. They drastically decrease the electricity consumption and saves you a lot of money. Being a renewable source of energy, these boilers also helps in keeping the environment pollution free.
History of Biomass Heaters
The history of Biomass heater dates back to the time when fire was harnessed to meet the daily requirements. Wood being the oldest and most commonly used fuel was burned to obtain heat for all purposes. Gradually, biomass was used as a fuel and was also used in producing better and more efficient biofuel. These biofuels were produced by using plant and animal matter which was converted into fibres and industrial chemical and is now becoming the biggest biomass today.
From then to now, there has been a significant change in how biomass is treated. With new techniques and highly efficient systems evolved over the past few years, commercial biomass heating has now become a reliable source of energy and is widely used in homes and commercial spaces. Today, the widely used modern boiler systems have incorporated the self-loading facility with the feature of climate control in just one touch of a button just like any standard gas boiler.
How boilers work?
Boilers work on the principle of burning biological matter to produce heat. This biological matter (wood pellets, chips, logs and other biological material) is fed into the combustion chamber where they are ignited to generate hot gas. The hot gas and air produced by this process travel through a fuel, and are then passed through a heat exchanger, which transfers the heat to the water used in the property's central heating system. The excess heat is also stored in a thermal tank (also called a buffer vessel).
How much maintenance does your biomass need?
A biomass system doesn’t require a lot of maintenance as compared to gas and oil boilers. However, one does need professional help to maintain the system in the premises. Get in touch with experienced professionals to make sure your biomass boiler is maintained from time to time.
Types of Biomass Boilers:
With the advancement of technology, new biomass systems have been set up that help in efficient energy consumption in homes and office. Let’s know about them more:
1. Fully automated biomass boiler:
The fully automated biomass boiler is one of the most cost effective biomass boiler. In this process wood chips and pellets are fed in the combustion chamber with the help of a auger screw system into the huge silo or hopper.
Combined heat and power biomass system are best used to fuel units that generate both heat and electricity. However, they are comparatively high on price than other biomass systems. CHP boilers are not fit for small domestic and business properties.
If you are looking for a biomass system for huge office spaces and industries, the combined heat and power biomass system can be installed with the help of Government Feed-in tariffs as well as the Renewable Heat Incentive and Renewable Heat Premium Payment.
2. Semi-automated Industrial biomass boilers
The semi-automated industrial biomass boilers are less costly than the fully automated boilers. However, these systems demand high input from the system operator. This is the reason why semi-automated systems are way more suited to large installations such as the one in farms and larger properties. These semi-automated units are attached to large hopper that can accommodate a reasonable amount of fuel and help in generating more electricity as compared to other systems.
But these systems will require replenishing manually more often than other boiler systems. These boilers have various operating modes - full, reduced and slumber with specially designed electronic controls.
3. Semi-automatic residential biomass boilers
Relatively smaller in size, the semi automatic residential designed specifically for the residential market. They are compact and can be placed in residential spaces. Since they look similar to a standard log burner, they mix and match your space. Because of the aesthetic appearance and compact size, these units have become much more popular recently, especially in smaller properties like small business spaces and domestic areas.
4. Log-fed biomass boilers
The log-fed biomass boilers are usually a lot cheaper than boilers with automation. These boiler systems are only suitable for those who have an easy access to firewood. Since they are hand fed and is more time consuming than the automated systems, they are not considered as new biomass boiler systems. However, for those business that want be on a budget and use boiler systems the log-fed biomass boilers are an cost effective and reliable solution for energy.
Are Biomass Boilers Worth Installing?
Many businesses are now converting to renewable sources of energy to reduce the cost of electricity and contribute their share to a clean and green environment. This is the reason why biomass boilers are completely worth installing in today’s date and time. They are definitely a better option than the gas and oil boilers as they reduce the emission of carbon footprints in the atmosphere.
Get in touch with Renewable Energy Hub to learn more about Commercial Biomass Heating. Call us on 01392 693900 to install a biomass boiler in your commercial property.
