Biomass is a clean and renewable energy source. in your definition, biomass for energy generation is not accounted for traditional fossil fuels, these sources are the result of several transformations that require millions of years to happen., although they are also derived from plant or animal life..
All organisms capable of photosynthesis, or derivatives of them, can be used as biomass, like wood scraps, cattle manure, vegetable oil or even urban waste.
In a context of search for renewable and cleaner sources, and an ever-increasing demand for electricity, the maximum is being done to obtain energy from biomass
Various energy sources
In 2014 Near 7,4% of electricity generated in Brazil is sourced from biomass, mainly sugarcane bagasse, bleach and firewood.
An important fact is that humanity is producing more and more waste, and these are also capable of producing energy. With its use, we would have a reduction in the level of environmental pollution and a containment of the volume of waste in cities, remembering that only organic waste and tailings would be used for this purpose. The remainder would be destined for reuse and recycling centers.
Furthermore, the residues emitted by its burning do not interfere with the greenhouse effect, but there is the possibility of generating particulate matter to the atmosphere, meaning a need for higher investment cost in removal equipment for this particulate material.
Means of obtaining energy from biomass
Obtaining energy from biomass is done through processes such as: a pyrolysis, in which the biomass is exposed to very high temperatures without the presence of oxygen, in order to accelerate its decomposition. What is left of the decomposition is a mixture of gases, methane, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, liquids, like vegetable oils, and solids, basically charcoal.
On gasification, that just like in pyrolysis, biomass is also heated in the absence of oxygen, generating as a final product a flammable gas. This gas can still be filtered, aiming at the removal of some residual chemical components. And the basic difference in relation to pyrolysis is the fact that gasification requires a lower temperature and only results in gas.
In the process of combustion, as the name suggests, biomass burning occurs at high temperatures in the presence of abundant oxygen, producing steam at high pressure. This steam is usually used in boilers or to drive gas turbines.. It is one of the most common forms nowadays, but its energy efficiency is in the range of 20 a 25%, still very low value. Some studies also bring co-combustion, a practice that proposes the replacement of part of the mineral coal used in thermoelectric plants by biomass.
Advantages of biomass as an energy source
Biomass can be a good energy option, so it is renewable and generates low amounts of pollutants. in an alcohol plant, for example, sugarcane waste, like bagasse, can be used to produce biomass and energy. In addition to the fact that energy generation through biomass can contribute to the reduction of greenhouse effect e do global warming.
Our vision
We believe that the country's energy matrix needs flexibility, and biomass as an energy source proves that there is technology to change this scenario. In addition to the fact that its application can interfere against energy shortages in certain regions of Brazil.
A clean and renewable energy matrix must be continually pursued, started gradually. Investments in production and technology must continue to be made, so that not only energy efficiency is achieved with the least possible risks to the environment.
We believe. And if you believe and are looking for consultancy services related to this area, contact us, schedule a meeting.