Biomass is any organic matter that can be used as an energy source
Types of Biomass
Wood: Wood can be burned to create heat
Solid waste/Garbage: Solid waste can be burned to create electricity. Burning solid waste can turn it into a usable form of energy. One ton of garbage contains about as much heat energy as 500 pounds of coal.
Alcohol fuels
- Ethanol: Ethanol is an alcoholic fuel made by fermenting the sugar and starches. Any material containing cellulose, starch, and sugar can be made into ethanol.
- Biodiesel: Biodiesel is a fuel made by chemically reacting alcohol with animal fats, recycled restaurant grease and vegetable oils.
Landfill gas and Biogas: As the waste in the landfill decays, a substance called methane is produced. It can also be produced when a cow burps! When this gas, methane is burned, it turns harmless and can be converted into energy.
What are the future sources of biomass?
Algae biofuel
Algae is a source that is considered renewable because it proliferates greatly in size and speed. Algae produces oil(fat) when it grows. Then, the algae oil is extracted using a hexane solvent method which is pressing the algae. This is one of the ways to extract algae oil. Then, the algae oil is mixed with gasoline and turned into biofuel, and can be as a different type of gasoline.
Cellulosic Ethanol
Cellulosic Ethanol is a biofuel that is produced from cellulose, the inedible parts of any green plant such as the stem, leaves, and etc. As these parts are found in in any green plant, this future biofuel source doesn't require a lot of farmland and utilize existing plants.
Cellulosic Ethanol is a biofuel that is produced from cellulose, the inedible parts of any green plant such as the stem, leaves, and etc. As these parts are found in in any green plant, this future biofuel source doesn't require a lot of farmland and utilize existing plants.
How biomass work as an energy source?
https://www.greenmountainenergy.com/why-green/renewable-energy-101/#biomass
