Heating Up Public Spaces With the Help of a Biomass Boiler System
In the recent summer heat, many of us welcomed a welcome break from the sweltering outdoors. But while air-conditioning can be a lifesaver on hot days, it’s actually a luxury we have much less of in the United States. Even in the most temperate climes, indoor temperatures often rise above 100°F during the day and rarely dip below 65°F at night.
That’s because carbon dioxide build up in homes, offices, and other enclosed spaces due to the high concentration of heat-producing fuels like gasoline, coal, natural gas, and wood. Compounding this problem is the fact that most commercial energy sources are fossil fuel based and produce carbon emissions when burned. Fortunately, there is an alternative: biomass energy!
Biomass is any organic material such as wood, agricultural waste products (e.g., straw or sawdust), or human sewage that can be used to produce heat and power without emitting carbon emissions or other pollutants into the environment. What’s more, biomass can be produced sustainably by allowing plants to grow indoors year-round unlike traditional fossil fuel fuels which are only viable year-round within certain geographical limits.
Home owners looking to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying some relief from summer heat should consider installing a heating system that heats public spaces with minimal interruptions using biomass as its primary fuel source instead of an electricity-generating boiler system that runs 24/7.
What is a Biomass Boiler?
A biomass boiler is a heat engine that burns biomass, which can be organic matter like wood, crop residue, or animal bones. In comparison to an electricity- or natural gas- or oil-burning boiler, a biomass boiler takes up significantly less space and produces much less exhaust soot and other pollutants. The reduction in production of carbon emissions, water pollution, and other pollutants that come with using biomass as a heat source is immense.
Why Install a Biomass Boiler?
Because it burns relatively low-cost biomass, installing a heating system powered by biomass is an affordable way to burnish your green credentials. Furthermore, biomass heaters are simple to install, efficient when working properly, and produce little to no smoke or odor. And last but not least, they can be used both inside and outside as a stunning addition to any home or commercial building.
Types of Biomass Boilers
There are many different types of biomass boilers, ranging from large industrial power- and heat-using boiler systems to home-sized heaters. All have one thing in common: they burn organic matter, typically trees, grass, or leaves. Some biomass boilers also produce electricity or energy through an organic-processing technology called nutrient absorption.
Large, industrial-scale biomass boilers are capable of producing large volumes of electricity and heat at a high-powered industrial setting. These types of biomass boilers produce large amounts of black carbon, soot, and other pollutants that are harmful to the environment and human health.
Home-sized biomass boilers are ideal for homeowners who want to save on space rental, don’t mind running a heating system year-round, and don’t mind paying a small monthly fee for emergency power. Home-sized biomass boilers use organic matter like leaves, grass, straw, or wood chips that are transformed into heat energy when burned.
How to Choose a Biomass Boiler
When evaluating biomass boilers, you’ll want to think about size, design, and power output. The amount of heat a boiler produces is determined by a number of factors, including the type of fuel being burned, its oxygen content, the air temperature inside the boiler, and the size of the building where it’s used.
If you’re trying to save a few bucks or want to run a small heating system year-round, a small industrial-scale biomass boiler might be right for you. However, if you’re looking for a large, versatile, energy-efficient system that can be used both inside and outside, a biomass heater is the perfect solution.
Installing a Biomatt Heating System
The first step in installing a biomass heating system is to measure the size of the space you plan to heat. For example, if you’re planning on heating a 1,200-square-foot house, you’ll want to select a larger boiler that can easily handle the increased combustion load. You’ll also want to ensure that your selected boiler meets current OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and NIOSH (National Institute of Health and Welfare) standards.
Once you’ve determined the dimensions of your house and boiler, the next step is to design the heating system to accommodate the available space. The most important aspect of designing a space-heating system is to ensure adequate air flow. You’ll want to make sure that outside air is able to reach every room in your home and be exhausted out the back door. This is often accomplished by installing a mechanical air handler, which is a mechanical device that regulates indoor air temperature and flow.
Conclusion
In the recent summer heat, many of us welcomed a welcome break from the sweltering outdoors. But while air-conditioning can be a lifesaver on hot days, it’s actually a luxury we have much less of in the United States. Even in the most temperate climes, indoor temperatures often rise above 100°F during the day and rarely dip below 65°F at night. That’s because carbon dioxide build up in homes, offices, and other enclosed spaces due to the high concentration of heat-producing fuels like gasoline, coal, natural gas, and wood.
Compounding this problem is the fact that most commercial energy sources are fossil fuel based and produce carbon emissions when burned. Fortunately, there is an alternative: biomass energy! Biomass is any organic material such as wood, agricultural waste products (e.g., straw or sawdust), or human sewage that can be used to produce heat and power without emitting carbon emissions or other pollutants into the environment. What’s more, biomass can be produced sustainably by allowing plants to grow indoors year-round unlike traditional fossil fuel which are only viable year-round within certain geographical limits. Learn more>>>