Biomass energy primarily works by converting organic materials into heat or electricity, most commonly through combustion.
Generating Electricity from Biomass
The most widespread method for producing electricity from biomass involves direct combustion, similar to how traditional power plants operate but using organic fuel instead of fossil fuels.
Here is a breakdown of the process:
- Fuel Source: Biomass, which includes organic materials like wood, crops, waste, and landfill gas, is used as fuel.
- Combustion: Most electricity generated from biomass is produced by direct combustion. This means the biomass is burned in a boiler.
- Steam Production: Burning the biomass generates heat, which is used to produce high-pressure steam from water within the boiler.
- Turbine Rotation: This steam flows over a series of turbine blades, causing them to rotate.
- Electricity Generation: The rotation of the turbine drives a generator, producing electricity.
This process is summarized below:
| Step | Process | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Fuel Input | Biomass is supplied | Ready for burning |
| 2. Combustion | Biomass is burned | Produces heat |
| 3. Steam Generation | Heat boils water in boiler | Produces high-pressure steam |
| 4. Turbine Action | Steam spins turbine | Rotational mechanical energy |
| 5. Power Output | Turbine drives generator | Produces electricity |
Essentially, biomass is used as a fuel to create steam, which is then used to turn a turbine connected to a generator, converting thermal energy into electrical energy.
