Sunday, August 4, 2013

Biomass Solutions Can Help Provide Energy

By Cathy Mercer


The search for alternative energy sources has made a lot of people carefully examine the materials available on earth to determine if they can be used for fuel. Part of the search has lead to plants and the material they produce as a source of energy. This material can be changed into biofuels through three different methods and has been able to address the energy needs of some people. The industry is still in its infancy, but biomass solutions are possible to reduce carbon emissions that are endangering the planet.

Biomass is simply the remains of living organisms after they have died and their waste material while alive. All organic life has oxygen, hydrogen and carbon in their cells. These elements can be separated from the cells in used in other applications. At last estimate there was about 146 billion pounds of organic material generated each year throughout the earth. Scientists want to tap into this material to address energy problems.

Three different processes are used to transform the organic material into a usable fuel. The transformation can be done through biochemical, chemical or thermal processes. These processes can change the materials into gases, liquids or other solids that can be used to power equipment, homes and vehicles.

A major additive to many types of gasoline has been ethanol. The ethanol can increase the octane level of the gasoline and prevent many make of car engines from making a knocking sound. Another positive aspect to ethanol is that is does not produce as much harmful pollutants to the air when the engine is running. The carbon based life forms used to create ethanol are primarily corn and sugar canes.

The research has lead scientists to rediscover diesel made from organic products. The original diesel engine developed was meant to operate using peanut oil as the fuel source. Now people are gathering the waste oils from restaurants to use to make biodiesel. This procedure also helps to address the old problem of what to do about the waste oils restaurant generated in food preparation. All the oils from the fryers and oven can be used to make diesel fuel.

Biogas is a methane gas that can be sued for various heating purposes. People use biogas for cooking and heating in many parts of the world. Biogas can also be used to power cars and trucks much like natural gas can be used. The primary material to make biogas comes from wastewater treatment facilities, manure from farm animals and other municipal wastes.

Biomass substances have been used since basically the beginning of human history. Cave dwellers in ancient times would find wood to burn to keep warm and prepare foods. In some parts of the world people gather animal dung to burn and cook meals. Biofuels do not have to originate from plant sources and human and animal waste works just as well.

Research and experience has shown that there are many ways to create energy to use in the world. One material that keeps on getting produced in large amounts every year throughout the globe is organic materials. These materials can be used to achieve biomass solutions in finding alternative methods to produce energy that does not have a negative effect on the world.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment