Biomass Definition Energy Source

May 23, 2023, 16:45 IST

Regarding ecology, biomass denotes the total number of plants and animals, or their weight, in a given space or volume. This can be calculated as organisms' dry weight, fresh weight, or carbon weight. Whereas, the same biomass also denotes renewable organic energy that is obtained from animals and plants. Here, we shall learn more about biomass associated with energy production.

Biomass - Meaning

Biomass means the energy generated from organic matter. It can be recently extinct or living organisms, organic mass, and organic waste. The energy generated from this biomass is often termed bioenergy. These are mostly renewable energy sources. A non-renewable energy source is also possible here.

Examples include wood, energy crops, wood by-products, agricultural waste, and organic waste from commercial and residential sources. Most biomass comprises oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and other alkali metals. Most of them release high forms of energy when burned.

Also, read - Genes

Types of Biomass (Energy Source)

Biomass can be transformed into various energy forms, which can then be used in various ways, such as automobile fuel, as a source of energy for various industries, and to produce electricity. The various types of biomasses are as follows:

• Agricultural waste - Stems, stalks, leaves, seed pods, etc.
• Wood - Whole tree/wood, discarded wood products, pruned branches, etc.
• Industrial Waste - Gravel, concrete, dirt, rubbish, timber, etc.
• Animal Waste - Dung, straw, hay, etc.
• Forest Residues - Saw dust, tree tops, tree stump, etc.
• Sewage and Municipal Solid Waste - Everyday garbage/trash.

These biomasses are produced into bioenergy through various conversion processes. Some conversion processes include

• Combustion - Burning the biomass in the presence of air.
• Pyrolysis - Burning biomass in the absence of oxygen.
• Fermentation - Biomass is converted into alcohol with the help of fermenters like yeast.
• Biodigestion or Anaerobic Digestion - Biomass is converted into biogas with the help of microbes without oxygen.
• Gasification - Includes partial combustion and heat to convert biomass into combustible gas.

To better understand this, let us look at the classic examples like biofuel and biogas produced by various biochemical conversion processes.

• Biofuel

Biofuel is a common type of fuel that is created from biomass. Also, biofuel formation is a quick process as opposed to the lengthy natural processes that result in the formation of fossil fuels. This can easily be obtained from industrial or domestic wastes and plant residues. The two most common biofuels in today’s world are - Bioethanol and biodiesel.

Bioethanol is a type of alcoholic fuel that is made by the process of fermentation. They are mostly from carbohydrate-rich plants like sugarcane, maize, or sweet sorghum. Likewise, biodiesel is produced by the transesterification of fats or oils. Both these fuels do not produce much energy; thus, they are used as fuel additives to enhance the efficiency of petrol or diesel.

• Biogas

Likewise, cow dung (animal waste) can also produce energy. The cow dung is mixed with water and is made to decompose without oxygen inside a slurry tank. This produces biogas which contains up to 75% methane, and thus it makes a great fuel. It burns cleanly and leaves no trace, unlike burning wood, charcoal, and coal, which all produce smoke. Also, it has a large heating capacity. In addition to supplying energy, the residues in this process can also be used as manure. Since the primary raw material is cow dung, which is also called gobar gas.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Biomass

Biomass energy have both advantages and disadvantages. Let’s look at them.

Biomass energy is not completely devoid of drawbacks. More research and innovation are still being made in this field. Soon it will be more accessible, efficient, and less expensive as possible.

Biomass: FAQs

Q1. What is biomass?

Ans. Biomass energy is defined as power generated from organic material. The organic substance can be found in the form of recently extinct or living species, organic mass, or even organic waste. Also, the energy obtained from this biomass is termed bioenergy.

Q2. Which ecosystem contains the most biomass?

Ans. Undoubtedly, the forest ecosystem contains the most biomass. This is because of the size and durability of the trees. This is why the largest biomass energy source in today’s world is wood and wood waste.

Q3. What are various sources of biomass energy?

Ans. The various types of biomass energy sources are - Agricultural crop wastes, forestry wastes, algae, woody energy crops, industrial wastes, municipal solid waste, and many more.

Q4. What is anaerobic digestion?

Ans. Anaerobic digestion is a series of processes in which microbes break down biodegradable substances without oxygen. This procedure is applied for fuel production as well as waste management.

Q5. How is pyrolysis used to produce biomass energy?

Ans. Pyrolysis is the procedure of burning fuel at high temperatures without oxygen. Here, the organic materials do not burn since no oxygen is present. Thus they are converted into biochar, syngas, or bio-oil.