ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the three thermochemical methods of converting biomass to power and fuels which includes combustion, gasification, and pyrolysis. A proximate analysis is the evaluation of the yield of various products obtained upon heating under controlled conditions, and is important in determining the performance of any thermochemical conversion process. The chapter examines bulk density which determines the radius from which the biomass must be acquired and generally wood or biomass must be produced within a 50–100 mile radius. It is important to transport biomass in the highest bulk density form to minimize transportation cost. Moisture content of the biomass may have a significant impact on the conversion process. Biochemical conversion processes can utilize a high moisture content biomass, while thermochemical conversion processes requires a low moisture content biomass so there is not a negative impact on the overall energy balance.
