ABSTRACT
Biomass is organic plant and animal material. It can be directly burned or processed to create biofuels. It is considered a renewable resource (and carbon neutral) because it is part of the current carbon cycle, as opposed to fossil fuels which, when burned, add sequestered carbon to the atmosphere. Biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel. Ethanol is fermented from plant starches and sugars and then mixed with petroleum to power vehicles. Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils and animal fats and is compatible with diesel engines. Biodiesel can either be rated R or B depending on how it is made. Renewable diesel (R) is a chemical match to petroleum diesel, B types are not. Modern biomass burners have a wide variety of sizes and options. They can create heat, electricity, or combined heat and power (CHP). You need to plan on enough space to contain the system as well as to store the biomass.
