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To understand the potential of "biomass" as a fuel supply, it is necessary to understand the term in the first place. Biomass refers to material of recent biological origin from which energy or energy-rich compounds can be derived.

Biomass has been used for all of human history as a fuel source. Inits most crude form, the burning of stalks, wood, dung, and the like as domestic fuel is the use of biomass. Such conversions (the burning) tend to release little of the available energy and produces large amounts of pollution because of its incomplete combustion.

Biomass, as it is used today, typically refers to the conversion of mass crops such as corn, rice hulls, switch grass, and other agricultural products or byproducts in to either electricity or high-density fuel storage compounds (ethanol, for instance).

To convert biomass into electricity, it is typically burned under close supervision (so as to maximize the actual combustion process). The burned biomass releases heat which boils water which, in turn, turns large electric turbines. This is, in fact, much the same method that is used in nuclear plants (with nuclear reactions being replaced by burning biomass). In this way, there is a wide availability of resources "to burn."

Some plants can be converted into other compounds; corn is the product that is used to produce ethanol. Such a process is now, through dedicated research, finally becoming economically viable.

A downside of this is that each crop generally requires a different fuel-production process. Another downside, one that is rarely mentioned, is that for such crops to be grown in the amounts that they have to be to satisfy modern societies, massive amounts of fertilizer are necessary. Corn, for instance, is well-suited to produce ethanol because, among other reasons, corn holds a lot of energy. This energy comes mainly from the sun but also from the nitrogen in the various compounds inside corn. The solar energy is stored within the bonds of the nitrogen compounds by "fixing" (that is, "nitrogen fixing")- making molecules with the potential energy stored as chemical bonds with nitrogen atoms. This nitrogen comes from the soil. The natural land cannot support such a massive debt of nitrogen and crops that grow on this land are forced to rely on the nitrogen from commercial fertilizers such as ammonia. Production of this fertilizer generally requires intensive use of petroleum. It should also be noted that massive fertilization practices are also changing the natural fabric of rural environments in ways that science is just beginning to understand.

Biomass-derived fuels tend to burn much cleaner than their petroleum counterparts; this is typically the tagline associated with their use, and it does typically hold true.

Biomass as a fuel source does have its drawbacks, but there are also numerous benefits to its use and further research. It is important, however, to remember that there is no single panacea to the need for energy. The eventual solution will involve many different brands of "alternative energy" and biomass will likely be among the most viable.

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How Energy Efficient is biomass?

Biomass is considered to be a relatively energy-efficient source of fuel because plants used for biomass absorb CO2 during their growth, creating a closed carbon cycle. However, the energy efficiency of biomass can vary depending on factors such as the type of biomass, processing methods, and transportation distances. Overall, properly managed biomass resources can be a sustainable and energy-efficient source of renewable energy.


Why doesn't people use biomass?

People do use biomass as a source of energy, but its widespread use may be limited due to challenges such as supply chain logistics, efficiency, and cost. However, as technology advances and there is a greater emphasis on renewable energy sources, the use of biomass may increase in the future.


How many watts of energy does biomass produce?

The amount of energy produced by biomass can vary depending on the type of biomass and the conversion technology used. On average, biomass energy production can range from 1 to 10 watts per gram of biomass.


What is the efficiency equation for energy?

The efficiency at which energy is transferred from one trophic level to another is called ecological efficiency.it is estimated that only a 10 percent of available energy is transferred


What is the difference between biomass energy and wind energy?

Both biomass and wind energy are natural sources of energy. Their differences are that biomass energy comes from waste materials whiles wind energy comes from the wind. Before energy can be produced from biomass, decomposition by micro-organisms must occur to produce biogas (energy), while for wind energy, the speed of the wind (energy of the wind) causes some turbine-like device to change mechanical energy to other forms of energy. Energy from biomass can also be obtained by burning it.

Related Questions

What proportion of energy in a rose plant with a biomass of 600 gm2 is transferred to a greenfly with a biomass of 50 gm2?

Assuming 10% energy transfer efficiency between trophic levels, the greenfly would receive approximately 60 gm^2 of energy (10% of the rose plant's biomass). This is calculated by multiplying the biomass of the rose plant (600 gm^2) by the energy transfer efficiency (10%).


Can biomass be used anywhere?

Biomass can be used as a renewable energy source in various places around the world, as long as there is a stable supply of organic material available for conversion into energy. However, the efficiency and feasibility of biomass energy production may vary depending on local factors such as climate, land availability, and existing infrastructure.


What is the major drawback to using only biomass or gasohol for energy?

One major drawback of using only biomass or gasohol for energy is the limited availability and sustainability of biomass resources. Dependence on these sources alone may lead to deforestation, food crop displacement, and competition for land use. Additionally, the energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness of biomass and gasohol production compared to other renewable energy sources can be a concern.


How Energy Efficient is biomass?

Biomass is considered to be a relatively energy-efficient source of fuel because plants used for biomass absorb CO2 during their growth, creating a closed carbon cycle. However, the energy efficiency of biomass can vary depending on factors such as the type of biomass, processing methods, and transportation distances. Overall, properly managed biomass resources can be a sustainable and energy-efficient source of renewable energy.


Why doesn't people use biomass?

People do use biomass as a source of energy, but its widespread use may be limited due to challenges such as supply chain logistics, efficiency, and cost. However, as technology advances and there is a greater emphasis on renewable energy sources, the use of biomass may increase in the future.


What is light use efficiency?

Light use efficiency refers to the efficiency with which plants convert light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. It is a measure of how effectively plants capture and utilize sunlight for biomass production. High light use efficiency is desirable for maximizing plant productivity.


What counties use biomass energy?

no one uses biomass energy


When can a small biomass of producers support a consumers?

A small biomass of producers can support a consumer population when there is enough energy available from the producers to sustain the consumer species. This relationship is dependent on factors such as energy transfer efficiency and the specific nutritional requirements of the consumer species. If the producers can replenish their biomass efficiently and there is minimal energy loss along the food chain, a small biomass of producers can indeed support a consumer population.


Where is biomass energy used now?

Biomass energy is widely used. One state that uses biomass is Oregon.


Is biomass energy available everywhere?

biomass energy is located everywhere on this planet!


How many watts of energy does biomass produce?

The amount of energy produced by biomass can vary depending on the type of biomass and the conversion technology used. On average, biomass energy production can range from 1 to 10 watts per gram of biomass.


Is coal biomass?

It is a biomass becauseit is burned for energy.