Biomass Pellet Stoves – Burn With 99% Efficiency

In the past, the pellet heating system has been the kind of thing that seems like a great idea, but it takes a dedicated environmentalist to go to the trouble of keeping them up and running. However, a new system may soon be giving even us lazy folks the chance to be more eco-friendly.

The fuel pellets used now generally come from one source – typically corn or wood – and the stoves that are available burn one or the other. However, Bixby Energy Systems has come up with a technique to create pellets from a variety of biological waste along with a stove that is able to burn it all.

The pellets can be modified depending on resources available locally, such as almond shells, hog waste, olive pitts or cotton remains. By using locally available material, shipping and distribution costs are vastly reduced. Bob Walker, the found of Bixby, says that he had many people tell him that his idea just wasn’t feasible. The consensus was that it was impossible to take materials with very different properties and get them to burn at the same temperature. But Walker isn’t the type to give up on a challenge, and has already shown that he knows what to do with a good idea: he’s the same guy that invented the sleep-number bed. So while others have had the pellet idea, he was determined to see it through. He knew that there was a true business opportunity waiting if he could resolve the issue of making biomass a usable fuel.

Why Biomass?

Biomass is the top source of renewable energy, says the US Department of Energy, and accounts for 4% of the total energy produced in the country. The majority comes from agriculture and forestry waste, but a lot of biomass is not used simply because an efficient method of collection and distribution hasn’t been worked out yet. A study in 2005 showed that if Minnesota was able to collect and use its biomass efficiently, there was enough to power as much as 99% of the state’s electrical usage!

The first stove Bixby produced, the MaxFire, is able to burn biomass, wood or corn pellets at 99.7% efficiency – that means there’s almost no ash left over. It can hold up to 106 pounds of corn, which is enough to heat a 3000 square foot area, and does it about half the cost of heating oil or natural gas.

The biggest drawback at this point is the pellets themselves. Unlike fuel which comes into the home through gas lines or electrical wires, it’s necessary for consumers to go out and buy the pellets and store them at their home. The stove needs to be refilled on a regular basis, too. This extra work can be a problem for home owners, even if they like the idea of the stove. But Walker has been thinking about a solution for the people who want a low maintenance heating system: they’ve designed a furnace that can produce not just heat, but also hot water, and soon electricity. The pellets for this system will be delivered directly to the home, where they’ll be placed into a storage area that is accessed automatically by the furnace. Soon, everyone can make the most of the waste they produce with a great and really efficient biomass boiler.

Jimmy is a engineer working for specialist heating firm Ambaheat. He is very keen on all modern, highly efficient and especially renewable heating installations, and anything that can help to reduce our emissions.

Greening Your Home and Lifestyle

Turning eco-savvy is the catchphrase these days. You can do it too! After all, it is real easy to adopt green living ways and it doesn’t cost a dime. As a matter of fact, you might just end up saving money. In times when prices are shooting up and resources are scarce, everyone can make a positive change by going green. Here are a few simple things you can do if you also want to take on a greener lifestyle.

1. Recycle and reuse

The supply of many material like plastic and metals is limited. So, try to reuse and recycle as much as possible. Keep track of recycling centers and pick up services to which you can make a donation. Make use of recycling bins set up in your locality or office. One can easily reuse cloth, paper and glass items around the house. Buy recycled paper, bricks, plastics or reclaimed wood.

2. Buy eco friendly supplies

Ditch plastic and stack green tagged products at home such as bamboo mats, cloth table covers and stone crockery. Furnish your house with eco-chic goods like bamboo flooring, reclaimed wood furniture, stone islands and cloth drapes. Even insulation installed in your house can be eco friendly. Munch on organic and fair trade certified foods. Use plant based cleaners or baking soda and vinegar to scour things up in your house. Plant trees wherever you can, be it indoors or outside your home.

3. Generate less trash

Garbage thrown out of homes is bunging up landfills and polluting the environment. Recycle or reuse trash by making new objects or turning it into compost. Avoid throwing out non-biodegradables like plastics or chemical wastes like batteries and electronic chips. A good way to create less trash is to buy things that you can use for longer. Opt for recyclable batteries, sturdier furniture and durable appliances.

4. Save energy

Do not leave appliances running when you do not need them and use electronic gadgets only when required. Reduce dependence on the lights by using candles or oil lamps wherever possible and replace incandescent bulbs with florescent ones. Use cold water while doing laundry and leave your clothes to air dry. Buy locally manufactured goods as less energy is expended to transport them. Switch off the air conditioners and open the windows to cool down your house. During the winters, layer yourself with warm clothes instead of turning up the heater. Go for energy efficient appliances and if possible switch to renewable sources of power like solar or wind energy.

5. Conserve resources

The fresh water reserves in the world are depleting fast, so try to minimize use of water. Do not leave any taps running and get all leaky spouts around the house fixed. A lot of water pours out while showering, so opt for a tub or bucket while having a bath. Try biking, walking, public transport or carpooling instead of your gas guzzling car. You can also drive a green vehicle. Minimize use of paper to save another tree from being felled.

Resources like energy, metals and paper are diminishing rapidly and most products up for sale are doused with harmful chemicals or pollutants. Do your bit to fight this crisis by conserving wherever you can and buying all-natural merchandise. In fact, doing up your home the green way can also increase its resale value.

About the author: Diana Maria is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on technology and luxury. Beside this she’s fond of books. Recently an article on Richard Branson attracted her attention. These days she is busy in writing an article on biomass energy.

Bio Fuels As Alternative Energy

Plants use photosynthesis to grow and produce biomass. Also known as biomatter, biomass can be used directly as fuel or to produce biofuels. Agriculturally produced biomass fuels, such as biodiesel, ethanol and bagasse (often a by-product of sugar cane cultivation) can be burned in internal combustion engines or boilers. Typically biofuel is burned to release its stored chemical energy. Research into more efficient methods of converting biofuels and other fuels into electricity utilizing fuel cells is an area of very active work.

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