Lumbini Engineering College – Civil ‘L’ & ‘E’ – Lecturer : Er.

Milan Thapa
Unit IV: Energy from Biomass
Biomass:-
Biomass refers to any organic matter derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms that can be used
as a source of energy. It includes various forms such as agricultural residues, forest residues, energy crops,
algae, and organic waste.

4.1 Introduction to Biomass Resources :

Biomass resources are the materials that can be utilized to produce biomass energy. They can be
categorized into the following types:

1. Agricultural Biomass: This includes crop residues (such as corn stalks, wheat straw), animal
manure, and dedicated energy crops (grown specifically for energy production).
2. Forestry Biomass: It comprises forest residues like branches, tree tops, and things obtained from
logging operations, as well as wood chips and sawdust from wood processing industries.
3. Aquatic Biomass: It involves the cultivation of algae and other aquatic plants for energy
production.
4. Organic Waste: This includes food waste, sewage sludge, and other organic materials from
industries and municipalities.

4.1.1 Extraction of Biomass Energy:

Biomass energy can be extracted through various processes, including:

1. Combustion: Biomass is burned in a controlled environment to release heat, which can be used
directly for heating or converted into electricity through steam turbines.
2. Pyrolysis: It involves heating biomass in the absence of oxygen to produce bio-oil, biochar
(Biochar is a charcoal-like material that is produced from plant materials such as grass,
agricultural and forest residues that are decomposed at high temperatures, often during
renewable energy production), and syngas (Mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and
 some sorts of methane). These products can be used for heat, power generation, or biofuel
production.
3. Gasification: Biomass is converted into a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane
known as syngas. Syngas can be used to produce electricity or further processed to generate
biofuels or chemicals.
4. Anaerobic Digestion: Organic waste, such as food waste or animal manure, is broken down by
microorganisms in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas (mainly methane and carbon
dioxide). Biogas can be used for heat, electricity, or transportation fuels.
5. Fermentation: Energy crops or organic waste can be fermented to produce biofuels like ethanol
and biodiesel, which can be used as transportation fuels.

4.1.2 Fuel Crops:

Fuel crops are specific types of plants that are grown for the purpose of producing biomass energy.
These crops have high energy content and can be cultivated on a large scale. Common fuel crops include:

1. Switchgrass: A perennial grass native to North America, known for its ability to grow in a variety
of conditions and its high biomass yield.
2. Miscanthus: A tall perennial grass that can be grown in temperate regions, with high biomass
productivity and low nutrient requirements.
3. Willow: A fast-growing woody plant that can be harvested every few years, suitable for both heat
and electricity production.
4. Jatropha (Sajiyon): A drought-resistant plant that produces oil-rich seeds, which can be converted
into biodiesel.
5. Algae: Microalgae can be cultivated in ponds or bioreactors and have the potential to produce
large amounts of biomass and oil for biofuel production.

It's important to note that the selection of fuel crops depends on factors such as regional climate, soil
conditions, water availability, and intended use of the biomass. Local regulations and sustainability
considerations should also be taken into account when utilizing biomass resources for energy production.

4.2 Biomass conversion to heat and power:

Biomass can be converted to heat and this produced heat can be further transferred to power.
There are various methods that can convert biomass to combustible gas and so produced gases
can be used for heat and power generation. Some of the major methods/processes are explained
below:
 4.2.1 Thermal gasification: Thermal gasification is a thermochemical conversion process that
involves the partial combustion of biomass in an oxygen-limited environment. Thermal
gasification is a promising technology that converts biomass into a combustible gas, known
as syngas, which can be used for heat and power generation. The process typically occurs in
a gasifier, which is a high-temperature reactor where biomass reacts with a gasifying agent
(usually steam or air) to produce syngas.

A B C D

Feedstock Preparation Gassifier Gas Cleaning & Conditioning Gas Utilization

The reactions involved in thermal gasification inside the gasifier include drying, pyrolysis,
combustion/oxidation, and reduction.

➢ Drying: Biomass fuel usually contain 10% - 35% moisture, where biomass is heated to about 100˚
C and the moisture is converted into steam.
➢ Pyrolysis: After drying as heating continuous, the biomass undergoes pyrolysis. Pyrolysis involves
burning of biomass completely without supplying any oxygen at temperature about 400-600 ˚C.
As a result, the biomass is decomposed or separated into solids, liquids and gases. Where the
resultant solid part is Charcoal, the liquid part is tar and the flue gases make up the gaseous part.
➢ Oxidation: Air is introduced into the gasifier after the decomposition process. During oxidation,
which take place at about 700-1400 ˚C, charcoal or the solid carbonized fuel reacts with the
oxygen in the air to produce carbon dioxide and heat.
➢ Reduction: At higher temperature and under reducing condition, that is when not enough oxygen
is available, the following reaction take place forming carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane.
C + CO2 2CO
C + H2O CO + H2
CO + H2O CO2 + H2
C + 2H2 CH4
Key Components of a Gasification System:

A. Feedstock Preparation: Biomass is usually dried and processed to obtain the desired size and
moisture content.

B. Gasifier: The gasifier is designed to provide an oxygen-limited environment for biomass

conversion. It can be of various types, such as Fixed bed gasifier-updraft or counter current gasifier,
cross and downward or co current gasifier and Fluidized-Bed gasifier.

B.1 Updraft or counter – current gasification: In updraft gassifiers, air enter from below the grate and
flows upwards. Whereas, the fuel flows downwards. An updraft gasifier has distinctly defined zone for
partial combustion, reduction, pyrolysis, and drying. The gas produced in reduction zone leaves the
gasifier reactor together with the products of pyrolysis zone and steam from the drying zone. Efficiency is
very high as hot gases passes through entire fuel bed

B.2 Down draft gasifier or co-counter current gasifier: The downdraft gasifier is the most common type
of gasifier in which the pyrolysis zone is above the combustion zone and the reduction zone is below the
combustion zone. Fuel is fed from the top. The flow of air and gas is downward through the combustion
and reduction zone so it is called down draft gasifier.

The term co-current is used because air moves in the same direction as that of fuel-downwards. A
downward gasifier is so designed that tar, which is produced in pyrolysis zone, travels through the
combustion zone,where it is brocken down or burnt. As a result, the mixture of gases in the exit stream is
relatively clean. Thus, the position of combustion zone is the critical element in downdraft gasifier. Its
main advantages is that it produced gas with low tar content, which is suitable for gas engine.
B.3 Cross draft gasifier: Cross draft gasification is one of the simplest types of gasification; the reactor for
this gasification is much like the updraft gasifier in that the fuel will enter from the top and
the thermochemical reaction will occur progressively as this fuel descends into the reactor. The crucial
difference is that the air will be entering the gasifier from the side of the reactor, rather than from the top
or the bottom. The start-up time for this reactor is relatively short, and high temperatures can be attained
using this type of gasification. Cross draft gasification isn’t seen very often in commercial processes mainly
because other gasification methods offer more flexibility with respect to fuel types; this type of
gasification doesn’t handle fuel that has a high tar content and bridging can be a consequence of the
particle size of the fuel.

C. Gas Cleaning and Conditioning: The produced syngas contains impurities like tars, particulates,
and alkali metals. Various cleaning processes, such as filtration and catalytic conversion, are
employed to remove these impurities.
D. Gas Utilization: The clean syngas can be utilized for heat and power generation through
combustion in boilers, gas turbines, or internal combustion engines.
Advantages of Thermal Gasification:

➢ Thermal gasification can process a wide range of biomass feedstocks, including agricultural
residues, forestry waste, and energy crops
➢ This technology offers flexibility in feedstock selection, enabling utilization of locally available
biomass resources.
➢ Thermal gasification systems can achieve high energy conversion efficiencies compared to
traditional combustion technologies.
➢ The syngas produced can be efficiently utilized in combined heat and power (CHP) applications,
maximizing the overall energy output.
➢ Gasification reduces emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants compared to direct biomass
combustion.
➢ It is less expensive than fossils fuel.
➢ Environment friendly process.

Disadvantages:

➢ Integrating a gasification system into existing energy infrastructure can pose challenges due to
differences in operating conditions and gas quality requirements
➢ Tar compounds are formed during the gasification process and can cause operational issues and
equipment fouling.
➢ Effective syngas cleanup systems, such as catalytic tar cracking and filtration, are essential to
remove tars and other impurities from the syngas
➢ Capital cost is high.

4.2.2 Anaerobic digestion: Anaerobic digestion is a sequence of process by which microorganism

break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen. This process is generally used
for managing waste to produce fuel. The anaerobic digestion involved various stages through
out its process, the main four stages/process of anaerobic digestion are :-
 1. Hydrolysis: Bacteria transform complex organic like protein, carbohydrates, lipids into simple
form or monomer of amino acid and sugar.
2. Acidogenesis: Acidogenic bacteria further convert this monomors of sugar and amino acid into
lactic acid, fatty acid and alcohol.
3. Acetogenesis: In this stage long chain of acids is converted into acetate, hydrogen and carbon
dioxide.
4. Methanogenesis: This is the final stage of anaerobic digestion where methane is produced along
with carbon dioxide and hydrogen as biproduct.
The overall process of anaerobic digestion can be described by the chemical reaction,
𝑪𝟐 𝑯𝟏𝟐 𝑶𝟔 3C𝑶𝟐 + C𝑯𝟒

Sugar Carbondioxide + Methane

4.2.3 Pyrolysis: Pyrolysis is a thermochemical conversion process that involves the decomposition of
biomass in the absence of oxygen at high temperatures. The biomass is heated to around 400-600 degrees
Celsius, which causes it to break down into three main products: biochar, bio-oil, and syngas.

➢ Biochar: This is a solid residue rich in carbon that can be used as a soil amendment to improve
fertility and carbon sequestration.
➢ Bio-oil: Also known as pyrolysis oil, it is a dark liquid that can be further refined and processed
into transportation fuels or used as a source of heat and power.
➢ Syngas: A mixture of carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and other gases, which can be burned to
produce heat or used as a fuel for engines and turbines to generate electricity.

Pyrolysis offers several advantages, including the ability to convert a wide range of biomass
feedstocks, such as agricultural residues, wood chips, and energy crops, into valuable products. It
also has the potential for carbon capture and storage when biochar is used as a soil amendment.
4.2.3 Biogas production: Biogas is a methane rich flammable gas that results from the
decomposition of organic waste materials.
Biogas production involves the decomposition of organic matter, such as waste biomass, in
the presence of bacteria in a process called anaerobic digestion. This process takes place in a
closed system, typically called a biogas digester or anaerobic reactor.

During anaerobic digestion, complex organic molecules are broken down by bacteria into simpler
compounds, primarily methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), along with small amounts of other gases
such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Methane is the main component of biogas and can be used as a source of
heat and power.

Biogas production offers several benefits, including waste management by utilizing organic waste
streams, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the capture and utilization of methane, and the
production of renewable energy. Biogas can be burned directly for heat or used in combined heat and
power (CHP) systems to generate electricity and heat simultaneously.
4.3.1 Introduction to Bioenergy Technology: Bioenergy technology refers to the use of biological
materials, such as biomass or organic waste, to produce energy. It harnesses the energy stored in living
or recently living organisms and converts it into various forms of usable energy, including heat, electricity,
and liquid or gaseous fuels. Bioenergy is a renewable energy source that can play a vital role in reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, promoting energy security, and diversifying the energy mix.

Bioenergy technologies encompass a range of processes and applications. Let's explore some of the key
components and examples:

1. Biomass Feedstocks: Bioenergy relies on the utilization of diverse biomass feedstocks, which
include agricultural residues (such as crop residues and straw), energy crops (like switchgrass and
miscanthus), forestry residues, organic waste (such as food waste and sewage sludge), and
dedicated biomass crops.

2. Combustion: The most traditional and widely used bioenergy technology is biomass combustion.
It involves burning biomass to produce heat, which can be used directly for heating purposes or
to generate steam for electricity generation through steam turbines.

3. Biochemical Conversion: This process involves the use of microorganisms or enzymes to break
down biomass into simpler compounds. One common example is anaerobic digestion, where
organic materials are decomposed by bacteria in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas (mainly
methane) that can be used for heat and power generation.

4. Pyrolysis: Pyrolysis involves heating biomass in the absence of oxygen, leading to the
decomposition of organic matter and the production of bio-oil, biochar, and syngas. Bio-oil can
be used as a fuel or processed further to produce transportation fuels, while biochar has
applications in agriculture and environmental remediation.

5. Gasification: Gasification converts biomass into a combustible gas mixture called syngas, which
primarily consists of carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and methane. Syngas can be used for heat and
power generation, as well as for the production of biofuels and chemicals.

6. Biofuels: Bioenergy technology also includes the production of liquid biofuels, such as bioethanol
and biodiesel, through processes like fermentation and transesterification. These biofuels can be
blended with or used as substitutes for traditional fossil fuels in transportation and other sectors.

Bioenergy technology offers several benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to
fossil fuels, waste management through the utilization of organic waste, and the potential for rural
development and job creation. However, it also presents challenges, such as ensuring sustainable biomass
production, minimizing environmental impacts, and avoiding competition with food production.

As research and development in bioenergy continue to advance, it holds significant promise as a

renewable energy solution that can contribute to a more sustainable and low-carbon future.
 4.3.2 Ethanol Production: Ethanol is a type of alcohol produced by Fermentation of sugar and starch
or cellulosic biomass. It is clean burning high-octane fuel that can be produces from renewable
resources. For the production of ethanol following are the major steps or process:
A. Milling/Mashing: This is a mechanical crushing of biomass taken for ethanol
production. This is done to release the starch component from the charge.

B. Filteration: The starch component is filtered and pass for the next step.

C. Fermentation: In this step, the glucose of the starch is breakdown to produce ethanol
and carbon dioxide. For Fermentation process Yeast is used. During this biological
process, yeast breakdown glucose into 2 pyruvate molecules which is called Glycolysis
and further these 2 pyruvate molecules are converted into 2 CO2 molecules and 2
molecules of ethanol. But before pyruvate molecules converted to ethanol it is first
converted into an intermediary molecule called acetaldehyde by decarboxylation of
pyruvate and this release CO2.

Summary for ethanol fermentation: 𝑪𝟐 𝑯𝟏𝟐 𝑶𝟔 2𝑪𝟐 𝑯𝟓 OH + 2C𝑶𝟐

D. Distillation: This step is also called as the step of recovery of produced ethanol in the
fermentation stage. It uses the principle that by heating the mixture, low boiling point
component are concentrated in vapor phase and by condensing this vapor more
concentrated less volatile compound is obtain in liquid phase like ethanol.

During production of ethanol- co product is also produced during the processes, this co-product is
recovered separately. CO2 and DDGS (Dried Distiller Grains) are the major co product. Co2 is released into
the atmosphere during fermentation where as DDGS is highly nuritious livestock feed.
Properties:

➢ Colorless.
➢ Soluble with water and most organic solvent.
➢ Melting point -114.1 deg. C
➢ Octane 98-100
➢ Boiling point 78.3 deg. C
➢ Specific gravity 0.789

4.3.3 Emission from Biofuels: Biofuels are a type of renewable energy derived from organic matter,
such as plants and agricultural waste. When biofuels are burned for energy, they do release
carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. However, the net emissions from biofuels can vary
depending on several factors.

i. Carbon Cycle: Biofuels are considered to be a carbon-neutral energy source because

the carbon dioxide emitted during combustion is roughly equivalent to the amount of
CO2 absorbed by the plants during their growth. This is because the carbon in biofuels
comes from atmospheric CO2 that plants capture through photosynthesis.

ii. Feedstock and Production: The type of feedstock used for biofuel production
significantly affects its emissions. For example, biofuels produced from dedicated
energy crops like sugarcane, corn, or soybeans may have a higher carbon footprint
due to land-use changes, fertilizers, and energy-intensive agricultural practices. On the
other hand, biofuels made from waste materials or non-food crops tend to have lower
emissions.
 iii. Processing and Conversion: The methods used to convert biomass into biofuels can
also impact emissions. Advanced technologies like cellulosic ethanol production or
pyrolysis can minimize greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional conversion
processes.

iv. Energy Balance: The overall energy efficiency of biofuel production and transportation
also plays a role. If a significant amount of fossil fuels is used in the cultivation,
processing, and transportation of biofuels, it can reduce their environmental benefits.

It's worth noting that biofuels are generally considered a transitional solution towards a low-
carbon economy rather than a long-term alternative to fossil fuels. To achieve substantial
emissions reductions, it's essential to combine biofuels with other sustainable practices such
as energy efficiency improvements, electrification, and the development of advanced
renewable energy sources. Additionally, ongoing research and technological advancements
aim to further optimize biofuel production processes and minimize emissions associated with
their use.

4.3.4 Biomass energy programme in Nepal:

Nepal has been actively promoting and implementing biomass energy programs to address its
energy needs, promote rural development, and reduce dependency on traditional biomass
sources like firewood and agricultural residues. Some of the major biomass energy programs done
in Nepal are:

a) Biogas Support Program (BSP): The Biogas Support Program (BSP) in Nepal is one of the
most successful and widely recognized biomass energy programs. It began in the early
1990s with support from the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and
international donors. BSP promotes the installation of household biogas plants in rural
areas using animal dung and agricultural residues as feedstock. It has significantly
contributed to reducing deforestation, improving indoor air quality, and providing clean
energy access to rural households.

b) Improved Cookstove Programs: Various organizations, including the Alternative Energy

Promotion Center (AEPC) and NGOs like the International Centre for Integrated Mountain
Development (ICIMOD), have implemented programs to promote and distribute
improved cookstoves in Nepal. These programs aim to replace traditional open fires and
inefficient stoves with cleaner and more fuel-efficient alternatives. For example, the
Improved Cooking Stove Program in Nepal has distributed thousands of improved
cookstoves in rural areas, reducing fuel consumption and indoor air pollution.

c) Biomass Briquette Production: Nepal has witnessed the establishment of biomass

briquette production units in different regions. One such example is the Gham Power
 Biomass Briquette Production Facility in Surkhet district. This facility produces biomass
briquettes from agricultural residues like rice husk and sawdust. The briquettes are
distributed locally as an alternative fuel source, reducing dependence on firewood and
charcoal.

d) Biomass-Based Electricity Generation: Nepal has initiated biomass-based electricity

generation projects in rural areas. For instance, the Rural Energy Development Program
(REDP) has supported the installation of small-scale biomass power plants. In Rukum
district, a 250kW biomass gasification-based power plant was established, utilizing locally
available biomass feedstock to generate electricity for rural electrification.

e) Research and Development Initiatives: The Center for Energy Studies at Tribhuvan
University in Nepal has been involved in research and development activities related to
biomass energy. Their work includes studying biomass resources, improving biomass
conversion technologies, and optimizing biomass utilization. They have conducted studies
on the potential of energy crops like switchgrass for biomass energy production in Nepal.

These examples demonstrate the practical implementation of biomass energy programs in Nepal,
addressing energy access, environmental sustainability, and rural development. These initiatives
have contributed to reducing reliance on traditional biomass sources, promoting cleaner cooking
solutions, and generating electricity from locally available biomass resources. Such programs
enhancing use of bioenergy should be promoted in further larger scop throughout the country in
upcoming years.