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Biomass Heating Project Analysis

Velimir Lackovic, MScEE


Course Outline

Biomass heating systems burn plants or other organic matter to generate heat. This heat can be transported and used wherever it is needed—for the ventilation and space heating requirements of buildings or whole communities, or for industrial processes. Biomass heating systems differ from conventional wood-burning stoves and fireplaces in that they typically control the mix of air and fuel in order to maximize efficiency and minimize emissions, and they include a heat distribution system to transport heat from the site of combustion to the heat load.

In this course, calculation methods for the biomass heating project have been shown in detail. Presented modelling uses a combination of algorithms to predict the energy delivered, on a yearly basis, by a biomass heating system. The load and demand duration curves are derived from monthly degree-days data specified by the user; and domestic hot water is included in the load by defining equivalent degree-days for hot water heating. Also, different algorithm used to provide a preliminary sizing of the distribution network is presented.

This course includes a multiple choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will become familiar with:

Intended Audience

This course is intended for electrical and mechanical engineers.

Benefit to Attendees

Attendee of this course will understand basic biomass heating project principles, methods for project evaluation and understand how to design and size biomass heating system for particular application. Also attendee will be able to calculate important financial parameters that are important at prefeasibility stages.

Course Introduction

Biomass heating systems burn plant or other organic matter such as wood chips, agricultural residues or even municipal waste. This heat can be transported and used wherever it is needed—for the ventilation and space heating requirements of buildings or whole communities, or for industrial processes. Biomass heating systems differ from conventional wood-burning stoves and fireplaces in that they typically control the mix of air and fuel in order to maximize efficiency and minimize emissions, and they include a heat distribution system to transport heat from the site of combustion to the heat load. Many biomass heating systems incorporate a sophisticated automatic fuel handling system.

Course Content

In this lesson, you are required to download and study the following course content in PDF format:

Biomass Heating Project Analysis

Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you still experience any difficulty in downloading or opening this file, you may need to close some applications or reboot your computer to free up some memory.

Course Summary

In this course, calculation methods for biomass heating project model have been shown in detail. Presented calculations use a combination of algorithms to predict the energy delivered, on a yearly basis, by a biomass heating system. The load and demand duration curves are derived from monthly degree-days data specified by the user; and domestic hot water is included in the load by defining equivalent degree-days for hot water heating.

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

Take a Quiz


DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.