Introduction:Biomass is organic matter produced by plants, both terrestrial( those grown on
land) and aquatic(those grown in water) and their derivatives. Unlike coal, oil and
natural gas, which takes millions of years to form, biomass can be considered a
renewable energy source because plant life renews and adds to itself every year.
As the word clearly signifies; biomass organic matter and photo-chemical approach
to harness solar energy means harnessing of solar energy by photosynthesis. Solar
energy is stored in the form of chemical energy. Hence
Solar energy
Photosynthesis
Biomass
Energy generation
Definition of bio-mass :In biological terms, the word biomass refers to the organic plant matter,
which is converted into fuel and used as an energy source. Biomass fuel is
considered to be of great importance as it plays the role of a renewable and
sustainable source of energy. For example, biomass is used for the
production of electricity. Due to this, biomass is capable of replacing fossil
fuels.
Organic materials which can be recycled like wood, agricultural wastes, and
municipal wastes serve as excellent sources to produce biomass fuel. The
biomass can be burnt directly and later converted into methane and ethanol
biofuels. Biomass’s chemical composition includes hydrogen, carbon,
nitrogen, oxygen, certain alkali atoms, alkaline earth metals and heavy
metals.
Bio-mass conversion technology:-
PHOTOSYNTHESIS :-
DEFINITION:Photosynthesis is the process of capturing light energy and transforming it into chemical
energy. Green plants and several other organisms use light energy and convert carbon
dioxide and water into glucose. In this process, oxygen is produced as a by-product. This
process can be seen in green plants and photosynthetic bacteria. They use electromagnetic
radiation and convert it into chemical energy. With the help of water and sunlight, they
absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and turn it into oxygen and carbohydrates.
CO2 + H2O + light + Chlorophyll
(H2CO)6 + O2 + Chlorophyll
(Sugar)
6CO2 + 12H2O
C6H12O + 6H2O + 6O2
Necessary conditions for photosynthesis :1. Light (400 – 700 Ao)
2. CO2 concentration (0.03%). The main sources of CO2 are :
i) animal respiration
ii) combustion of fuel
iii) decay of organic matter by bacteria
3. Temperature (0 – 60oC)
Factors affecting biodigestion or generation of gas :1. pH or the hydrogen-ion concentration
2. Temperature
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Total solid content of the feed material
Loading rate
Seeding
Uniform feeding
Diameter to depth ratio
Carbon to Nitrogen ratio
Nutrients
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Mixing orstrring or agitation of the content of the digester
Retentation time or rate of feeding
Type of feed stocks
Toxicity due end product
Pressure
Acid accumulation inside the digester
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