Technical biomass potential

Table 7.2 shows the present technical biomass potential based on the criteria mentioned above. Considering residues, by-products and waste they are differentiated in herbaceous biomass e.g. straw, landscape conservation material), wood e.g. forest residual wood, industrial residual wood) and other biomass e.g. excrements, organic industrial waste). The forest potentials include the wood not used as a raw material i.e. firewood, forest residual wood) and that share of the annual incremental growth which is not used at the moment. 

Table 7.2 Technical biomass potential exemplarily in the Federal Republic of Germany. ... 

Howlett, K., and Gamache, A. (1977). Silvicultural Biomass Farms, Vol. 2, Biomass Potential of Short Rotation Farms," Technical Report 7347. Mitre Corp., McLean, VA. 

The available biomass potentials discussed in Chapter 3 can be converted by the options outlined in Chapter 2 into thermal energy, electric energy and/or fuels. However, individual technologies for miscellaneous fields of application are in different states of technological development some are industrially used or ready for the market and others are still at research or pilot plant level. This technical variety combined with the expected increase of the potentials thereby represents an ideal possibility for integrating biomass successfully into the energy system. 

The productivity of the overall process depends on both the biological potential and performance of the technical equipment. Therefore, it is necessary to study the influence of the apparatus on the biological systems. The resulting productivity depends on at least five parameters, i.e., X, jli, qp, t, and t2 (where tj = duration of growth and t2 = duration of poly(3HB) accumulation). To evaluate different values of productivity the initial biomass concentration, X, should always be indicated, e.g., as pr0 l for productivity with a X, value of 0.1 g 1. ... 

Generally, poly(3HB) can be produced discontinuously or continuously. To reach high biomass concentrations fed-batch processes are the method of choice. Continuous methods have only been occasionally used, but unfounded, as shown below. Comprehensive reviews on the current state of technical procedures have been given by Lee and Chang [103], Lee [99], Braunegg et al. [37], and Madison and Huisman [104]. Special conditions and approaches to maximize the exploitation of bacterial potentials with the two types of process regime are discussed below. 

Hamelinck, C. Faaij, A. den Uil, H. Boerrigter, H., Production of FT transportation fuels from biomass technical options, process analysis and optimisation and development potential. Energy, the International Journal 2004,29(11), 1743-1771. 

Spath, P. L. Dayton, D. C., Preliminary Screening—Technical and Economic Assessment of Synthesis Gas to Fuels and Chemicals with Emphasis on the Potential for Biomass-Derived Syngas. NREL/TP-510-34929 NREL, Golden, CO, 2003. 

Technical potential estimations Technical potential estimations Realisable mid-term potential until until 2050-biomass until 2020/2030-biomass 2020-biomass... 

Figure 5.7. Comparison of the technical potential with the realisable mid-term potential for biomass primary energy in Europe.

The technical potential for photovoltaics as shown in Fig. 5.10 is of the same order as the potential of wind energy and biomass. According to the IEA minimum... 

Spath, P.L. Dayton, D.C. Preliminary screening—Technical and economic assessment of synthesis gas to fuels and chemicals with emphasis on the potential for biomass-derived syngas, National Renewable Energy Laboratory Golden, CO, 2003, http // www.nrel.gov / docs/ fy()4osti /34929.pdf... 

Hamelinck, C.N., Faaij, A.P.C., Uil, H.D. and Boerrigter, H. (2004). Production of FT Transportation Fuels From Biomass Technical Options, Process Analysis and Optimisation, and Development Potential. Energy, 29, 1743-1771. 

The use of biomass (residues), when co-fired (e.g., with coal) and coupled to subsequent carbon sequestration, might be an important technical option for achieving zero emission and, potentially, a net reduction of atmospheric C02. 

The overall aim of the demonstration programme was to verify the status and future potential of the biomass IGCC concept, utilising the Bioflow technology from a technical and economical point of view. In order to achieve this it has been important to identify and verify the status of different parameters e.g. operability, maintainability and availability. 

The replacement of coal by biomass in the existing boilers is not unlimited. The potential replacement depends on many factors, technical limitations as well as limitations imposed by the authorities, and financial and legal provisions. 

Focusing on the technical limitations it becomes obvious that the potential replacement of coal strongly depends on the quality (for instance the lower heating value) of the biomass, if the nominal load of the plant remains the same. Without intending to cover all aspects and limitations some examples of technical limitations are listed below ... 

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