Sunday, August 4, 2013

Energy Alternatives And Biomass Solutions

By Cathy Mercer


The search for alternative energy sources has made a lot of people carefully examine the materials available on earth to determine if they can be used for fuel. Part of the search has lead to plants and the material they produce as a source of energy. This material can be changed into biofuels through three different methods and has been able to address the energy needs of some people. The industry is still in its infancy, but biomass solutions are possible to reduce carbon emissions that are endangering the planet.

Biomass is simply the remains of living organisms after they have died and their waste material while alive. All organic life has oxygen, hydrogen and carbon in their cells. These elements can be separated from the cells in used in other applications. At last estimate there was about 146 billion pounds of organic material generated each year throughout the earth. Scientists want to tap into this material to address energy problems.

Three different processes are used to transform the organic material into a usable fuel. The transformation can be done through biochemical, chemical or thermal processes. These processes can change the materials into gases, liquids or other solids that can be used to power equipment, homes and vehicles.

Bioethanol is one form of fuel that results from converting plant matter. This liquid gas is being added to unleaded petroleum gases to raise the octane levels and keep the engines from knocking. Bioethanol also decreases the amount of harmful emissions that emit from some vehicles when they burn petroleum based gas. Sugarcane and corn are good products to use to create Bioethanol.

The first diesel engine made was meant to run on peanut oil. Over time the fuel source shifted from peanuts to petroleum, but now there is a shift back. One benefit of biodiesel is that it can be made from a lot of waste material generated by human activity. The waste oils coming from the preparation of foods in restaurants are a good source of organic material to change into diesel.

Biogas comes from breaking down organic material and transforming it into something else. Biogas can be used like methane gas to provide a fuel to operate the stove and heat water. The biogas can be purified enough to use in buses and cars that currently are using natural gas.

Biomass substances have been used since basically the beginning of human history. Cave dwellers in ancient times would find wood to burn to keep warm and prepare foods. In some parts of the world people gather animal dung to burn and cook meals. Biofuels do not have to originate from plant sources and human and animal waste works just as well.

Research and experience has shown that there are many ways to create energy to use in the world. One material that keeps on getting produced in large amounts every year throughout the globe is organic materials. These materials can be used to achieve biomass solutions in finding alternative methods to produce energy that does not have a negative effect on the world.




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