AN INTRODUCTION TO BIOMASS

As compared with fossil fuels including coal, oil, and natural gas, biomass is a superior alternative and receives more and more interest due to its advantages including environmental friendliness, renewability, abundance, biodegradability, sustainability, etc. This chapter gives a comprehensive introduction to biomass. The definition and classifications of biomass are introduced initially. Then, the typical biomass groups of agricultural residues, forestry residues, municipal solid wastes (MSW), animal wastes/manure, and aquatic biomass are introduced. The energy (higher heating value, also gross calorific value, HHV, and lower heating value, also net calorific value, LHV) and exergy of biomass are detailed. CO2, SOx, NOx, and environmental impact of biomass are also theoretically discussed. The benefits of biomass are then summarized.