The Pellet Handbook: The Production and Thermal Utilization of Biomass Pellets

As concerns about climate change and energy security grow stronger, people have been intensively searching for alternatives to the fossil fuels which we currently rely on to meet our energy needs. Biomass as a fuel alternative to coal, oil or gas has several drawbacks attributed mainly to its low energy density, high moisture content and heterogeneity. The problems of conventional biomass fuels can be lessened or even prevented altogether by the use of pellets with consistent quality - low moisture content, high energy density and homogeneous size and shape. Consistent fuel quality makes pellets a suitable fuel type for all areas of application, reaching from stoves and central heating systems up to large-scale plants, and with practically complete automation in all these capacity ranges. It was not until such a homogenous biomass fuel with regard to shape and size was introduced to the market that the development of fully automatic biomass furnaces for small-scale applications with a similar user comfort as modern oil or gas heating systems was possible. Yet until now, prospective users and producers have had to sift through a diverse array of literature and manuals to find all the information they need. This handbook, written and edited by experienced professionals from IEA Bioenergy Task 32 in cooperation with BIOS BIOENERGIESYSTEME GmbH, Graz, Austria, other IEA Tasks and external experts, is the first comprehensive guide in English language covering all pellet related issues, as illustrated by the following list of topics covered by the book: international overview of standards for pellets; and evaluation of raw materials and raw material potentials It also includes: quality and properties of pellets; technical evaluation of the pellet production process and logistic aspects of pellet supply; safety and health aspects for pellets during storage, handling and transportation; technological evaluation of pellet furnace technologies and future developments; economic and ecological evaluation of the pellet production process; economic and ecological evaluation of pellet use in small-scale furnaces in the residential sector; overview of international pellet markets and market developments; international case studies for the use of pellets for energy generation in small, medium and large-scale applications; and latest trends concerning research and development in the pellets sector. Extensively illustrated and packed with practical knowledge, this is the ultimate reference for anyone involved in or affected by this burgeoning industry. It addresses all the players of the pellet market, ranging from raw material producers or suppliers, pellet producers and traders, manufacturers of pellet furnaces and pelletisation systems, installers, engineering companies, energy consultants up to the end users and hopes to contribute to a further increase of pellet utilisation within the energy sector by appropriate distribution of information.