BIOMASS

![ rrrnooucrron
Bio is dcnvcd liom the Greek x,ord bio. mcrns life. These are the natural resourccs Irom which
biollels are produced through chemical or biological processes. These tuels are eco liiendly to the
eln\tonmenr. The teth hiotnass genefttlU ft.lers tu re e\|able organic na ers saerated by pldnts
in the ptucess oJ photosy rlesir. ln the presence ofsolar energy, the carbon dioxidc and water get
combined ro form carbohydrates and oxygen. Hou e\e\ the natetials ha ng combustible .rganrc
ma et such as C, H, O a d argenated hrdruGtbon @e also refercd to as bio ass. In other
||o s, bionass is an arydniundrtetlron pldnts, dnimals d d nid o alganisns ar |'dste fron ther
d€rn?/iver. The solar energy collected by green plants is converted to produce proteins, oils a.d
carbohydrates tkough chemical process.
The erergy obrained ftom biomass is known as bmua.$ Animals feed on plants, andplanls
",e/gf:
grow rhrough lhe photosynthesis process using solar energl Thus, the photosytuhesis process is pnmanly
responsible for gene.ation ofbiomass energy. Asmall ponion ofthe solar mdiation is captured and stored
in plants durng the photosynthesis process. Theretbre, it is an indircct fom of solar energy. The average
efficiency ofphotosynlhelic convcrsion ofsolar energy inro biomass cnergy is estimated to be 0.5-1.090.
Biomass, mainly in thc fomr ofwood, is mankind's olde$ form of energy. lt has traditionally
been used both in domestic as weu as industrial acdvitics. basically by direcr combustion. As
industrial activilies incredsed. the growing demand for ene.gy depleted biomass naural resenes.
The development of new. more concentrated and morc convenienl sources of energy has led ro its
replacement to a large cxtcnt by other sources. Howevcr, it stillplays a significanr role tu the supply
ofprimary energy in maDy countries of the world. Though biomass energy share in pnmary energ)
supply for lhe induslialiscd countries is not more than l%, a number ofdeveloping countnes still
use a subsrantial amount ofit mostly in the form ofnon commercial energy.
The biomass is a fucl used nearly by a1l developnrg countries in diferent sectors nr spite of
very poor source ol cncrgy. Previous estinarion shows that the biomass consumption jD rural
areas oI developing countries was aboui 1 lonnc (15% moisture, 15 Gj/to"ne) per pcrson/year and
aboui 0.5 lonne in scmi urban and urban areas. It seems that relative biomass energy consumplion
may be declinjng in some parls of the world but rhe total anount ofbiomass energy consumption
rs increasing. This is because of the large nunbers of factors involved i.e., availabiliq,, climalic
differences, population gowth. socio-economic development. cultural factors. etc.
Thc tdal annual contribution of biomass rs
rncreasing continuously and accounts for 1/3'd of
rolal primary cnergy consumption ]n the developing
counlries. The biomass consumption in India is 40%
Biomass fuel is used over 85 per
3nd is double ofchina. In India nearly 75% ofthe rural
cent of rural households and in
oopulation is dependenl on biomaSs energy pmduccd by
aboul 15 percent urban household.
163
16,1 NON.CONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES

wood, agricultural waste. cow dung and in the form of LPG in rnral areas for cooking and heating
while in urban areas in the fie1ds ofindustry restaurant etc. Biogas has provided an econornical and
sustainable means of meeting the thennal eiergy needs in China (7.5 million), India (3 nillion)
and Nepal, where over 37,000 biogas digesters were insralled since 1992. Mo.e recently, developed
countries have been making inffeasing use ofgas generated from both waste vater and landfill sites.
The importance ofbio-energy as a modem tuel has been recognized. India has about 70,000
villages y€t to be connected to the electdcity gdd. The supply of grid power to rural areas is

(a) Low loads

(,) Power shortages
(c) Low and fluctuating voltages
(4 Low reliability
(e) High transmission and distribution costs and power losses.
The decentralized pow'er generation based on renewables is an ataactive option to meet the
energy needs. The availability of biomass such as wood, leaf lilter in rural area is more. Herce
a choice of biomass energy especially in rural area is more rersonable but al the same tim€ the
lechnology is being developed to meet the large scale requirements using biomass.
Biomass energy has played a key role in the time of Second WorLd War when lhere was a tue1
deficiency. Many vehicles, hactors and trucks used wood gasifies, which generate producer's gas,
runnlng an intemal combustjon EDgine. One oflhe major advantages ofbiomass energy is that it
can be used in different forms. For e.g., Cas generated ftom the biomass can be directly used for
cooking or it can be used lor running an intemal combustion Engine for developiog stationary shaft
power or otheNise coupled to generator for generating electric power. The expenditure on differe(
renewable enersy resources is shown in the figure 9.l.

Solar PV (6.3%)

149.2 %)

19.4v,)

Fig. 9.1. Expenditure on different renewable energy resources

![ erourss aesounces
Biomass resources for eneryl production encompass a wide spectrum ofmaterials mnging frcm
silviculture (forcsl), agicultue (field), aquaculiue (fiesh and sea water) and indusirial and social
activities thai produce organic waste rcsidues (food processing- urban retuse etc.). The follolving a.E
the resources of biomass.
 Btoi\,1ASS
165
(, Forestsr Fores.s, natural as wc as cultilated. serve
as a souce oftuelwood. charcoal a.d
produce. gas. Forest wasre and residues liom
fo.es1-p.""".ri.g
the millitsetf. Forestresource is consumed. notjustio.
t"drrri"r;;,;;;";;t
t***a rr, ar" i".,",," i-*i*
paper makins and other nrduslriat puryoses.
(/, Aericultural R4idt6j Crcp Esrin,es sir.r,s srE u ricc husk. coconot she , EtuDdnnt sheu.
sugar cane bagasse are gasified to obtain producer gas. A lrematively, these are converted to
tuel pellets orbriquettes and used as solid tuel.
(rli) Energy Crops: Ce(ain cultivated plants produce raw natcnal for biotue1s. The greatest
potential for energy lanning occurs in tropical countries, especiauy those with adequate
rainfall and soil conditions. There are some plants which produce raw material as follows:
(d) Sugarplanls
(b) Srarch plants
(c) Oil producing planrs -
(-) Aquatic Plants: Some water planls grow faster than land-based plants and provide raw
materials for producing biogas or ethanol. These are |'ater lryaLinth: kelp, seawee.l afi

(,) Urban Waste: Urban wastc is oft$,o types:(a) Municipal Solid Waste (MSWorgarbage),
and (,) se\lage (hquid wastc). Energy tiom MSw can be obiained from direct combuslion
(incineration) or as a landfill gas. Sewage can bc used 10 produce biogas after some
processing.

![ usrau eonus oF BroMAss

Biomass is organic material tlat r$cts with oxygen in combustion and narural metabolic
lrocesses to release heal. Sometimes, ir is used as such in irs original form brit more often ir is
ransfomed into modem energy foms such as liquid and gaseous tuels, eleclricity, and processes
':eat
io provide energy services needed by rural and urban populations and also by indusrry. Some
rf its forms available to users are discussed below:
(i) Fu€twood (\'irgin wood): Wood is rhe most
obvious and oldest source of biomass energy.
This was the main source of energy used by
mankind for centuries. Direct combusrion is the August 10 has been declared as
sinplest way to obtain heat energy. Ils energy "lnternational Bio-Diesel Day".
density is 16 20 MJ&g. lt can also be conlered
to more usetul forms such as charcoal or producer gas. Abour halfofthe wortd populalion
depends on tuehvood or other biomass such as cos dung, crop residue, etc., for cooking
and other domesli. us.q
(ri) Charcorlr Charcoal is a clean Gmokeless). dry, solid fuel, black in colour It has 75 80%
carbon content and has energy densiry ofabout 30 MJ/kg- Ii is obtained by the ca$o sation
process of woody bionass to achieve higher energy density per unit mass, thlls making it
more economical to mnspo.t. It can be xsed as iircl in domeslic environment as it bums
without smoke.In the industrial secror ir is used in specialised applications where spe€ific
tuel characteristics are required, such as high carbon and low sulphur contenr. Chemical
grade charcoai has manyuses in laboratory and industrial chemical processes. Ir is also used
for making high quality sleel. It is in commoo use in many deveioping counrries such as
Brazil.
t66 NON.CONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES
(iir) Fuel P€lets and Briquetles: Crop residues such as sl]as,, nce husk and waste wood are
pressed to form lumps, knolvn as tuel pellets or briquettes and used as solid tuel. The purpose
is to reduce moistur€ content and increase &e energy dcnsity ofbiomass making it more
led,ible tor long oi{Jnce TanspondUon.
(i") Bio-di€set Some vegetable oils, edible as 1vel1 as non-edible. can be uscd (afte. some chemical
processins) in pure forn or blended with petroleum diesel as lirel ln a compression ignition
(diesel) engine. Bio-dicsel is simple to use, biodegradable, noD toxic, and essentially free
of sulphur and aromatics. ln fact, RudolfDjcscl dcmoDstmted an engine that could run on
peanutoil. Hc believedlharthe uiilization olbiomass fuclwas the real tuture ofhis engine.
(r) Bio-ethanol Elhanol (CrH5OH) rs a colourless liqxid biotuel. Irs boiling point is 78"C and
energy densily is 26.9 MJ/kg. lt can be deri\ ed trom wer biomass conlaining sugars (e.g.,
sugarcane! sugarbeet. seeet sorghum), starches (grains and tubers such as potato cassava)
or ccllulose (woody matter). The main consliluenls ol woody natter are legnin (fibrous pan)
and .e//r/ose 0uicy palt). Efianol is larseljr produccd ftom sugarcane (maize in the USA due
10 surplus producrion). Commercial clhanol is used in specially designed lC engires with
25% mileage penalty compared 1o conventional vehicles. Brazil. the biggest producer of
sugarcane, presently produces around 24.4 billion litresiyear (2008) of ethanol representing
l8% of the country's axtomolivc fucl. Major bio-ethanol programmes are also being
de\eloped in t sA. limbdb+c ird \1alas i
(ri) Biogas: Organic wastes ftom plants. animals and humans conrain enough cnergy to coDtribute
significantly to cnergy supply in many areas, paflicularly the rural rcgions ofdeveloping
countries. Aqualic biomass can also be uscd. Biogas is produccd in a biogas ferment or
digester. Nitrogen-rich sludge (fertilizer) is rlso produced as a bi product wilh imp.oved
sanitation as an added bonus. If mw material is cou,rnnnu.c, thc output biogas will contain
about 5(H0% CHa, 3F40% COr, 5 10% H.. Nr 0.5 0.7% with trace amounts of O, and
H2S. Its energy densiry is abou123 MJ/mr. It is uscd for cooking, lighting (usirg mantle
lamps), heating and operating small IC cngines.Il is unlikelyto be used formobiie vehicles
on a large scale because oflow prcssurc and high inen flaction. Use ofbioeas is widespread
in rural China and lndia. Two{hnd ofchina\ rual families use bio-qas as then primary tuel.
(vri) Producer Gasr Woody matter such as crop residue, lyood chips, bagasse (fibrous residue
.1
of sugarcane after juice extaction), ricc husk and coconut shells, can be transformed to
producer gas (also known as slnthcsis gas, syn gas, wood gas. and water gas or blue gas)
by a method hown as gasir.a/ion ofsolid tuel. Thecomposition of gas produced depends
upon the tlpe ofbiomass and thc dcsign ofthe gasifier.
ie

@ eovernces oF BroMAss
l. It is a renewable source of energy.
2. It contains condensed carbon, hydrogcn and oxygen molecules.
3. Ethanol ftom waste can be used as a bio tuel.
1_ Waste dispossl problem is reduced.
5. Rural developmenr is encouraged.
6. The pollutant emissions lrom combusiion of biomass are usually lower than those fron
fi
fossil tuels.
:]]

7. Commercial use ofbiomass may avoid or reduce the problems ofwasie dispo$l in other
 Bto[.4ASS

s U.eu'oroga.,p,anr.aDa.1,ron,Lpp\ingcreangz..atsotedd'o:mtro\ed,*,,"^r:::
h)glenlc condirion in rurat are,s
9. The nitrotsen ri(h bj.-drgesred (turrl l
and sludle
*r..ono.ronaqd,.np,.{e.,n",.,,,,*",*"."Xl"dbiosaspran,,er,e.a,ave^eroo
)
10. The virying capaciB can be installe<i
and any capacity can be operated.
i

!!! orsnovarunoEs oF BroMAss

L Lower themal contents rhar Iossil tuel.
'. H ruh nroi,rurc (unlen.
3. lt is a dispersed and land intensive sourcc.
,1. It is otien of lo$ energy densiB,.
5. Not feasible 1(] set up at all locations.
6. The capacity is derernined by availability ofbiomass and not suit.rbte forlarying 1oads.
7. It is also lsbour,inrensivc andthe costofco ectnrg large quntities ibrcommercial application

8. High transpo(aiion cost.

9. Fc€ding difficr ty in the syslem.

llf evarueurrv oF BroMAss

IUPTU: 2002-03! 2001-0Si
We know tha!biomass is deriled liom the planr, forest resjdues and animatdung etc. The toral
terrestrjal crop on the eadh's land area is about 2 : t0r2 meiric ionr1es. Terestrial crops nrctude
su-sar crops. herbaceous crops- silviculrue (foresry) plants. The tenest al crops have an eners]
potential !
of3 lo':rjoules. The efiiciencj, of solar energy use in rhe process oiphotosynthesis rs
only 0.1 to 2%. ihe biomass ofsolarproductionworldwide is 2 x 10rr tonnes. The energy equivateni
r
ofa lual biomass growth is3 102rjoules. Ar presenr I% ofwortd biomass is used for energy

For use ofbiomass as energy fast growing rrees, sugar starch and oil containing pianls can
cultivated. The cuitivated biomass also includes sweet sorghum crops, susar beeh, cereais-
crops, aquatic crops grolvn in ftesh water, sea water: muddy water etc. Algac is also the
ofrenewable energy. A]gae conlains oryanic matter which can be converted into methane
Algae canbe cullivatcd on large scale.
Energy can also be obtained by convening the organic wastes to intennedjate energy such
heat, biogas tucls etc. The waste can be classified as u$an wasles, industdal wastes. annnal
s, forest rvaste, fishery and poukry $asle, animal and hunlan excrera. Agdculture waste na),
convened into heat, biogas, biochenicals by varjous processcs such as combustion (as in casc
u.ood straw ctc.), biochernical a.d biothennal rcactions. Today oul ofthe total estimaled 980
llion tonnes of cattle dung pmduced in ihe country, over l0% is bumr in ihc fom of caltle dung
lfalt this could be convertcd to biogas and manure, ftc counrry s suppty ot organic manure
11 increase by I l,l million tonnes. Ifthe 30 odd perced ofcaftlc
dung. r,hich is burnt as dung cakes.
converied 1o gas ir will provide 1l miilion mr ofgas $,hich is enoush for 27 million famitics.
168 NON.CONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES
lte human waste can also be used for producrion ofbiogas. Communiry lafines can be planned
in the village forcoilcction ofnight so;lfor feeding lo biogas plants_ Wastes of200 persons can be
used to produce about 5 mr ofgas per day to producc 12 KWh equivalent of energy by runnins a
biosas engine.

@ elrvrnorl,teHTAL rMpAcrs oF BroMAss

(/') To ulilize biomass large arnounts of land and waier resources arc required.
(ir) Hamessing biomass causes soil erosion and water runoff
(,r, Siglificant nutrient loss will be incuncd by harvesiing rhe crop residues for biomass energy.
(;r) Energy crop plantation will change the_habitat and food sources ofwildlife.
(v) Biomass conversion will cause airpollution, organic emissions. waterpollurion, household
hazards (fire), occupational hazards elc.
(yi) Shift in emplolrnent and increase in health problems and safery.
(/rrr The rcmo\ Jlol trees dne.r. $ il,l i"e generarjon.
(!iir) The planlation for las1 growing trees reduces the diversiq, ofvegetation and habitat for manv
wildlife species.

ll! eromrss colvERsroN rHEoRy

IUPTU: 200s-06, 2007-08, 2011121
There are various 3onversion processes ro convert biomass inro bio fucl and are broadl)
classified in four categoncs as shown in the block diagram 9.1.

BLocx DTAGRAM 9,1

l. Physical Method: The simplest folm ofphysical conversion ofbionass is through
compression ofcombustible material. Its densily is increased by rcducing the volume by
compression tl.ough the proc€sscs cjlledr//etEal;o and briqueting.
(d) Pclletnation: Pelletization is a process in which i aste wood is pulverized, dricd and
forced under pressure through an extrusion device. The extracted mass is in the fonn
ofpcllcts (rcd; 5 to 10 mm dia and 12 mm long). lacilitatlng ils use in steam power
plants and gasification system. Peiletization reduces the noisture to about 7 to l0 per
cenr and rncrcise! I\e heJl \alue ot he bromas'
(.) Briquetting: Briquelling is thc process of making small size compressed blocks
(briquertes) to get more surfacc area per unit weight ofbiomass by sdding suitable
binder and is an o1d well known tcchnique. It includes the following process:
(;) Moisture removal: Theprocess involves nhe removal ofmoislure iiom contenls to
break down its elasrjcity to reduce its volume sufficiently.
BIOMASS 169
(;l) Densification: After the moisture is removcd, ihe densificalion ot rhe product is
carried out at high pressure and temperarurc (t80cc) ro ger more homogeneous
product. The bindcrs ,nay be iniernal (phcnotic compound of wood) or external
(inorganic or orsanic). The inorsanic conrpounds have drawback of leavine ash
coments while oryanic l.e, maiz(. \rcrr h etc. produces smok( on combustron:The
very high pressure 1200,1400 kg (m rs mallr3ined rtons \vith inrcrnal brndcrs.
while the Io$ pressure 500-1000 kg,/cmr is rcquned atong wjrh external binde.s.
2. Direct Combustion (lncineration): ln this process ihe bionass is bumed in the presence
of oxygen and produces heat,lighl and producis. Any biomass (wood. cropresidues, lvasle,
animal dung in thc form of dung cake erc.) havins density equivatent to wood. ifburnt m
open (.rrlrdr), giles heat rvirh thennal efficiency of3-4%. Thc average consrmption of
the tuel is about 0.5 to I kg ofdry mass per person I e., equivalen o almost I50W. UDder
conrroiled condilions the ihemral efficiency may be increased and the best examptc rs
improved.r,lia, using steam cookers. giving lhc cornbuslion eiliciency even up ro t4?0.
Incineration neans direct combusrion ofbiomass for inrmediate usetul heat. The heat and,l
or steam produced are either used ro gcnerate eleclricity or provide the lreat for indusrrial
process. space heaiing, cooking or districr heating.
Fumaces and boilcrs have been developed lbr large-sca1e buming of various rypcs of
biomass such as wood, waste wood. black ljquid from pulp indusrry, food induslry wrste,
and MS\\'. The moisture conlent in the biomass and range ofcomposition tends ro
',ide
decrcase ihe efficiency ofconversion. However the economic advantage ofcogeneration
makes it attactive for adoption.

3. Thermochemical: The basic themochcmical process ro converbiomass into aniorevaluabte

and/or convenieni product is known as /r,/o/l,ris Bionrass is heated eilhcr in absence oI
oxygcn or by partial combustion ofsome ofrhe biomass in .estricted air or oxygen supply.
Pyrolysis can process all forms oforganic marerisls including rubber and plastics, which
canno! be handled by olhc. methods. The producls arc rhree iypes ofilcls rjsually. a sas
mixture (H,, CO, Coi, CHr and Nr), dn oit-like tiqnid (a water-solubre phase includints
acetic acid, acelone. mcthanol and I non-aqueous phase includingoil and rar) and a nearu
pure carbon char. Tho distribution of these producls depends Lpon the type offeedsbck,
the temperature and pressure during the process and irs duration and the heating ratc.
High lemperature pyrolysis (- 1000'C) ma{imizcs the gaseous product. The process rs
tuo\Nn as gasiljtatian. Low tempcrature pyrolysis fup ro 600"C) maximizes the char
output- The process has been used for centudes for produclion of charcoat. The process
is kno\yn as catbailizdtior. A liquid product is obtained through catat}'tic tiquelacian
process. Liquefaction is arelatively bwtemperature (250+50oC).high pressure (270 atm)
nrermochemical conversion of wot biomass, usua ], with high hyitrogen panial pressure
and also a catalyst to enhance rhc rare ofreaction and/or to improve the selectivity ofrhe

4. Bioch€mical: There are tso qpes ofbiochernicai conlcrsion process otbiomass. The tuel
is used fo. the purpose ofheating. etcct.iciO generating ind tuel cell etc.
(a) Ethanol (Alcoholic) fermertation: Thc crhanol tuel has a considerabte potential
substiiule for oil and is a growing markct in turure. Ethanol is noi confined to .oad
transport but has many other applicaiions, e.g., cogencration, domesric appliances,
chemical applications, aviation tiet. The 109/" erhanot (C?H5OH) is produced by
fermentalion of sugar (C6HuO6) and is scparated Aom m;xrure by disrillalion and used
as gasohol (petrol containing up io 26% erhanot).
'170 NON-CONVENT]ONAL ENERGY RESOURCES

Alcoholicfcnncntationislhcdecompositioninthelbscnccofairofsini.hcxoscsugars
(sugars contai ing six ce{bon atoms lcl noleculc\ i.e., C\H\.Od i$ u\ucous solutio\
by the action ofan enzyme (a natulal caratyst) presenr in yeast, i. acjdic cordirions
bH value of.l to 5). Thus.
cH-o.
_
L 2c^H oH+2co-
' ' Femrrnur"n
The products are ethanol and carbon diox e.

(r) Anacrobic Fermcntation (Anacrobic Digcstioo): This proccss .onrcfts dc.rting

werbiomass and animal $asles into biogas through the decomlosittun proccss b) thc
acrion ofanaerobic bacteria (bacleria that Live and srow in abseDc. ofoxr'gcn). Crrlron
preser! ln biomass may be ultjmateLy divided ben'een fully oxidizcd alor and lirll)
rcduced CHr. Thus,

DecJ\il.{r bum".. !..;.r.*-.*" 'Bopa.aJrle\ ( H ",d.O

The biomass material in the form ofwaler slurry isdigeslcdbylhc bacrena anaerobically
for several days in an airtight container. The reactions arc slightly cxolhcmjc and a snall
amount ofheat (equivalent to L5 MJ per kg dry digestiblc malcrial) is also gcnemred
fiat helps in mainraining a favourable lemperature. Thc proccss may b. cxtcdrrcd al
somewhal higher temperature. The most usetul b iomass mate als appcar to bc aninral
manure, algae, ke1p, hyacinth, plant residues and other organic wasic nlalcrials $ith
high moisture content. The energy available from various blomass resou.ccs is lislcd
in Table 9.1.
Table 9.1. Energy available f! om various bia,rass rcsources T

S. No Biofuel Conversion AYailable encrg)

produced technologv (xlJ/kg)
Wood chips, saw mill dust, (Direct heat) 16...20 \
2 Gas 40 (Nitrogcn rcnovcd)
Wood chips, saw milld st,
oil Pyrolysis ,10

Char 20
3. Cmin croDs Stmw l:l l6
4. Sugarcane residue Bagasse s E (fresh cane)
5. (Direct heai) s 16 (dr-\
inpuo
6. Sugarcane iuice Ethanol 3 -6 (1iesh cme)

7_ Biosas 4-8 (drl, nlput)

It Municipal sewase Biogas 2-4 (dry inpuo

@ eroers
IUPTU: 2003-01, 2005-06, 2008-09, 20 t 0- 11, GBTU: 20ll-121
Biogas is also knor! as marsh gas, rvet gas, srvamp gas and also as gobar grs in Irdia. lt
contanrs mainly methane (55 to 65%) and carbon dioxide (30 to,l0%). Ir al$ conklns .r !cry snrall
percentage ofammonia, h-vdrogen sulphide and nitrogen. Il is a slos bunnrg gas ha\ing a calorific
\il|e in benveen 5000 to 5500 kcal/kg.
172 NON CONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES

(,;,) Stage lll:,{naerobic bacteria, also known as methane fonners, slowly digesl the Foducts
available from the second stage to produce meihane, carbon dioxide, a small smount of
bydrogen and a trace amount of other gases. The process takes about two weeks time to
complete at 25"C. This thid stage, Le., methane-formation srage. is caried oxl slriclly by
th. r.iion oI anaerobic hacreria

![ rncrons +rEcrNG GENERATToN oF BroGAs

IUPTU: 2006-07, 2009-10, 2010111
1. Temperature of substrate: The Focess ofanaerobic fennentatlon is iemperature dependenl.
Il is found that the process ofthe digesrioB andgasification proceeds at thehighest rate rvhen
$e temperaturc is 3 5-3 8"C, which is known \lhen the temperature
as the mesophyllic mnge-
falls, the process ofdigestion is retarded and belox' i5'C it is reduced so much ihat the gas
plant produces very liftle gas;lbaiis why it is expedenced that in winier the gas production
]s considerably low The process betwccn lenperature range40'C ,l5"Cbecomes slowand
then increases to a peak between 55'C-60'C known as lhe themophyllic range.
2. solid Concentration: Generally 7 to 9% conccnhatlon, thai is 7 to 9 parls ofsolid in 100
parts of the slurry is considered ideal. Ifit
is diluled turther or if it is concentrated, the
fermentalion is somewhat retarded and. thcrcfore, it is recommended that 4 parts ofthe canle
dung shouldbe mixedwith 5 patsof$,ater Thisbrings the concenrration to about 8%. The
proportion should, therefore, be maintained if fcrlnentation is to progress satisfactorily.
3. pH vslue or Hydrogen ion Conc€ntration: pH is a tenn lvhlch denotes rhe acidity and
alkalinity ofthe subslrale. If pH range is benveen,l and 6 it is called acidic. llit is between
9 and 10 it is called alkalinc. The gas tbnnation is optimum berween pH of7 and 8.Ifthe pH
drcps below this, the gas produclionmay altogether be stoppcd. When excessive loading is
resorted to the acid forming bacteria are for more active than the melhane folrning bacteria
resultiDg in lowering the pH.
Loading Rat€: Loading rate gives an indication ofweight ofvolatile solids fed to adigester
per day. Volaiile solids are that are oqanic in content. Biological
potion oftolal solids which
organisms utilise a poiion of this materiat as a subsrale to produce gas. Normally, the
loading rale which depends xpon the capaciry ofplanrand slso the retention period shonld
be kept constant. Forgiven capacity of$e digesler, ifthe loading rale is increasedthepenod
ofretention is conespondingly decreased r:e., period of termination is currailed.
5. Retention period: Retention period is the linie for which fermentable material resides inside
the digester. ln KVIC'S (Kladi and Village IDdustries Commission) design tbis period is
ranging from 30 to 55 days depending upon the climatlc conditions. Ordina iy itisobserved
that maximum sas produclion takes place within the first four weeks and then it tapers off
gradually. Thctongerlhe relention time, the largeris the sizc of a digester required. Longer
relention time allows mor€ complete decomposition ofwastcs.Ifthe size ofdigesteris made
smaller, thenthe outgoing slurry comes our imperfectly digcsEdand is likely to anraci nies

Periods for difieren! materials to get wellfementation are

(a) Cow and builalo dune 50 days
(r) Pig dune 20 days
(.) Poullry droppinss 20 days
(d) r .\ight soil 30 days
 Btot\,lAss
173
6. Nutrients Concentration: The major nuhients required by rhe bacteria in
rhe digester are
C, Hr. Or, N} P and S. Olrhese nuhjents N, and p are always in short
supply and, iherefore.
to maintain proper balance of nurrients an;xtra raw matenal. dch in p and N2.
shouid be
added along with cowdnngtoobtain max imum production ofgas.
When sufiicicntamount
of nutrients are available fermeniation proceeijs very fasr.
7, Toric Substanc€: The digested s1urry. ifalowed to remain in rhe digesterbeyond
a certain
lime. becomes toxic to tLc micro-organisms and might cause fa in rhe femrenration.
Production ofbiogas is reduced when the etements like catcium, masresnm, porassixm
etc. are present in higher concentration.
8, Digest€r size snd shape: Diameterto dcpth ratio of djgester should be bcrveen0.66 and I
for maximum production ofbiogas. Digesrer size depcnds upon the desired rate ofbiogas
production.

lpl selecnor oF srrE FoR BroGAs pLANr

The following factors nust be considered for rhc setection ofsite for biogas planr:
l. Tle distancc bet$'een planr and site ol gas consumption shoutdbe mininum.
2. The plaDt shouid be constructed in open space_ so thar rhe sunlight should fa on the ptant
because the temperature between 20 30.C is essential for sas producticr.

Sufficienl quantity ofwaler musi be available.

Plant should bc construcled away ftom rhe wclls, to avold thc seepage of fenncnted slurry.
To carry out day-to day operation and maintenance, sufficient space musrbe avajlabte. As
a guideiine 1010 12 m'? area is required per mr ofthe gas.

6. As the biogas plant is nomally consrructed undergound, care should be taken to prevent
seepage of waler In case the warer table is less rhan 3 metres, the plant should nor bc

!@ arocas eurr (BroDrcEsrERs)

IUPTU: 2003-01, 2005-06, 2007-08, 2009-10, 20r0-lll
lhebrogd.planrtaol).icals-rLcrure.co,nmorlt Kno{1
ds biodrge.rer. since varioJ, chemicdl anJ microb,o.ogr.a
reactions take place in the biodigester ir ls also kno\r n as bio-
redlror ur anaerobrc reacror. The cen.ralFn ol" ptarr ir ar
enclosed iant knoun as the digester and the ratio ofdiamcter to
ns length is kept 1.5:1-0. The main tunclion ofthis structure isto
provide anaerobic condition within it.As a chamber, it shoutd
be air al1d water tight. It can be made oflarious consrrucrion
materials and m different shapes and sizes. Construcrion of
rhis stucture fomN a major part of the investment cost. This Figure. Biogas Plant
is an aidight rank filled with the organic wasre, and which
can be emptied out 10 remove s1urry with some means. Tne vaious designs available depcnd on
ihe q?e of organic waste to be used as raw mareriat. the temperarure and the marerials available
ior construction. The biogas planr has to sta( iih dung (7% sotid) rhen by nixing vegetables erc.
Table 9.3 gives the requirements ofaverage daily input with the size ofBiodigesiers ptant. In weti
run digcsters, each tonne ofinpur will produce 200-.100 mr ofbiogas with S0% 75% nethane.
'174 NON.CONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES

Table 9.3. Requircncnt ofaverage daily inpul with the size ofplant
S, No. Plrnt capacity Avg. daily irput Avg. No. of
(-1 (dung) catlle
1 25 2-3 3-4 10.000
2 2 50 4-6 12,000
3 3 '75 6-9 9-12 15,000
4 r00 8-12 12-16 18,000
5 6 150 t2-18 l8-24 24,000

!@ rvees or atoGAs PLANr

The classification of biogas plant depends upon theplantdesign andmode ofworking as shown
in the bLock diagram 9.2.

BLocK DncRAM 9.2

I Batch Type Biogas Plantr In a batch type plant, thc biomass feeding is done in batches
wirh largelime intcnal belween two conseculive batches. BarchBpebiogasplanrs are more
usetul where the supply of wasle marerials is noi regular. In this Rpe ofplant, the digester
is tilled 10 its capaciiy and then sealed. Aftercomplete digestion, th€ slunf is emptied and
the digester is again ready for thc next batch production.

A batch-type planl is charged at 5lH0 day intenals. Once charged, it stars supplying the
gasafter8 10 days and corrinues to do so for about 40 50 days tilllhe process ofdigestion
is completed. Afterwards, it is cnlplied and recharged. A battcry ot digesters are charged
and emptied one by one in a synchronous manner 1o maintain a regular supply of gas
through a common gas holder. Thc outllne ofsuch an arrangemenr is shown in Figure 9.2.
The lnstallation and operation ofsuch plants are capital and labour intensive and are not
economicalmless opemtedon a largc scale. Such planrs are installed in European countries.
These plants do not suit the conditions in Indian rural areas.

Digesfer 1 2 N

Fi9.9.3. Biogas batch plant system.

BIOIVASS 175
Salient features:
(i) Gas prcduction in barh t)?e biogas plint is uneven
(ii) They havc several digeslers for conrinuous supply ofgas

i) Severai digcsters occupy

(ii nore space
(i,) Initial cosi is high
(i,) This planr needs addition offeimcnted sluny to start the digestion proccss.

2. Continuous Type Biogrs Plant: In conrinuous type biogas plant. the digester is ted s.irh
biomass regularly. Thc gas production is tberefore conrinuous- Theseplantsmay be singlc or
double stagc.In single stageplanls, the entire process of conversion of organjc compounds
inlo biogas is completed ln single chamber In double slage biogas planls, two separare
chambers are there fbr thc acidogenic and methogenic process. Thus, rhe first stage of
acid production is caried out in a separate chamber and only diluted acids are fed into the
second chamber lvhere bio-methanation takes p1ace. The doublc stage biogas plants nccd
lesser period for digeslion but arc costlier and iheil operation and maintenance a.e difitcnlt.
These planls produce more gas and are suitable lbr larger system.
The importart featrres ofcontinuous type biogas planrs are:
(il Cas produciion is contnruous

(ii) Rctcniion period is less

(i;,) Small digcstion chambers are rcquired
(,, Less problen as conpared to batch ty?e.

t Florting Drun Type Biogas Platrt: This is also kDown as Moyabl€ drum type biogas
ptant. Pigure 9.4 shows a floating drum rype biogas p1a . The biogas plant shown in
the Figure 9.4 is also known as the Khadi Villqe lndustries Conmission (KylC)
model. Il has mainly two parts:

-
(l) The digesler and
( iil The gas holder orcollcctor

The coDlcnlional model consists ofa masotuy digesrerwirh an inlet for feeding on onc
sidc and the digesled slurry is removed ftom rhc orher side. The digesterls atso ca ed
the fernentation planl- It is a sort ofawellhavi,g depth up to 6 meres. The diameter of
the w€ll ranges iiom to 6 metres depending upon the quantiry of the daily available
I .3

raw maleriai and the Iocal condilions. Theuell is divided inro two compartments wirh
the help ofa padtion wall. The height of the wall is kepr lower than rhe digester rim.
Two slrnting cement pipes are provided in borh rhe comparrments.
176 NON CONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES

" ,G\.

Fi9.9.4. Floating drum type biogas plant.

An inlet chamber al ftc surfacc lcvcl s€Ncs for mixing dung and waEr The dung
and thc watcr mixturc, called as slury. flo$,s down the inlet pipc to the bottom ofthe
primary conpannent. Tbe outlet chamber is fcs,ccntimctrcs below the inlet chamber.
The gas p.oduccd is collected in a stecldome, called as gas holder or gas collector The
gas holder is scparated ftom the digcster and is invedcd over the slurry,. il is free to
movc up or dou,n with thc accumuladon or discharge ofgas. Constani gas pressure is
mainlained bccausc ofdrc floating domc. A pipe is provided at the top ofrhe gas holder
for the e\,acmlion of fi"- biogas. To avoid tiltlng of the gas hoider a cenrral guide pipe
is fitted 1o the frame and is fixed at the bottom. The gaspressure \raries between 7 and
10 centimctres of water column. The cost ofthe gas holder is ncarly,l0% of the ioial
cost. The steelgas holders are prone to corrosion ifnotpainled regularly. The corosion
problen can be eliminaledbyusnrg mate als such as fero cencnt, fibre glass reinforced
plastics (FRP) or high deDsity polyrhene (HDPE). but all ofthcm are quite expensive.
Advantages
l. Higher gas production
2. Pressure is naturally equalized.
3. No problem of gas leakage.
4. Constant gas pressuc.
5. No danger ofmixing benveen biogas and extemal air.
DisadvaBtrges
L Highercost aDd high maintenance cost.
2. Heat is lost tkougl gas holder

3. The oulletpipe should bc flcxible and rcquirc regular atenlion.

(,) Fixed Dome Type Planh: Fixed dome type biogas p lant r as first developed by China.
In this lype ofplants gas is stored in upper part of the digester. ln this rype there is no
separate gas holder and upper portion of the digester pit itselfacts as gas holder
]
BIOMASS
177
inChinese dcsigns it isusual toprovide a manhole cover at the top_ Inler and outlei
are
cornected al1he mid,point ofrhe digester Upper parr of digesrer above liquid
surface
provides storage space forbiogas. Whengas is produced, tevetofdigester
liquid drops
whereas that in outlet rises wiih hcighi diflerence between the two varying
according
to gas pressure. This difcrence in heighl helps ro regulate gas pressure
within digester
overa widerange. Thus, the mechanisn for gas pressure is self-regulating as shown jn
Figure 9.s.

Fig. 9.5. Schematic view of Chinese Biogas ptant.

Based on Chinese design, Cobar Gas Research Stario Ajitrnai (Erawah) devetoped
,
fiISt fixed dome plant in IDdia in 1977 with sevent modifications. This ptanr is cailed
as Janata Plant A cross-sectional view ofJanata model is shown in Figure
9.6. Janata
plamco,sisis ofunderground cylindrical digester and ahemisphericald;me but without
manlole cover The dome is fitted with a GI pipe through which the biogas ls taken
out.Il is made ofbricks. ccment and concrete.

Fig. 9.6. Cross sectional view of Janata fixed dome iype biogas plant.

L There are no moving parts so no mainrenance probiems

2. Low cost and Iongerwo.king life
3. No corosion problem
4. Amount ofgas produc.d is higher than movable drum r}?c.
fiA NON.CONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES

5 Low operating cosl

6 Due to underground construction. heat iDsulalion is bctler.
7. Sp3ce abovc plani canbe uscd lbr olher pulposes.
Disadrantages
L. \hriable gas pressure
: R.q.r ed '\ l,cJ f.r'o
L Probiem ofscum formation.

COMPARISON BETWEEN FIXED DOME AND MOVABLE DRUM TYPE

BIOGAS PLANTS
Table 9.3

S,No. Fixed do e t}?e plant Movablc drum tl pe Plant

Bricks, cement. sand, steel and Corcrete, bricks, sand, lime and steel.

2. Bricks, cunlert and stcel.

3. More costly due to stccl-
Regular filling aDd irregular Regular filling and regular dischargc
discharge-
Agriculture waste, other or$nlc Animalandhurnan$.astes and chopped
matter. animaland hunun wasle. agricultural lvastes as addidve.
30-60 days 40 60 days.
'7_ Gas storage dome is requircd to
give specjal lreatment for gas
tightness and painted periodically.
8 Due to underyround construclion Digestcr heat is lost through ga.
the iemperatulc and hcat holder, therefore, lcss suitablc for
insnlation is uniform. colder rcgion.
9. More
10. Variable

!@ erocls elarrs DEvELoPED tN tNDIA

IUPTU: 200.1-05, 2007-08, 2008-0c
There arc numerous nodels ofbiogas plants d.lcioped in Indiabv difcrent organizalions a':
indilidxals. Some oftbe models are describedhere:
l. Khadi ,nd Village lndustries Commilsion (KYIC) Design: Experiment in bio!'
lechnology in lndia began in 1937 In 1956. Jashu Bh,ti J Patel dcleloped a dctign
noating drum biogas planr popularl) knoivn as gobar gas plant. ln 196:. Patel s design \-
approled bl the Khadi and Village Industdes Conxnission (KVIC) oflndia and lhis dcn.-'
soon became popular in India and thc
'vor1d.
The KVIC is a floaling drum bb-digester and shown h Flgure 9 6. Two pipes (inlcl a '
ou11c0 are conrcctcd Lo the dig€slcr and separated bv a partitlon \\'all up to 3/'1'h ofits hei!'
'l nc 11 ponJr \
Tdrr. ol o!4. Pldn 3rc
BIOI.4ASS 179
l. The tanl whcre biomass undergocs decomposition (digesdr)
2. The tank ivhere bioDrass is nixed wil| s,iter (mixing rant)
3. The tanl where slurrJ, ofbiomass is coLlecred (ourflow rank)
,1. Arangemenl oIstored gas.

Ouilet

=rj=?-:-i:-=--j
==j=L}:==--
::lg?_=_I=-:1=
;=_:_j=_:_[-=-1
!_:_:_:;f-_:_:_:;
::==p

Fig.9.7. KVIC design of bio digester.

Gasvave Gas outlel

1!lixing

cI"lsrlI

Fig,9.8. Janata model gobar gas plant.

Janata N{odel: Janata modulc ofbiogas llant was dcveloped by Planning Research and
ActioD Division. Lucknow- India, in l978.Itis the first fixed dome plantbased onChjnese
tecbnohgyand shown in Figurc 9.8. The dlgester and gas holder ofthis unit are combined
a.d nade ofbrick and cemenl masonry. The large inlct and outlet tanks are connecled on its
two sides. Care is to be lakcn for prevention ol gas leak by providing extra layer of plaster
on bnck masouy constxctlon. The level of the digcster liquid drops when pressure inside
the dome increases. This rasults in ihe rise ofliquid in outlet tanL The Janara modute is a
selfregulatjng mechanisnr for sas pressure
180 NON'CONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES

Advantag€s:
1 - No maintenance problems due ro absence of moving pafls.
2. Low cost.
3. Low operating cost.
4. Longer working life.
5. Due rc undersround construction, heat insulation is better and,lherefore, rate ofgas
production is unifom during night and day.
6. Quantity of gas produced is highff than nlovable drum lype plants.

". \o conor.on prob em.

8. Space above the plant can be used for olher purposes.
Disadvsntages:
1. Variable gas pressure.
2. cas production per cmr ofthe digesrer volume is less.
3. Problem ofscum formation.
4. For construction work skilled masons are required.
3. Deenb{ndhu Model (Communitr Plant): In an efiort to turther bring down the investment
cost, Deenbandhu model was developed in 198,1 by the Action For Food Production
(AFPRO), New Delhi- In India, this model proved l0 per cent cheaper than Janata mod€l
and is kno*n as friend to the poor lt also proved to be about 45% cheaper than a KVIC
planr of comparable size without aflecting the efiiciency ofpla.l.
Construction. Ii has 'cuned bofton' afi henbphetical top which are ioined at ther
baseswiih ro cylindrical potion in between. An i let pipe connecrs mbi B ta k
',tith

outletopenins q!!

Fig. 9.9. Deenbandhu biogas plant.

Working, Cattle dung slurry prepared in I : I ratiowith wateris fed up to the level ofseco.d
step in the outlet tant. As rhe gas generates and accumulaies in the empty portion ofthe plant
itpressestheslurryofrhedigesteranddisplacesitintotheo]utlet.lisplace e tchat ber
The slurry level in the digester lalls whereas in the outlet chamber it stans rising. This fali
and rise co inues till the level in the digester reaclres the upper end ofthe outlet opening
and at this stage the s1urry level in the outer tank reaches the height ofdischarge opening.
Advantagesr
1- This plant requires less space being mainly ulderyrouDd.
2- It is 30% economical as conpared to Janata biogas planr.
3. Its cost is reduced as the surface area is midmized byioinins sesments oft\ro ditrereni
diameten spheres at their bases.
BIOI\IASS
181
Disadvantages;
L Skilled manpower required for consrruclion.
2. Yar;able gas presswe.

3. Problem ofscum fonnarion.

4. Gas production per cm3 oftbe digesrer volumc is less.
4. Ma pal Model: This model is developed by Manipal Institure ofTechnolosx ManiDal.
fti. nodel bds learures otborh tlJian dnd.hr.le,e moJel\ lr ha recrdrgutar digesLer
and inclined RCC roof. There is no sepamle ga5 holder, the inclincd space above slurl,
level provides storage area forbiogas. Cross-secrional viewof Manipal model is shown in
figure q.q.

R.C.C.

Cross-seclion

Fig. 9.'10, Cross-sectional v,ew of l\ranipal model.

5. Spherical Biogss Plant: This is a fixed domc type biogas plant. This biogas plant is
developed by Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI), New Dethi. In this plant digester and
gas holder together foim a complere sphere. The upper portioD ofihe sphere acts as holder.
Mixing tank and oudet tank are connected to ihc p lant on either side. Spherical biogas ptant
is shown in Figure 9.10.
Slurry is entered in the spherical digester from the mixing tank. Retenrion period ofrhis
planl is of50 days. A scum layer is fonned. tn order to prevent the fomlarion of scum la),er.
a nyion net is used ;nside the digester Dudng digesiion
Eocess, biogas is produced and
accumulated in the gas holdcr The levet of slurry in the digesrer goes down due to rhe gas
142 NON.CONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES

pressure, rhe level dses up *hen rhe gas is consumed. Due to this movement ofslurry, it
passes through the nylonnet, which breaks the scxm. AG.l. pipe is provided on top ofthe
done and a \al\e .s I'Ied ro reguldre rhe no$ ol pa..

Mixing

Fig. 9.,l1. Spherical biogas planl

!fl eromlss sHeRGy pRoGRAMME rN rNDrA

IUPTU: 2002-03, 2005-06, 2007-08, 2009-101
In lndia about 50 million tonnes ofsolid waste (1.50 lakh tonncs /day) and about 6000 million
cubic melre ofliquid vasre is generated every year by our urban population. This translates into a
potcnlial for generation of over 2600 MW ofpoi,ler from urban wasle in the county. The estimated
potential ofmunicipal solid waste (MSW) for conversion to cncrgy over the next decade is given
bclow. The Government oflndia aims to realize the availablc polential in MSw by 2017.

Year Projectcd MSW gereration Potential ofPowcr Generrtion (MW)

2012 215,000 1,650
2011 10,1,000 5,200

In addition to this, a large quantity ofsolid and liquid wasle is also generated in the industrial
scclor Most of the waste finds its way into rivers, pords. low lying land etc without any treatme.l,
resuiting in odour, pollution oflvater and air as well as emission ol geenhouse gases like methane
and COr. Biomass conversion iechnologies not only lead to generation ofa substantiaL quantiry of
deccntralized energy but also reduce the quantity ofwast€ besides improving the quality ofwaste 1o
meet the pollution control standards.
Rapid industrializalion has resulted in fie generation of hugc quandly ofwastes, both solid
and liquid, iD induslrial sectors such as sugar, pulp and paper. fruil and food processing, sago/starch
indush]. disrilleries, dai.ies, slaughter houses and poultires. It h.ts bcen estimated ihat there is a
potential for rccovery of about 1300 MW of energy from industrial wastes. Despite requirements
forpollution co.fol measures, thesewastes are generally dumpcd on land or discharged into warer
bodies, withoutadequate treannent. They thus become a large source of environmenlal poilution and
health hazard. This problem can be mitigated through the adoption of efective wasie-manrgement
s)srem, and $asre-ro-energ) con\ ersron,echnologie.
The estimated potential for recovery of energy/generatioo ofpower flom solid and liquid wasles
being generated in vaious industrial sectors is expected to increase io aboul 1600 MWby 20I2 and
2000 MW by the year 2017. Several initiatives have been takeD including the delelopment of A,gir
Rate Biomethanatio arl,d the National Programme on Energy Recorery ftom Urban and lndustrial
BIOMASS '183

Wastes. Thfty-nine projecls aggregating to about 59 MW have been inslalled in ibe couniry so far ln
distilleries, pulp and paper mills, slaughter houses, tanneries, srarch industries, sea-food processing
and oil-extraction industries. Eighl oiher proj ects aggregaiing to abour 1 6 MW are under insrallatio..
India is a predominantly agicullural country The potenrial jn agro-residues a t planlalion
is estimated as 16,881 MW out ofwhich 605.80 MW has been realized. The bageasse based co-
generation has an esrimatedpoiential of5000 Mw, out ofwhich 7t0.8 Mw has bccn realized so far.
A total of95 MW power is being genemted from noD-bagasse based p1anr.
India has also launched blended petoi since 2003. The counLry curently impons about 70%
of its crude requirements, woth about Rs 78,000 crore per annum. Blending ofethanol will resulr
in considerable savings in precious foreign exchange, Moreover the continuous rcquiremenr
of ethrnoi will help sustain the demand for ethanol leading to higher sugarcane cultivation and
iDcreased income to sugarcane growing farmers. The total energy consumplion in India in 2012 is
shown in the Fisure 9.12.

10k

Fig.9.12
In India, biomass-based pow er generation has attracted inveshent worth USD 120 million and
gcnerated more thar 5,000 million units ofciectricio, besides providing an employmenl to morc
than 10 nillion man-days in rural areas. India ranks second in the world in biogas utilisation.
Under ihe 11th Plan period (2007-12) the Governmenr of India plans to add as much as 1700
M\l through biomass andBagasse cogeneration in various statcs.
India encourages ethanol as a tue1for autonrobiles and Regulations provide for the mandatory
blending of 5% of ethanol with petrol (o be iDcreased to 10%). The Govemm€n1 also plans 1(] ftcc
the movemeDt of ethanol across lhe counhy and eliminate local ta{es thereby increasing its usagc.
Close on the heels of ihe Kyoto protocol recommending a phased changcover to bio-diesel
$rough blending, thc Govemment oflndia has taken a numbcr ofinitiatives to promote bio-tuels.
The availability ofbiomass in lndia is estimatcd at about 5.10 million tones per year covering
residues fiom agricultwe, forestry, and planlations. By using these surplus agricultue residues,
more than 16,000 MW of grid qxali!, powcr can be generated.
India has approximately 50 lnillion hectares of degraded wasteland that lie oulside the areas
Jemarcated as natioml forests. and another 3.+ million hectares ofprotected forest area. in much of
n hich tree cover is severely degraded.

In additior, about 5.000 MW of power can be prodriced from sugar mills residues. Thus the
:jtimated biomass power potential is about 21.000 MW
144 NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES

!$t arol,rlss ereRGy eRoGRAMME rN woRLDwroE

Biomass is an important energy source cortributing io more than 14% of the global energy
supply. About 38% ofsuch energy is consumed in developing countries. primarily in the rural and
traditionai seciors of lhe economy.
In 2009, biomass production contibured 3.9 quadrillion Btu of energy to the 71.1 quadillion
Btu of energy produced in the United States or aboui 5.3% ofbral energy production. The U.S. and
Brazil produced about 89 percent ofthe world's fucl ethanol in 2008 out of lotal world production
of 17335 MW.
ln terms of energy content lhe total annual production of biomass is estimated at 2,740 Quads
(l Quad = 10,000,000,000,000,000 Btus). Biomass production is about eight times the lotal annual
world consumption of energy llom all sources (dbout 340 Quads). Therefore, biomass represents
a very large energy resource. At present lhe world population uses only about 7% ofthe annual
production of biomass. Therefore, $e are only partiatly erploiting nature's abundant renewabl€

!@ rurunr or ero ENERGY

For biomass energy to have a tuture. it must be able to provide people $ith thiDgs they wanl,
e.&, lighting, elcctricity, waler pumping, etc- Modem applications ofbiomass simplyreferto clean,
convenient. cfficicnl, reliable, economically and environmentally sustainable uses. Many mature
technologies are alrcady cxisting which can meet such crireria, and are not more expensive than
fossil fuels. The modemization of biomass consists of different technologies and grouped into
following:
. Biomass-fired electric power plants
. Liquid tuels e.a., bio-ethanol and bio-diesel
. Biogas production technology
. Imp.oved cook stove t€chnology
Thcre a e mdn) modem dppricdrror' includiog.
. Household applications, e.&, cooking stoves, biogas uses, ethanol, elc;
. Cottage industrial applications e.g., brick-makitrg, ceramics, tobacco cunng, etc;
. Large industriai applications/electricity generation, etc.
The increasing interest in biomass for the energy (since the early 1990\) is vell illustratcd by
the number of energy scenarios showing biomass as a potential major source of energy in the 21sl
century. The estimated poiential of the research focus that il varies fiom 67 EJ io 450 EJ for the
pe.iod 2025-2050 in comparison with curent uje ofbiomass en€rgy is about 55 EJ.
In India some 1,700 small udts have been installed since 1987. with a currenl inshlled
capaciry ofabout 35 Mw. Miffo-power technoiogies canusercnewable soulces, e.a., small gasifler
applications, as is the case in China and India and mnging ilom 15 to 500 kW. These turbines have
the advantage ofbeing ]ow cost, easy to manufacture, long-1ife, and sinple to operate andmaintain.
The expected increase of biornass erergy, particularly in its Fesent form, could have a significant
impacr not only on the energy sector but also to modemize agriculture, and on rural development.
A major challenge remains which is lo tackle the problems oflow combustion efiiciency and health
haTards
BIOI\,1ASS 185
Biomass availability issues:
Before assessing the coumry's bioenergy production potential, il is important to:
(i) Estimate the land availability for biomass production.
fn ldentrl dnd e!aluate rhe biomarc produc,ion oprion5.

(rD Estimaie sustainable biomass producrion potential for energy,

(iv) Estimate the energy potential ofbiomass productioq
(r) Assess the inveshnent required and bariers ro producing biomass sustainably for energy.

REVIEW ANO UNIVERSITY OUESTIONS

Q.1. What is bionass? How it is useful?

Q.2. Discuss the awilabiliry o.fBionass. IUPTU:2003-041

Ans. Refer Article 9.6

Q.3. Etplain @aikbitiry and co ,ersion theot! of biosas ptant. IUPTU:200s{61

Ans. ReferArticles 9.6 and 9.8
Q.4. Descnbe constutctional detdils andwarking afa bioeas ptant_ Also entionits endprcduct
{UPTU:200G071
Ans. Refer Articles 9.13 and 9.14
Q.5. Erplain the constulctio detail ofDeenbMdhu Biogas pla t_ IUPTU:200&091
Ans. Ref€r Articte 9.16
Q. 6. How are biogas plants ctasified? Erptain th briejly gi|ine their ddydntages, dnatua bges
and li ilatio,ls. IUPTU:2009-101
Ans. Refer Articles 9.13,9.14
Q. 1 . D^cribe the facbrs that elfect the size of a biosds pta t. Describe the makrial us".d Jot
biogas generation. IUPTUT 2009-10, 20r0-1ll
Ans, Ref€r Article 9.11

Q.8. Desctibe the biocoNersion prccess Ior abtainins biofuels ICBTU:2011-l2l

Ans. Refer Article 9.8