In my last blog I discussed the use of solar collector systems for generating renewable, zero-CO2 emissions, domestic hot water and space heating for Irish homes. I also showed some solutions for heat pumps. This time, I wish to explore the potential and options available from various biomass sources and their appropriate heating appliances and systems.

The first renewable fuel to consider is wood, which is the most common traditional fuel for heat from the early times of hunters and gatherers. -Typically used as dried wood branches and split logs. The drier the wood the more efficient in producing heat. If wood is damp, a huge portion of the combustion heat is absorbed by evaporation and wet wood is difficult to generate enough heat to dry before it can heat sufficiently to form a gas vapour from the wood fuel, so as to ignite in the presence of oxygen. Some species of wood burn better, are denser and contain a higher calorific value than others.