The simplest way to use biomass for the production of energy is to burn it.
A combustion device like a stove will provide heat for the room it stands in, whereas a boiler can provide heat to several rooms as well as domestic hot water by heating water then pumping it through pipes.
Biomass boilers are designed to provide a low carbon solution to meet your energy needs.
They can reduce both your energy consumption and your fuel bills, whilst providing a constant supply of clean, sustainable 'carbon neutral' heating and hot water throughout the year.
Types of biomass boilers
When integrated into central heating systems in a similar way to conventional boilers, a biomass boiler can satisfy the total heating and hot water requirements of homes or businesses. Compact freestanding biomass boilers, such as the Baxi Bioflo, are ideal for smaller properties, while larger systems are suited to even the largest dwelling.
Various types of biomass boilers are available in a range of outputs; the choice of boiler depends on factors such as fuel availability, physical constraints and your individual requirements. It is essential to select the right type and capacity carefully.
The three main types of biomass boiler are:
- Log boilers - some log-fired boilers are fairly basic, but others are highly efficient and sophisticated systems.
- Pellet boilers - wood pellets burn evenly as they do not contain much moisture.
- Wood chip boilers - these are most suitable for medium and large scale installations.
Boiler operation
Some biomass boilers are fuelled automatically from a large hopper; the built-in versions can hold several days' supply of biomass which is fed to the boiler fire as required, whereas other models are connected to a separate bulk storage hopper that can store enough fuel to last a few weeks. The Baxi Multiheat and Baxi Bioflo boiler's integrated pellet hopper is designed to simplify installation and operation.
Other types of biomass boilers are filled manually from bags; these are also known as hand fired. This type of biomass boiler requires more frequent refuelling, but can be less expensive. The compact and stylish Baxi Bioflo manual feed pellet burner is one of the most popular biomass boilers in Europe. Another manual feed boiler, the Baxi Solo Innova, is ideal for customers with a ready supply of timber.
