Biomass Fundamentals Module 2: Definitions of Biomass A capstone course for BioSUCCEED: Bioproducts Sustainability: a University Cooperative Center of Excellence in EDucation The USDA Higher Education Challenge Grants program gratefully acknowledged for support
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Biomass Fundamentals Module 2: Definitions of Biomass A capstone course for BioSUCCEED: Bio products S ustainability: a U niversity C ooperative C enter.
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Biomass Fundamentals
Module 2: Definitions of Biomass
A capstone course for
BioSUCCEED:
Bioproducts Sustainability: a University Cooperative Center of Excellence in EDucation
The USDA Higher Education Challenge Grants program gratefully acknowledged for support
This course would not be possible without support from:
Biomass is any organic material made from plants or animals. Domestic biomass resources include agricultural and forestry residues, municipal solid wastes, industrial wastes, and terrestrial and aquatic crops grown solely for energy purposes.
• In general, it is a carbon-containing substance or material that has a biological origin, is renewable, has little to no impact on green house gases, and is degradable
Quiz M2.11. Which of the following cannot be
considered biomass according to the DOE definition: (a) corn stover; (b) poultry; feathers; (c) clay; (d) human hair
2. Which of the following can be considered a biomass according to the general definition: (a) petroleum; (b) carbon dioxide; (c) diamond; (d) none of the above
3. What can potentially be another name for biomass: (a) biomaterial; (b) biochemical; (c) bioenergy; (d) all of the above
Origins of biomassWhere does it come from?
• Biomass comes from plants and animals
– Generally a whole component byproduct of their metabolism, or some modification
– It has been useful for the development of civilization
• It is part of a cycle of biosynthesis (manufacture) and biodegradability (death)
HIGHLIGHT: AMBER
Amber is fossilized tree resin; resin is the semi-solid, amorphous
biomass secreted in wood cells.
Why is it important?
Quiz M2.2
• Biomass is a source of materials (food, wood, paper, rubber, leather)
• Biomass is a source of fuel (ethanol, wood, biodiesel, oil)
• Biomass is a source of chemicals (rosins, detergents, sugars, terpenes)
1. Which of the following aspects of civilization did not benefit in some way from biomass? (a) housing construction; (b) food cultivation; (c) clothing; (d) all of the above
2. Where does ethanol come from? (a) wood; (b) wheat; (c) corn; (d) all of the above
3. Does biomass contribute to green house gas accumulation? (a) yes; (b) no
What is petroleum?
FUEL & MATERIALS!!!
• Thought to be the decomposition product of animal and/or plant matter after protracted periods of time
• Needs to be “refined” to obtain usable chemicals for energy and materials (plastics, resins, composites, tars, asphalts, waxes, etc.)
• However, difficult to ascertain exactly how formed
• US uses 25% or more of world supply to support its infrastructure
Drilling for fuel
What are the similarities between biomass and petroleum?
Petro-economy vs. bio-economy
• Petroleum is believed to be the result of biomass being compressed under high pressure and a long time in an anoxic environment
• However, petroleum is richer in energy by approximately 40% on a gal/gal basis, it is not renewable, and contributes to green house gas pollution
Quiz M2.31. For which of the following does petroleum
not contribute in a petro-economy: (a) gasoline; (b) candles; (c) PVC piping (d) cotton
2. Where does ethanol come from? (a) wood; (b) wheat; (c) corn; (d) all of the above
3. Does biomass contribute to green house gas accumulation? (a) yes; (b) no
What is bioenergy?• You and me are bioenergy!
• It is a natural form of energy that does not depend on non-renewable sources, like petroleum; referred to as a biofuel
• Ethanol, biodiesel, pyrolysis oil, and butanol are typical bioenergy stock fuels
• We consider solar, wind, ocean currents, geothermals, nuclear, and others are alternative energy sources not to be confused as bioenergy
ESSAY
At this point, describe in a page or less, how bioenergy contributes to your lifestyle or how you would like it to.
Or if that is too difficult, discuss how alternative fuels are incorporated into your life or how you would like to include them.
Bioethanol
• The second simplest alcohol on the planet (C2H6OH); also known as grain alcohol (primary origin) as opposed to methanol, simplest alcohol (wood alcohol)
• Ethanol or ethyl alcohol as we have known it for thousands of glorious, fun-filled years!
• It has within the last 10 years been mandated as a fuel additive to replace MTBEs (methyl tertiary butyl ether, an oxygenation chemical) to continue clean burning of fuel and thus improve air quality
• It currently supplies about 3% of our total liquid fuel needs
• We consider solar, wind, ocean currents, geothermals, nuclear, and others are alternative energy sources not to be confused as bioenergy
Ethanol-producing corn plants in the Midwest of the USA (the bread basket).
Biodiesel• Another incredibly useful form of
liquid fuel
• However, it is a vegetable oil and fatty acid product (an ester)
• Made from the transesterification of vegetable oil using an alcohol such as methanol (most common): the three fatty acids on the glycerol residue are esterified to 3 molecules of methanol leaving behind glycerin (a tri-alcohol)
• Prof. Chavanne of Belgium invented biodiesel in 1937
• Generally used ast B99 blends (1% petrodiesel is added) to avoid molding of fuel
1. Which has a higher energy value: (a) gasoline; (b) methanol; (c) ethanol; (d) butanol
2. What common oils can make biodiesel: (a) soybean; (b) corn; (c) rapseed; (d) all of the above
3. What is an ester: (a) a female’s name; (b) an organic product also known as an ether; (c) an alcohol-fatty acid compound; (d) all of the above