Presentation, and Characteristics of Solid Biomass

This chapter introduces the issues related to the sustainable satisfaction of the global energy needs, and the use of biomass as a source of renewable energy, highlighting its advantages and aspects to be taken into consideration. The principal solid biomass characterisation techniques are then presented: ultimate analysis for the quantification of the main elements, proximate analysis for humidity, volatiles (including tar), fixed carbon and ash, and calorific value analysis. The biomass properties in the terms described above are then discussed, also with reference to its positioning on the van Krevelen’s diagram. Finally, the heating behaviour of a solid fuel particle is presented, which can also be understood as a manifesto of the topics that will be treated in this book.