Energy Collection | Biomass Heating

Modern wood-burning technology can convert up to 90% of the energy content of the fuel to useful heat. This is a far cry from an open fire where 20% or less of the energy is utilised.

Most modern equipment is designed to use either chipped or pellet wood-fuel. These fuels are easier to transport and handle in comparison to logs and more importantly, can be fed automatically into the boiler, meaning less hassle and inconvenience.

Burning wood and other biomass as a fuel is classed as carbon neutral; plants and trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere when they are growing, and release the same amount when they burn or decompose naturally on the forest floor. In contrast, fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal, release carbon dioxide which has been locked away for millions of years and increase atmospheric CO2 levels; the main cause of global warming.

Key benefits of using biomass

Biomass is a sustainable fuel that can offer a range of benefits. For example:
It is considered a ‘carbon lean’ fuel producing a fraction of the carbon emissions of fossil fuels.
Using biomass sources place less demand on the Earth’s resources.

The technology of the system

Modern biomass boilers operate at 90% efficiency, are relatively quiet and are simple to use. They can burn a wide range of biomass fuels including logs, wood pellets and wood chips and can be coupled with a large fuel store to eliminate fuel handling for weeks at a time. Ash production is low; typically 0.5% by weight of fuel used and can be disposed of with the normal domestic waste or used in the garden as a fertiliser, further adding to the environmental credentials of the technology.

Firestar (log boiler) Low ash accumulation due to optimum combustion Consistently high level of efficiency due to the double vortex combustion chamber. Integrated ash tray – simple cleaning via pull-out tray
Pelletstar (pellet boiler) Pivoting grate for automatic grate cleaning Large ash-pan provides for less frequent cleaning intervals. Self cleaning flue channels
Firematic (Wood-chip and pellet boiler) Automatic cleaning of the heat exchanger Automatic de-ashing via the two ash discharge screws, the combustion and fly ash is automatically augered into the ashbin. Central control unit as standard for: furnace control using lambda probe, hot water preparation and return flow temperature bypass (pump and mixer valve).

The bodies of the boilers are made of high grade steel sheet metal; welded, pressure tested and fully mounted.