FPInnovations has produced the FPJoule, which calculates the amount of useable energy in biomass.
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Loggers traditionally use volume or weight to measure the quantities of wood available, but energy content is far more important when the biomass is being used to produce energy. FP Joule assists in the calculation of the value of the energy in logging biomass and compares it with existing energy costs from non-renewable sources. The website consists of the following sections:
- Energy cost – The energy that can be obtained from a given mass of biomass is calculated. Species, type of biomass and moisture content are considered. A conversion tool then calculates the monetary value per weight, volume or energy unit.
- Economic advantages – The potential annual savings are calculated if the existing fuel is replaced with biomass. This considers the current actual energy costs and the equivalent biomass energy costs.
- Fuel parameters – The different fuel parameters and values used in the calculations are shown in this section. The various information sources are also listed. The different energy sources are provided, their higher heating values and boiler yields supplied, as well as their unit costs.
- Report – The report shows the overall analysis results, and allows the user to print the results. The report is grouped by energy cost, economic advantages and fuel parameters.
Source: www.fpinnovations.ca/FPJoule/Views/Welcome.aspx