Biomass Boilers

Eco-Link is focused on technology that creates energy using biomass fuel sources. Biomass energy is energy from plants and plant-derived materials-and has been in use since people began burning wood to cook food and keep warm. Biomass sources include food crops, grassy and woody plants, residues from agriculture or forestry, organic components of municipal and industrial wastes and animal waste such as horse manure and chicken litter. Fundamentally, biomass is stored solar energy that man can convert to heat (hot water, steam and thermal oil) or electricity

The theory behind biomass energy is simple and straightforward. In fact, it's as old as the trees. Any person who has been camping and built a fire over which the food is cooked (or burnt) understands the principle. Twigs and branches and even dry grass are used as a base to start the fire and as it starts to burn and intensifies it then generates more heat - then more twigs and small branches are added in order to sustain the fire which gets larger. There are now many other natural items which can also be used to expand the scope from the original camp fire. Manure, which is often spread on fields as a natural fertiliser is a great contributor towards greener energy and can also assist the agricultural community with a positive way of reducing the straw and manure mountain which is in evidence on every farm.

This sounds really simplistic and of course there is much more involved in the science and technology behind the current modern biomass boilers. This renewable energy source has a carbon neutral footprint which assists in the war against global warming. Not only is this sustainable energy easily accessible it provides many jobs within a rural environment which benefits the local economy. Those customers who choose to have a biomass boiler will find their heating costs are considerably reduced. Whether they are customers from the private or public sector, large or small company, the savings on purely a financial level is worth investigating. Obviously the cost implications are different in every case and depend on many factors.

Biomass is an attractive energy source for a number of reasons. First, it is a renewable energy source. Biomass is also more evenly distributed over the earth's surface than fossil fuel energy sources, and may be harnessed using more cost effective technologies. It provides us the opportunity to be more energy self-sufficient. It also helps to reduce climate change (global warming).

Using biomass to create energy has positive environmental implications. Burning wood and other biomass, such as organic waste, 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.

Before the use of fossil fuels, the carbon dioxide cycle was stable; the same amount that was released was sequestered, but it has since been disrupted. In the past 150 years, carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have risen from around 150 ppm to 330 ppm, and are expected to double before 2050!

Active and careful management of woodland and forests for the production of wood fuel ensures their survival and helps to create a diversity of habitats for plants and animals. Farmland is being converted to less-intensive energy crop production, further improving the environment.

The attraction of totally clean energy is becoming more evident all the time. Even those sceptics who are not swayed by the arguments of global warning can agree that a new sustainable and cleaner way of doing things is desirable. The fear is though, that any move to cleaner energy will involve lots of sacrifices, which, is quite the contrary. Eco Link can provide solutions that are practical and adaptable to current equipment and circumstances.

Eco Link prides itself on the ability to provide a complete service. Our specialist fleet of designers, engineers and installers understand what is required and are able to appreciate the unique requirements of any project. This comprehensive service begins with the design and ends with an installation that is fully functional and maintained by our unique maintenance contracts. Eco Link offer a first class aftercare service that where we handle any unlikely problems should they arise.

Local councils are encouraging architects to suggest the installation of a biomass boiler when they are designing new properties. This will then help towards their renewable energy targets. The joy of not being reliant on the utility companies with the threats of ever increasing charges will surely be a bonus. Biomass boilers can also be installed in existing properties and can be used to replace a gas or oil boilers.

Eco-Link has the expertise to harness all the requirements necessary in order to provide a comprehensive service starting with the design, progressing with the engineering and specialist installation to produce a functioning biomass boiler. This is backed up by the aftercare department, which in the unlikely event of a problem is supported by a highly qualified team of maintenance engineers.