Wood chips serve as a reliable and sustainable source of fuel for numerous boilers, offering both efficiency and eco-friendliness. Let’s delve into the essentials of utilizing wood chips effectively in biomass boilers.
Ensuring Optimal Wood Chip Quality
When opting for wood chips as your boiler’s fuel source, prioritizing quality is paramount. We recommend using G30 and G50 wood chips for models like the SL30-150kW and SL199-250kW. These designations signify chips with an average size of 30mm and a maximum moisture content of 30%. By utilizing dry, high-quality wood chips, you can maximize the performance of your biomass boiler.
To guarantee superior quality, ensure that your wood chips meet the standards outlined by the assurance scheme jointly administered by HETAS and Woodsure. Your supplier should provide detailed information regarding the grade and moisture content of the wood chips on your delivery paperwork.
Finding Reliable Suppliers
Locating reputable suppliers is crucial for acquiring top-notch wood chips. The Biomass Suppliers’ List (BSL) serves as a valuable resource, offering a comprehensive directory of biofuel suppliers across the Wye Valley and the UK. Before finalizing your purchase, we recommend inspecting the wood chips upon delivery. Refer to our guide on inspecting woodchip quality for assistance.
Chipping Your Own Fuel
If you have access to your own wood supply, you can significantly reduce fuel costs by chipping the wood yourself. Utilizing a contract chipping service, which can process 15-20 tonnes per hour, enables substantial savings of up to 80% compared to fossil fuels. Additionally, if you own managed woodland, you can sell your wood to suppliers, further offsetting fuel expenses.
When chipping your own wood, ensure it is appropriately seasoned with a maximum moisture content of 30% before chipping. Proper seasoning involves storing the wood raised from the ground and covered with tarpaulin to air dry. This process reduces the wood’s tendency to reabsorb moisture, enhancing its suitability for chipping.
Storage Considerations
Efficient storage is essential for maintaining the quality and accessibility of wood chips. Whether repurposing an existing building or constructing a new one, ensure the space is covered and enclosed, with convenient access for wood chip delivery or shredding machinery. Larger storage facilities enable bulk purchases, reducing the frequency of refills.
It’s advisable to incorporate a hatch for regular quality inspections, while ensuring the floor is level with agitator sweep arms. Periodic clearing of the storage area, preferably during the summer when boiler demand is lower, helps remove foreign objects and maintain optimal conditions.
Performance Comparison
Wood chips offer competitive performance compared to other fuel sources, as illustrated in the table below:
| Fuel | kg/m3 | g CO2/kWh | kWh/Kg |
| Wood Chips | 250 | 7 | 3.5 |
| Logs | 350 | 7 | 4.1 |
| Wood Pellets | 650 | 15 | 4.8 |
| Coal | n/a | 484 | 8.6 |
| LPG | n/a | 323 | 6.6 |
| Heating Oil | n/a | 350 | 10 |
| Electricity | n/a | 530 | n/a |
In conclusion, wood chips offer a sustainable and efficient fuel option for biomass boilers, provided they meet quality standards and are stored appropriately. By following these guidelines, you can optimize the performance of your biomass heating system while contributing to environmental conservation. Incorporating wood chip boilers into your system can further enhance its efficiency and eco-friendliness.
