Knowledge: Biomass
Back to basics
With the recent launch of the domestic RHI, now is a great time to become a
biomass boiler installer and reap the financial benefits. Mike Blakeley, who
heads up IXUS Energy’s accredited biomass training programme outlines what a
successful biomass installation entails
One size doesn’t fit all
Installers need to help
homeowners choose a biomass
boiler that’s right for them
in terms of size and energy
requirements. To establish the
best option, a site survey is vital
at the beginning of the decision
making process. For instance, a
small pellet boiler could fit into a
small boiler room or even a utility
room, whereas larger boilers
require more space and need to
be housed in outbuildings. The
project just needs to be sized
appropriately to meet the needs
of the property.
Planning permissions
Those involved in the installation
of a biomass system have a duty
to share relevant information
and guidance to homeowners
who are making the switch to
biomass. Planning permission is
often an area of uncertainty for
customers. Although it is unlikely
that planning permission is
required for the installation of a
biomass system within a house,
a general rule for installers is that
if a customer’s flue exceeds the
height of the roof by more than
one metre, planning permission
should be sought.
For homeowners living
in listed buildings, the local
planning authority should also
be approached to determine
whether consent is needed. It
goes without saying but, if an
outbuilding is to be constructed
for storing fuel or equipment,
the same rules that apply for
other extensions and garden
outbuildings apply.
Building regulations
Building regulations do apply to
biomass installations. Factors
installers need to take into
account will be ventilation, noise
and general safety. Regulations
will also be applicable to any
plumbing or electrical work
carried out in relation to the
project, so keep this mind.
Choosing the right fuel
Homeowners new to biomass
will need guidance on how
different biomass boilers are
designed for specific fuel types.
The boiler choice needs to match
the chosen fuel which will be
determined by a range of factors
including local availability,
storage space and access, and
whether the customer wants
a fully automatic system or a
manually fed boiler, for example.
Storing biomass fuels
A biomass store can be a purpose
designed and built structure,
either above or below the
ground. For woodchip and log
stores good ventilation will be
necessary to prevent the build-up
of condensation and prevent the
formation of mould, the spores
of which can present a serious
health hazard should they be
inhaled. Good air flow can also
assist in reducing composting
of the fuel which can result in
the loss of energy content and
prevent excessive temperature
Extra mile: Biomass are not ‘fit and forget’ systems with installers needing
to provide customers with guidance on fuel types, building regs and other
considerations, says IXUS Energy director Mike Blakeley
build up and potential fires if the
fuel isn’t as dry as it should be. In
contrast a pellet store needs to
be completely airtight to contain
any dust generated by filling the
store and prevent the fuel from
absorbing atmospheric moisture.
Good design of the biomass
fuel store, taking consideration
of delivery and extraction of fuel
supplies and ease of access for
maintenance, forms an essential
part of a good installation. Fuel
storage is a key area covered
by our training programme at
IXUS Energy as it can often get
overlooked. Like everything,
careful planning and thorough
knowledge ensures a happy
outcome for both installers and
their customers.
Training programmes aren’t
just for those starting out on
their careers. Seasoned pros can
benefit from continual up-skilling
to ensure they stay at the top of
their game and know everything
there is to know about biomass.
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