scope:

Inclusions

This publicly available specification (PAS) provides advice and information on biomass boiler systems for small to medium heat loads (50 kW to 2 MW) providing hot water below 100°C. A biomass boiler system includes all primary and ancillary equipment for fuel reception and storage, through to the point of delivering hot water to the application reception point. Within this document, a biomass boiler system is one fuelled by wood chip, wood briquettes, wood pellets, or other biomass.

This PAS includes both technical and non-technical guidance on the following:

(a) Evaluating heat demand and energy efficiency;

(b) Generic site requirements;

(c) Greenhouse gas and local particulate emissions;

(d) Fuel quality, supply, reception, storage, and handling;

(e) Operation and maintenance;

(f) System efficiency;

(g) Seasonal efficiency;

(h) Regulatory and non-regulatory health and safety aspects;

(i) Consenting.

Exclusions

Excluded from this document are the following:

(a) Biomass boiler systems larger than 2 MW;

(b) Steam boilers;

(c) High temperature hot water boilers (over 100°C);

(d) Systems that are intended to supply potable water;

(e) Co-firing coal boilers;

(f) Use of industrial effluents, municipal biosolids, anaerobic digestion, and algae as biomass fuel.

Much of the best practice advice included in this guidance document will be equally applicable to the excluded biomass boiler systems but expert advice specific to those technologies should be sought if an excluded application is being considered.