What is it about?

Biomass boilers need buffer tanks to operate correctly. Buffer tanks store hot water used in the heating system to cover short term changes in heat output. By increasing the volume of the store hot water to an optimum level the biomass boiler cycles less and is consequently more efficient. It also allows a smaller boiler to be used. Sizing of the boiler is also influenced by incentives and these are driving inefficient boiler sizing.

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Why is it important?

A boiler that cycles less often is more efficient, and reduces wear on the boiler. ultimately the fuel cost savings pay for the additional costs of a larger heat store. Understanding efficient boiler sizing will allow incentives to be targeted appropriately.

Perspectives

There have been some concerns regarding the rapid expansion of biomass boiler installations funded by tax payer incentives and this paper provides and insight into some of the potential issues with incorrect sizing.

Mr Duncan Faulkes

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Modelling the optimum thermal store and biomass boiler size for a small communal heating scheme, Building Services Engineering Research and Technology, November 2015, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/0143624415613957.
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