Understanding variability is key to understanding how biomass behaves

In Idaho, new research supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office from the Feedstock Conversion Interface Consortium suggests that understanding the true complexity of biomass variability involves factors that impact biomass quality from harvest through conversion. They looked at corn stover, ash content, storage, and other items.

Bioenergy researchers recognize that one of the biggest challenges in converting biomass into biofuels, biopower, and bioproducts can be summed up with one word: variability. Variability in characteristics such as moisture content, ash content, particle size, and chemical composition can cause a wide range of challenges, from dry matter loss during storage to clogged equipment during preprocessing to poor yields during conversion.

Using advanced characterization techniques to understand the depth and breadth of biomass variability at multiple scales can help the biomass industry understand how biomass behaves and design processes that can deal with variability.