calorific value of wood??

[John Barleycorn]

I looked into this a few years back, but there are a few minor problems.

First I read that the heap needs to be at least 3 metres high for optimal composting/heat. As mentioned extracting heat slows the process. The heaps stink. You need two heaps because as one is in decline the other is heating up. On a domestic scale it would need to be located fairly near to your house (& would need a front end loader to shift it). Probably ok for industrial scale/ area heating.

[renewablejohn]

slightly off-topic but if you look at the link above and scroll past the firewood tables the article goes on to describe the DIY constuction of a domestic biomass heatsource system. The feedstock being anything from grass cuttings to sawdust to straw to woodchip. heat generated by decomposition not burning. Most members of the forum have access to large volumes of woodchip so this should be of interest.

 

Well spotted. I am aware of anerobic compost digestion systems as outlined by Jean Pain but this seems to be aerobic digestion which I find very interesting.