Coal-fired Boiler and Biomass Boiler: Which Boiler Is More Environmental Friendly？

Introduction

With the increasing demand of energy and the increasingly stringent requirements of environmental protection, Coal-fired boiler and biomass boiler are two Common industrial heating equipment. The Comparison of their environmental performance has become the focus of attention.

What is a Coal-fired boiler?

Coal-fired boiler is Coal (anthracite, bituminous, coal lignite) as the fuel, by burning coal to produce high-temperature flue gas, which transfers heat to water or other working fluid in a boiler to heat or vaporize, thereby producing steam or hot water to meet the heating needs of industrial production or daily life.

What is a Biomass boiler?

Biomass boiler uses biomass as fuel, such as crop straw, sawdust, branches, etc., through combustion  to generate heat for heating, power generation, or steam production.

Environmental Impact of Coal-fired Boiler

• Air pollution: The combustion process of coal-fired boiler producesa large number of pollutants, Including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter. These pollutants are important factors causing atmospheric environmental problems such as acid rain and haze.
• Greenhouse gas emissions: Burning coal releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, which hasa significant impact on global climate change.
• Solid waste: After combustion will produce a large number of slag and fly ash and other solid waste, if not handled properly, will cause pollution toSoil and water.

The Environmental Impact of Biomass Boiler

• Air pollution: Biomass boiler combustion produces relatively few pollutants, its sulfur dioxide emissions are lowbecause biomass fuels are usually low in sulfur. NOₓ emissions are also relatively low, especially after the introduction of low-nitrogen combustion technolo Greenhouse gas emissions: The carbon dioxide released by biomass boilers during combustion could theoretically be absorbed by biomass during growth, As a result, its greenhouse gas emissions are relatively low.
• Solid waste: Biomass combustion produced less ash, and which potassium, phosphorus and other components can be used as fertilizer.

Efficiency comparison

Thermal efficiency: Biomass boiler thermal efficiency is usually higher, generally more than 80%. The thermal efficiency of coal-fired boiler is different due to different combustion modes and equipment, and the thermal efficiency of CFB coal-fired boiler is higher.

Combustion efficiency: Biomass boiler combustion  efficiency is higher, can more fully burn biomass fuel. Coal-fired boilers are also more efficient, but require more sophisticated combustion control techniques.

Cost Analysis

Fuel Cost: The cost of biomass fuel is relatively low, especially in biomass-rich areas. Coal price is relatively high, and greatly affected by market fluctuations.

Equipment investment cost: The equipment investment cost of biomass boiler is relatively high, because it needs special combustion equipment and environmental protection facilities. The equipment investment cost of coal-fired boiler is relatively low.

Operation and maintenance cost: The operation and maintenance cost of biomass boiler is relatively low, because its combustion produces less ash and less equipment wear. The operation and maintenance cost of coal-fired boiler is high, so it is necessary to clean the slag regularly and maintain the environmental protection equipment.

Regulations and Sustainable Development Goals

Regulations: With the increasingly stringent environmental regulations, coal-fired boilers are facing more stringent emission standards and regulatory requirements. Biomass boilers are more supported and encouraged by policy.

Sustainable Development Goals: Biomass boilers meet the requirements of sustainable development, can use renewable resources, reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Coal-fired boilers need to be retrofitted and upgraded to reduce their environmental impact.

Which Boiler is More Environmentally Friendly?

Biomass boilers are indeed more environmentally friendly in terms of environmental impact than coal-fired boilers. The carbon dioxide produced by the combustion of biomass boilers can theoretically be absorbed during the growth process of biomass to achieve carbon neutrality. The carbon dioxide released by burning coal is additional and will exacerbate the greenhouse effect. In addition, ash, the combustion product of biomass boilers, contains minerals that are good for the soil and can be used as fertilizer, The ash and slag produced by coal-fired boilers contain harmful substances, which will cause environmental pollution if not handled properly. Although biomass boiler equipment investment costs are high, the need for specialized combustion equipment and environmental protection facilities, but in the long run, Its advantages in reducing pollutant emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, and the recyclability of solid waste make it more advantageous in environmental impact. At the same time, biomass fuel is a renewable resource, in line with the principle of sustainable development. However, the choice of which boiler also need to take into account specific needs, resource conditions and economic capacity.

Conclusion

Considering environmental impact, efficiency, cost, regulations and sustainable development goals, biomass boiler has more advantages in environmental protection. However, the choice of boiler also requires a comprehensive assessment based on specific energy needs, resource conditions and economic capacity.

If you have any needs about choosing boiler, welcome to contact us for detailed consultation.