1. Energy & Its Impact on Global Society Jerome K. Williams, Ph.D. Saint Leo University Dept. Mathematics & Sciences

2. Chapter 17: Biomass Biomass: An Introduction Biomass Conversion Ethanol Social Justice Issue Solid Waste Sources

3. Biomass: An Introduction Biomass energy sources under strong development as alternative fuels – Biomass is energy derived from living matter (crops, trees, water plants, and waste products)

4. Biomass: An Introduction

5. Biomass Fuel Sources – SolidWood chips, switchgrass – Liquid Fermentation grains – GaseousHigh Pressure/Temp. Processing Often described as “stored solar energy”

6. Biomass: An Introduction Potential to provide 4-25% energy for US Other countries heavily rely on Biomass for energy needs – Very Popular in Developing World: Ease of availability and Low Cost

7. Biomass Conversion Fundamental energy conversion process for green plants is Photosynthesis CO 2 + H 2 O + sunlight O 2 + Glucose (Sugar) Reverse Process is called Respiration

8. Biomass Conversion

9. Processes for Conversion of Biomass into other energy forms include: – Biochemical Processes – Direct Combustion – Pyrolysis

10. Biomass Conversion Alcohols are products of biomass conversion – EthanolGrain Alcohol (corn, soybeans, oats) – MethanolWood Alcohol (wood distillation) Alcohols are being used in place of gasoline

11. Ethanol Most common sources are sugarcane and corn “Blended” gasoline contains 10-15% ethanol Improved performance while lowering greenhouse gases Fuel economy is worse

12. Ethanol

14. Social Justice Issue

15. Solid Waste Sources