Biomass Fuel Consumption Calculator

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Feeding a Biomass Boiler the Right Amount

Biomass feed rate is more sensitive to fuel quality than most fuels, because moisture content directly reduces the usable heating value — entering the as-received (moisture-adjusted) heating value, not a dry-basis figure, is essential for an accurate result.

The Formula

Biomass Consumption = (Heat Demand(kW) × 3.6) / (Heating Value(MJ/kg) × Efficiency%)

Worked Example

A boiler needing 200 kW of heat, burning wood chips with an as-received heating value of 14 MJ/kg at 75% efficiency:

Consumption = (200 × 3.6) / (14 × 0.75) = 68.57 kg/hr

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the required Heat Demand in kW.
  2. Enter the biomass's as-received Heating Value (accounting for moisture).
  3. Enter Boiler Efficiency (defaults to 80%).
  4. Select Calculate to get the feed rate in kg/hr.

Related Calculations

Need to adjust for moisture directly first? See the Moisture Correction Calculator, or check overall furnace heat load in the Furnace Heat Load Calculator.