Biomass question?

Question

Explain how biomass has been used as an energy source throughout history.

Answer 1

biomass has been used throughout history... it serves as energy for burning from industry time, to revolutionary era, as technology advances, we use more energy requiring biomass

Answer 2

Biomass as an energy source is primarily peat, wood and a small amount of other plant matter derivatives.

Energy is obtained by burning the peat and wood. Today of course, we rely much more on fuels such as oil, gas and coal - although these derive from natural materials they're not biomass.

Prior to industrialisation there was no real need for energy in the way that we need it today. Everything was operated manually or by animals (horses, ponies, oxen etc). The burning of biomass would be primarily for cooking and heat. Way back when people lived in caves it also offered protection from predatory animals.

Burning also played an important part in many religious ceremonies and rites and fire has long been an offensive and defensive weapon.

Answer 3

Do not forget that biomass is the mass of all living and dead organic matter. So on top of using it as a fuel for heating, mechanics etc. We also have to consume biomass in order to live. E.g. the energy we get from eating our dinner is energy that is refined, converted and used in our bodies. Nigh on everything we eat is biomass.

Answer 4

Oil and coal as well as methane are all products of biomass. Other biomass products that have been used for fuel are wood, manure and several types of alcohol.

Answer 5

Burning