Fuel quality and dry matter losses of stored wood chips - Influence of cover material

Irregular seasonal demand from heat- and combined heat power plants means that outdoor storage of forest fuels is an inevitable step in the fuel supply chain. Storage fresh comminuted biomass render substantial dry matter energy losses. Covering can protect wood chips rewetting, leading to a higher net calorific value lower losses, thus increase amount available energy. This study examined effect covering material on quality stored full-scale pile. The changes loss reduced accessible by 9.8% uncovered part, 5.6% when covered with water proof or light semi-permeable cover materials 1.0% thicker semi permeable material. Fuel be improved piles during but gain affected type Seasonal properly chip facilitate increased annual utilisation chippers trucks which reduces overall chain cost.