Comparison of different storage systems of softwood biomass and urban pruning residues

Renewable biomass play a crucial role in mitigating climate change as a potential alternative for fossil fuels. On the other hand, lignocellulosic biomass can represent an enormous natural resources to use for energetic field. In fact, the use of fossil fuels as a main source of energy is directly linked to global climate change, so there is a necessity to find new, cheap and easily available energy sources. This study demonstrated the influence of storage system on the quality of different biomass for energy generation. Softwood biomass and urban pruning residues were used to investigate the behavior of two different storage system, such as plastic bins and big bags. Principal parameters of the biomass, such as variation the moisture content inside each storage system, temperature, presence or absence of microorganisms able to reduce the energetic properties of biomass and weather condition were recorded. Both types of biomass were stored outside and partially left exposed to the weather conditions for five months. The variations of the moisture content of each type of biomass stored, showed no significant effects. Only the wood chips stored within the plastic bins, demonstrated a general decrease of the moisture content, compared to other wood biomass. The results present one of the most widely used biomass storage methods focusing the main role of storage system within the various supply chain stages. Furthermore, can be a support to identify the critical storage related issues.