The role of biomass at GAIA Ecovillage, and its utilization in establishing new eco-houses

Abstract

This study details the implementation of a biomass boiler obtained from energy crops to produce thermal energy through radiant floor in 11 houses of the left wing of a building of a village isolated from the population in Galgahévíz (Hungary) as an alternative renewable energy. It is an installation to complement the other energies already available. In the first part of the project, we will deeply study the concept of biomass, including a compilation of data on the types that exist, the forms of conversion in energy, their characteristics. A study will also be carried out to obtain the possibilities and the situation of the biomass within the ecovillage, giving alternatives to possible problems. Alternatives to this biomass boiler will be studied, and analyzed one by one, to rule out possible better alternatives. Once placed in situation, we will perform the calculations to obtain the thermal energy demand of the building for the dimensioning of the mentioned plant, where we will analyze all the necessary aspects for the correct dimensioning using different multicriteria studies to decide both the size of the plant and the location. Afterwards, a study will be carried out to determine the needs of energy crops, selecting the best species for this climatic zone, the cultural actions to be carried out over the next 20 years. Finally we will carry out the economic feasibility study of the plant in function of the current regulations.