Our Case Studies

Ansty Manor, Wiltshire

This case study provides details of a biomass boiler in a large domestic house with a swimming pool.

Fernhill Farm is an ambitious renovation of a derelict 17^th century farmhouse and farm buildings linked by a mini district heating scheme.

This case study provides details of a domestic scale biomass boiler in a low energy building used for educational visits, training and conferences.

Session 1	Introduction: Setting the scene

Session objectives	Candidates will know about:
	the different forms of energy we use
	the different types of biomass energy and how they might be used
	how biomass fits in with UK Renewable Energy Policy
	our current and projected positions relating to meeting climate change objectives
	the incentives and grants available for energy crops

Session 2	Crop walk and worksheet exercise

Session objectives	Candidates will know about:
	the stocking rates of energy crops plantations
	the pests and diseases of energy crops
	the height of energy crop plantations
	the field margins surrounding energy crop plantations
	the access required by planting and harvesting equipment.

Session 3	Short Rotation Coppice:
	Land preparation, planting, management, harvesting

Session objectives	Candidates will know about:
	how to choose a suitable site for energy crops
	how to apply for the Energy Crops Scheme
	how to prepare land prior to planting
	the different planting machinery used to plant SRC
	the management requirements for SRC
	the different harvesting machinery for SRC.

Session 4	Miscanthus:
	Land preparation, planting, management, harvesting

Session objectives	Candidates will know about:
	where to grow Miscanthus
	the different planting machinery used to plant Miscanthus
	the management requirements for Miscanthus
	the different harvesting machinery for Miscanthus
	the pests and diseases (and biodiversity) of Miscanthus.

Session 5	Yields, storage, processing

Session objectives	Session objectives
	the harvest products produced from different energy crops
	the different storage requirements
	the storage volume and the transport logistics of energy crops
	the reprocessing methods used with different energy crops

Session 6	Boiler visit

Session objectives	Candidates will know about:
	the size of biomass boilers and the space required for fuel storage
	the access required for fuel deliveries
	different fuel delivery mechanisms and problems that might occur
	how biomass boilers work compared to conventional fossil fuelled systems
	the safety features that are incorporated in the system
	how biomass boilers are maintained (for example ash removal and servicing)

Session 7	Economics and markets

Session objectives	Candidates will know about:
	the economics of growing energy crops
	the market potential for energy crops
	how to grow energy crops for their own use
	the carbon savings from energy crops.

Session 8	Written Paper

	To pass – 70% or higher must be achieved.

You can download an introductory presentation with example slides here.