Storing Whole-Tree Fuelwood Chips for Maximum Energy

Successful operation of large wood fuel combustion systems requires stock piling of fuel to assure continuous supply during adverse harvesting periods. Because wood and bark have relatively low bulk density and heat value compared to alternative fuels, large volumes of wood fuel are typically bulk-piled in outside open storage. Studies were conducted to measure the effects of pile geometry and pile venting to limit moisture increase from rainfall and loss of heat value of whole-tree chips from mixed hardwoods in open storage. Other variables examined were interior pile heating and loss of wood substance over storage time. Internal temperatures reached a maximum of 145?F within 2 weeks and decreased thereafter, but remained above ambient. Conical piles had smaller moisture increases from rainfall, but, after prolonged storage (6 mo. and longer), only a small central zone of the pile remained dry. Wood substance losses became significant after 3 months of open storage.

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