Biomass Feedstock Storage for Quantity and Quality Preservation - Engineering and Science of Biomass Feedstock Production and Provision - page 163

Table 7.1 Summary of various biomass feedstock storage methods and their comparison in terms of cost, dry matter loss, quality degradation, and ease of handling

Dry matter
and quality loss

Ease of handling
(loading and unloading) Storage methods and subcategories Cost Form of biomass most suitable

Open air On land Very low (almost

no cost)

Very high Very easy Round bales; square bales with tarpaulin cover

On gravel pad Very low Very high Very easy Round bales; square bales with tarpaulin cover

On paved pad Low High to very high Very easy Round bales; square bales with tarpaulin cover

Covered without
climate control

Shed with no walls Low to medium High Easy Round and square bales

Shed with three walls Medium Medium to low Somewhat dificult Round and square bales; chopped biomass

Enclosed without
ventilation

High Medium to low Dificult, especially

for large square
and round bales

Bales, chopped and ground biomass, pellets

Covered with
climate control

With ventilation,
temperature, and/
or climate control

High to very high Low to very low Very dificult Bales, chopped and ground biomass, pellets

Steel bin or concrete bin High to very high Very low Easy for free-lowing

material such as ground
and chopped biomass
and pellets

Chopped and ground biomass, pellets

Silage pit Function of

moisture
content
and storage
conditions

Medium to low; leads
to quality changes
through lactic acid
formation

Dificult Chopped biomass

The suitability of a particular feedstock form is also mentioned. The comparisons are relative and qualitative in nature