By Alexander Franklin, Ranheat Engineering Ltd.
Biomass boilers are an essential heating solution for many industrial and commercial facilities, providing a sustainable and cost-effective way to utilize wood waste for energy. However, like all modern heating systems, biomass boilers depend on electricity to function properly. So, what happens when there’s a power cut?
Unlike oil or gas boilers, which can fail-safe simply by cutting off their fuel supply with a solenoid valve, biomass boilers are more complex. The fire does not instantly stop producing energy when the power goes out, creating potential safety concerns if the system is not designed to handle such events.
At Ranheat, we have developed robust safety features to ensure that in the event of a power cut, our biomass boilers can handle stored heat, fuel feeding, and emissions control safely. In this article, we’ll explore how different biomass boiler systems react to power cuts, what safety measures should be in place, and how businesses can ensure their boiler operates safely in the face of power disruptions.
A biomass boiler operates with a continuous combustion process, meaning even if the electricity supply fails, the fire continues to burn for a certain period. Without the right safeguards, this can lead to:
These risks make it clear that a biomass boiler must have safeguards in place to handle power outages without compromising safety or efficiency.
At Ranheat, we design our biomass boilers with multiple safety features to ensure that even in the event of a power outage, our systems remain stable and safe.
The amount of water inside a boiler plays a significant role in how safely it can handle a power cut. More water means greater thermal inertia, allowing heat to dissipate more gradually rather than causing sudden pressure spikes.
Larger biomass boilers with higher water content can absorb more heat without overheating, making them inherently safer during a power cut.
For smaller boilers with lower water content, we recommend battery backup systems for critical components like circulation pumps.
In the event of a complete power failure, Ranheat boilers are equipped with pressure relief valves to prevent dangerous pressure build-ups. These systems ensure that if the heat cannot be dissipated naturally, pressure is safely vented without damaging the boiler.
A significant danger during a power cut is fire traveling back into the fuel storage area. To prevent this, Ranheat boilers include:
If a power cut occurs, the system is designed to prevent backdrafts and contain the fire, keeping the entire operation safe.
Not all power failures are complete blackouts. In some cases, facilities experience brownouts, where the power supply is inconsistent or voltage levels drop temporarily.
For customers in areas with frequent power fluctuations, we recommend Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units for PLC controllers. This prevents sudden voltage drops from causing unexpected shutdowns or malfunctions in the system.
A well-engineered biomass boiler should be able to handle a power cut safely without putting your facility or staff at risk. If your biomass boiler fails unsafely in a power cut, you should demand a better system.
At Ranheat, we believe:
✔ A power cut should never damage the boiler – If it does, the system is poorly designed.
✔ Your boiler should safely dissipate heat – Either through high water content or a battery backup circulation pump.
✔ The fuel feed system should prevent fire creep – With rotary valves and compartmentalized conveyors as standard.
✔ The emissions system should fail safely – Ceramic filters must have a bypass valve to prevent dangerous blockages.
✔ Brownouts should not cause unpredictable behavior – PLC controllers should be protected by UPS systems if needed.
Power cuts and brownouts are rare in the UK, but for businesses in rural locations, they are a more frequent concern. Your biomass boiler should be designed to handle these events without compromising safety, efficiency, or reliability.
At Ranheat, we take these risks seriously and engineer our biomass boilers to withstand power failures safely. By using high water content designs, battery backups for circulation pumps, robust fuel feed barriers, and UPS-protected controllers, we ensure our systems remain stable, safe, and compliant even in the worst-case scenario.
If your current biomass boiler does not handle power cuts effectively, it may be time to upgrade to a Ranheat system. Contact us today for expert advice on ensuring your biomass heating solution is reliable, efficient, and built to last.
📞 01604 750005
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🌐 www.ranheat.com
