The energy content of each type of biomass species should be
determined to establish their potential as biomass energy systemsHeating values often used as a principle indicator of the energy
that specific biomass contains. Heating value is the amount of heat
generated when a substance undergoes complete combustion and
is also called the heat of combustion. Biomass comprises of organic
substances, composed mostly of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen and
when it is completely combusted, it produces water and carbon
dioxide. The generated water and water vapors contain much
latent heat that is given off upon condensation. The heating value,
which includes latent heat is the high heating value (HHV), while
that from which latent heat is substracted is the lower heating
value (LHV). Higher heating values observed are in order of sarcasa
asoca leaf > soybean waste > cottton waste > wheat straw. Indian
coal is used in this study as a reference fossil fuel