As described on the buffer tank page, most biomass systems incorporate buffer control software. The purpose of buffer control software is to allow the biomass boiler to optimise its firing during periods of low load, to minimise cycling. Using an external control system can be detrimental to boiler performance if configured the wrong way. In some instances, the use of a BMS or other master control system is not required. Many of the modern biomass control systems are capable of controlling fully compensated heating circuits, additional boilers, DHW cylinders, and even solar panels and utilising these features can save unnecessary expense on a BMS system. Where a BMS controller is required, some basic principals should be kept in mind - biomass boilers are inherently slow to respond (some more so than others), and need to operate over a range of temperatures. With the introduction of the RHI and the associated measuring of renewable heat generation, maximum utilisation of the biomass boiler will be a major driving factor. This requires that the BMS is sympathetic to the biomass boilers requirements; for example set points controlling peak load boilers should be such that the biomass boiler can operate over a range of temperatures without additional boilers activating.