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U.S. Department of Energy
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Cogeneration of electricity and heat from biogas

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5294755
Biogas production from animal manures is becoming more well defined and popular. The ultimate value of the production of biogas by anaerobic digestion depends on the extent to which existing farm fuels can be replaced. The goal of this study was to document at full scale biogas conversion to electricity and heat energy in a custom-designed cogeneration internal combustion engine facility. The digesters continued to process cow manure without problems, achieving greater than 80% conversion of the biodegradable organics under most conditions. The plug flow unit continued to be a simpler and more efficient system than the completely mixed alternative. Eight loading conditions were documented. Attention was focused on engine wear and maintenance problems associated with biogas use. Extensive monitoring and testing of lubrication oil was conducted. 61 refs., 61 figs., 19 tabs.
Research Organization:
Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (USA). Dept. of Agricultural Engineering
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-83CH10093
OSTI ID:
5294755
Report Number(s):
SERI/STR-231-2844; ON: DE86004438
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English