Energy and economic assessment of anaerobic digesters and biofuels for rural waste management. Final report
A technological and socioeconomic assessment of anaerobic digester feasibility for small to mid-size livestock operations was undertaken. Three full scale digesters and one pilot scale facility were under various degrees of monitoring and evaluation to assess design and operational problems as they affect the adoption and establishment of farm scale anaerobic digestors. Materials handling presented the greatest obstacle to satisfactory operation of the full scale systems. Conversion of the biogas to electricity via standard engine-generator sets is capital and maintenance intensive. Electrical conversion requires engine-generator sets which can add 30% to the cost of the system, and which have conversion efficiencies of only 10-25%. The system becomes more economical if the biogas can be used on site for direct thermal loads, suggesting that the economic feasibility of anaerobic digesters is site specific and should be closely integrated with the total farming operation. If excess engine heat can be recovered from electrical conversion equipment, and if provisions can be made on the farm to level electrical loads and conserve energy, then the economics are enhanced. Analysis was performed for farms with 100 animal units.
- Research Organization:
- Wisconsin Univ. Center System-Barron County, Rice Lake (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 5510033
- Report Number(s):
- PB-296523
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
090122* -- Hydrocarbon Fuels-- Preparation from Wastes or Biomass-- (1976-1989)
140504 -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Biomass Production & Conversion-- (-1989)
AGRICULTURAL WASTES
ALKANES
ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
BIOCONVERSION
BIOMASS
BIOSYNTHESIS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COST
CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
DECOMPOSITION
DESIGN
DIGESTION
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
ENERGY SOURCES
FARMS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FERMENTATION
FLUIDS
FUELS
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROLYSIS
LYSIS
MANAGEMENT
MARKET
METHANE
OPERATING COST
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PROCESSING
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SOLID WASTES
SOLVOLYSIS
SYNTHESIS
TESTING
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
WASTES