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30 pages, 3594 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Analysis of a Small-Scale Biogas-Based Trigeneration Plant: An Absorption Refrigeration System Integrated to an Externally Fired Microturbine

by J. Villarroel-Schneider, Anders Malmquist, Joseph A. Araoz, J. Martí-Herrero and Andrew Martin

Energies 2019, 12(20), 3830; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12203830 - 10 Oct 2019

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5014

Abstract

Trigeneration or combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP) systems fueled by raw biogas can be an interesting alternative for supplying electricity and thermal services in remote rural areas where biogas can be produced without requiring sophisticated equipment. In this sense, this study considers [...] Read more.

Trigeneration or combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP) systems fueled by raw biogas can be an interesting alternative for supplying electricity and thermal services in remote rural areas where biogas can be produced without requiring sophisticated equipment. In this sense, this study considers a performance analysis of a novel small-scale CCHP system where a biogas-fired, 5 kW_el externally fired microturbine (EFMT), an absorption refrigeration system (ARS) and heat exchangers are integrated for supplying electricity, refrigeration and hot water demanded by Bolivian small dairy farms. The CCHP solution presents two cases, current and nominal states, in which experimental and design data of the EFMT performance were considered, respectively. The primary energy/exergy rate was used as a performance indicator. The proposed cases show better energy performances than those of reference fossil fuel-based energy solutions (where energy services are produced separately) allowing savings in primary energy utilization of up to 31%. Furthermore, improvements in electric efficiency of the EFMT and coefficient of performance (COP) of the ARS, identified as key variables of the system, allow primary energy savings of up to 37%. However, to achieve these values in real conditions, more research and development of the technologies involved is required, especially for the EFMT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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11 pages, 2612 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Exploitation of Mowed Grass from Green Areas by Means of Anaerobic Digestion: Effects of Grass Conservation Methods (Drying and Ensiling) on Biogas and Biomethane Yield

by Alessandro Chiumenti, Andrea Pezzuolo, Davide Boscaro and Francesco da Borso

Energies 2019, 12(17), 3244; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12173244 - 22 Aug 2019

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3025

Abstract

Grass from landscape management or from agricultural practices is currently destined mainly for composting, with the production of a valuable product; however, this process demands energy. Anaerobic digestion, instead, represents an energy-positive process that results in the production of fuel, biogas, and a [...] Read more.

Grass from landscape management or from agricultural practices is currently destined mainly for composting, with the production of a valuable product; however, this process demands energy. Anaerobic digestion, instead, represents an energy-positive process that results in the production of fuel, biogas, and a fertilizer, namely digestate. Previous tests for the evaluation of biogas yield from freshly harvested grass gave promising results. However, for a practical exploitation of this resource, appropriate conservation is necessary in order to enable the daily load of digesters while reducing the loss of organic matter. The present work is focused on the evaluation of biogas and methane yield from dried and ensiled grass (without conditioning) in order to assess eventual biogas potential losses in comparison to digested fresh grass. Tests were performed with grass collected from riverbanks (Veneto, Northern Italy) in batch, lab scale digesters. Dry and ensiled grass showed a good potential for exploitation in the anaerobic digestion process, reaching biogas yields of 565.9 and 573.4 NL∙kgVS⁻¹, respectively. Compared to the biogas yield of 639.7 NL∙kgVS⁻¹ of the fresh grass, the conservation treatment determined yield reductions of 11.5% and 10.4% for dried and ensiled grass, respectively. However, considering the methane yields, conservation treatments showed lower reductions, amounting to 4.8% for dry grass and 0.5% for ensiled grass; presumably the higher concentration of organic acids in ensiled grass determined a higher methane content in biogas and the consequently lower reduction of methane yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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17 pages, 1589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Acidic Hydrolysates after Furfural Production from Sugar Waste Biomass as a Fermentation Medium in the Biotechnological Production of Hydrogen

by Weronika Cieciura-Włoch, Michał Binczarski, Jolanta Tomaszewska, Sebastian Borowski, Jarosław Domański, Piotr Dziugan and Izabela Witońska

Energies 2019, 12(17), 3222; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12173222 - 21 Aug 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3555

Abstract

This study investigates a simultaneous processing of sugar beet pulp (SBP) for furfural, hydrogen and methane production using various pretreatment methods. In the experiments, sugar beet pulp was first subjected to thermal and thermochemical pretreatment at 140 °C. Then hydrolysates from these operations [...] Read more.

This study investigates a simultaneous processing of sugar beet pulp (SBP) for furfural, hydrogen and methane production using various pretreatment methods. In the experiments, sugar beet pulp was first subjected to thermal and thermochemical pretreatment at 140 °C. Then hydrolysates from these operations were investigated for their potential for methane and hydrogen production in batch tests. The experiments showed that thermal pretreatment of SBP resulted in the highest biogas and methane yields of 945 dm³/kg volatile solids (VS) and 374 dm³ CH₄/kg VS, respectively, and a moderate hydrogen production of 113 dm³ H₂/kg VS, which corresponded to a calculated energy production of 142 kWh/t; however, only low amount of furfural was obtained (1.63 g/L). Conversely, the highest furfural yield of 12 g/L was achieved via thermochemical pretreatment of SBP; however, biogas production from hydrolysate was much lower (215 dm³/kg VS) and contained only 67 dm³/kg VS of hydrogen. Meanwhile, in the experiment with lower amounts of sulfuric acid (2%) used for pretreatment, a moderate furfural production of 4 g/L was achieved with as high as 220 dm³/kg VS of hydrogen and the corresponding energy yield of 75 kWh/t. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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23 pages, 2612 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Utilization of Food and Agricultural Residues for a Flexible Biogas Production: Process Stability and Effects on Needed Biogas Storage Capacities

by Ervin Saracevic, Susanne Frühauf, Angela Miltner, Kwankao Karnpakdee, Bernhard Munk, Michael Lebuhn, Bernhard Wlcek, Jonas Leber, Javier Lizasoain, Anton Friedl, Andreas Gronauer and Alexander Bauer

Energies 2019, 12(14), 2678; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12142678 - 12 Jul 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3817

Abstract

Biogas plants can contribute to future energy systems’ stability through flexible power generation. To provide power flexibly, a demand-oriented biogas supply is necessary, which may be ensured by applying flexible feeding strategies. In this study, the impacts of applying three different feeding strategies [...] Read more.

Biogas plants can contribute to future energy systems’ stability through flexible power generation. To provide power flexibly, a demand-oriented biogas supply is necessary, which may be ensured by applying flexible feeding strategies. In this study, the impacts of applying three different feeding strategies (1x, 3x and 9x feeding per day) on the biogas and methane production and process stability parameters were determined for a biogas plant with a focus on waste treatment. Two feedstocks that differed in (1) high fat and (2) higher carbohydrate content were investigated during semi-continuous fermentation tests. Measurements of the short chain fatty acids concentration, pH value, TVA/TIC ratio and total ammonium and ammonia content along with a molecular biology analysis were conducted to assess the effects on process stability. The results show that flexible biogas production can be obtained without negative impacts on the process performance and that production peaks in biogas and methane can be significantly shifted to another time by changing feeding intervals. Implementing the fermentation tests’ results into a biogas plant simulation model and an assessment of power generation scenarios focusing on peak-time power generation revealed a considerable reduction potential for the needed biogas storage capacity of up to 73.7%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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22 pages, 6920 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

The Effect of Biochar Addition on the Biogas Production Kinetics from the Anaerobic Digestion of Brewers’ Spent Grain

by Marta Dudek, Kacper Świechowski, Piotr Manczarski, Jacek A. Koziel and Andrzej Białowiec

Energies 2019, 12(8), 1518; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12081518 - 22 Apr 2019

Cited by 65 | Viewed by 8359

Abstract

Biochar (BC) addition is a novel and promising method for biogas yield increase. Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) is an abundant organic waste with a large potential for biogas production. In this research, for the first time, we test the feasibility of increasing biogas [...] Read more.

Biochar (BC) addition is a novel and promising method for biogas yield increase. Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) is an abundant organic waste with a large potential for biogas production. In this research, for the first time, we test the feasibility of increasing biogas yield and rate from BSG digestion by adding BC, which was produced from BSG via torrefaction (low-temperature pyrolysis). Furthermore, we explore the digestion of BSG with the presence BCs produced from BSG via torrefaction (low-temperature pyrolysis). The proposed approach creates two alternative waste-to-energy and waste-to-carbon type utilization pathways for BSG: (1) digestion of BSG waste to produce biogas and (2) torrefaction of BSG to produce BC used for digestion. Torrefaction extended the short utility lifetime of BSG waste turned into BC. BSG was digested in the presence of BC with BC to BSG + BC weight ratio from 0 to 50%. The study was conducted during 21 days under mesophilic conditions in n = 3 trials. The content of dry mass 17.6% in all variants was constant. The kinetics results for pure BSG (0% BC) were: reaction rate constant (k) 1.535 d⁻¹, maximum production of biogas (B₀) 92.3 dm³∙kg⁻¹_d.o.m. (d.o.m. = dry organic matter), and biogas production rate (r), 103.1 dm³∙kg⁻¹_d.o.m.∙d⁻¹. his preliminary research showed that the highest (p < 0.05) r, 227 dm³∙kg⁻¹_d.o.m.∙d⁻¹ was due to the 5% BC addition. This production rate was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with all other treatments (0, 1, 3, 8, 10, 20, 30, and 50% BC dose). Due to the high variability observed between replicates, no significant differences could be detected between all the assays amended with BC and the variant 0% BC. However, a significant decrease of B₀ from 85.1 to 61.0 dm³∙kg⁻¹_d.o.m. in variants with the high biochar addition (20–50% BC) was observed in relation to 5% BC (122 dm³∙kg⁻¹_d.o.m.), suggesting that BC overdose inhibits biogas production from the BSG + BC mixture. The reaction rate constant (k) was not improved by BC, and the addition of 10% and 20% BC even decreased k relatively to the 0% variant. A significant decrease of k was also observed for the doses of 10%, 20%, and 30% when compared with the 5% BC (1.89 d⁻¹) assays. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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10 pages, 600 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Context-Specific Knowledge as a Tool for Biogas Facilitators and Their Quality Involvement—Using Vietnamese Practice as an Example

by Hynek Roubík and Jana Mazancová

Energies 2019, 12(7), 1326; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12071326 - 6 Apr 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3377

Abstract

In Central Vietnam, two key actors are involved in the extension performance of biogas technology: The owners of biogas plants and facilitators. Facilitators as the immediate providers of advice and services are in direct contact with local farmers and belong to the Vietnamese [...] Read more.

In Central Vietnam, two key actors are involved in the extension performance of biogas technology: The owners of biogas plants and facilitators. Facilitators as the immediate providers of advice and services are in direct contact with local farmers and belong to the Vietnamese national extension network. This paper aims at identifying the current state of extension services and creating proper recommendations for further processes of training in the target area through the identification of context-specific knowledge (CSK). CSK can serve as a tool for facilitators and their quality involvement and for the improvement of current training practices in the area. It also provides performance indicators (PIs) for facilitators’ quality assessments. PIs should be consistent parts of the educational process for the evaluation of knowledge transmission success. More research in terms of facilitator’s impacts on the knowledge transition process towards the biogas owners should be done to prove the sustainability of the extension services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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12 pages, 2108 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Using Biogas to Supply the Dual Fuel Diesel Engine of an Agricultural Tractor

by Marlena Owczuk, Anna Matuszewska, Stanisław Kruczyński and Wojciech Kamela

Energies 2019, 12(6), 1071; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12061071 - 20 Mar 2019

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4838

Abstract

It is known that biogas without prior purification to biomethane is a commonly used fuel only for the stationary internal combustion engines but not for vehicle engines. The current study evaluates the use of biogas without its prior upgrading to biomethane as fuel [...] Read more.

It is known that biogas without prior purification to biomethane is a commonly used fuel only for the stationary internal combustion engines but not for vehicle engines. The current study evaluates the use of biogas without its prior upgrading to biomethane as fuel for tractor engines. The following tests were carried out: biochemical methane potential tests, dynamometer engine tests, and field tests with the use of a tractor. The average methane content in biogas obtained from vegetable wastes exceeded 60%. The tests performed on the engine dynamometer showed that the engine powered by dual fuel worked stably when diesel was replaced by 40% biogas (containing 50% of CO₂) or 30% methane. Dual fuel supplying of the engine caused an increase in the concentration of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in the exhaust gases and a decrease or no effect in the concentration of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. It did not significantly affect the dynamics of the vehicle and its useful properties. Biogas that contains a maximum of 50% CO₂ and from which H₂S, moisture, and siloxanes have been largely removed, is suitable as a fuel for tractors. Such biogas can be obtained in biogas plants from different substrates, e.g., vegetable or agriculture wastes as well as biodegradable municipal wastes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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11 pages, 2912 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility Study of Biogas Production from Hardly Degradable Material in Co-Inoculated Bioreactor

by Spyridon Achinas and Gerrit Jan Willem Euverink

Energies 2019, 12(6), 1040; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12061040 - 18 Mar 2019

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4238

Abstract

Anaerobic technology is a well-established technique to wean the fossil fuel-based energy off with various positive environmental inferences. Biowaste treatment is favorable due to its low emissions. Biogas is merely regarded as the main product of anaerobic digestion with high energy value. One [...] Read more.

Anaerobic technology is a well-established technique to wean the fossil fuel-based energy off with various positive environmental inferences. Biowaste treatment is favorable due to its low emissions. Biogas is merely regarded as the main product of anaerobic digestion with high energy value. One of the key concerns of the waste water treatment plants is the vast amount of cellulosic residuals produced after the treatment of waste waters. The fine sieve fraction, collected after the primary sludge removal, has great energy value. In this study, the economic performance of a biogas plant has been analyzed based on net present value and pay-back period concepts. The plant in the base scenario produced 309,571 m³ biogas per year. The annual electricity production has been 390,059 kWh. The producible heat energy has been 487,574 kWh or 1755 GJ per year. The plant depicts a positive economic situation with 11 years pay-back time, earning low profits and showing a positive net present value of 11,240 €. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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28 pages, 9050 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Is the Fischer-Tropsch Conversion of Biogas-Derived Syngas to Liquid Fuels Feasible at Atmospheric Pressure?

by Rawan Hakawati, Beatrice Smyth, Helen Daly, Geoffrey McCullough and David Rooney

Energies 2019, 12(6), 1031; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12061031 - 16 Mar 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5528

Abstract

Biogas resulting from anaerobic digestion can be utilized for the production of liquid fuels via reforming to syngas followed by the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. Renewable liquid fuels are highly desirable due to their potential for use in existing infrastructure, but current Fischer-Tropsch processes, which [...] Read more.

Biogas resulting from anaerobic digestion can be utilized for the production of liquid fuels via reforming to syngas followed by the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. Renewable liquid fuels are highly desirable due to their potential for use in existing infrastructure, but current Fischer-Tropsch processes, which require operating pressures of 2–4 MPa (20–40 bar), are unsuitable for the relatively small scale of typical biogas production facilities in the EU, which are agriculture-based. This paper investigates the feasibility of producing liquid fuels from biogas-derived syngas at atmospheric pressure, with a focus on the system’s response to various interruption factors, such as total loss of feed gas, variations to feed ratio, and technical problems in the furnace. Results of laboratory testing showed that the liquid fuel selectivity could reach 60% under the studied conditions of 488 K (215 °C), H₂/CO = 2 and 0.1 MPa (1 bar) over a commercial Fischer–Tropsch catalyst. Analysis indicated that the catalyst had two active sites for propagation, one site for the generation of methane and another for the production of liquid fuels and wax products. However, although the production of liquid fuels was verified at atmospheric pressure with high liquid fuel selectivity, the control of such a system to maintain activity is crucial. From an economic perspective, the system would require subsidies to achieve financial viability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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31 pages, 667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Italian Biogas Plants: Trend, Subsidies, Cost, Biogas Composition and Engine Emissions

by Alberto Benato and Alarico Macor

Energies 2019, 12(6), 979; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12060979 - 13 Mar 2019

Cited by 75 | Viewed by 8931

Abstract

Italy is one of the leading nations in the biogas sector. Agricultural, landfill, sewage and manure substrates are converted into biogas using anaerobic digestion and, then, into electricity and heat by means of properly arranged internal combustion engines. In this study, after an [...] Read more.

Italy is one of the leading nations in the biogas sector. Agricultural, landfill, sewage and manure substrates are converted into biogas using anaerobic digestion and, then, into electricity and heat by means of properly arranged internal combustion engines. In this study, after an overview of the European context, the authors present the Italian biogas sector status in terms of development trends and factors that favour/block biogas spread. Despite the fact that biogas is a renewable fuel and a consolidate technology, it is mandatory to examine its real costs, biogas composition and engine combustion products. For this purpose, in the present work, the authors selected six in-operation biogas plants fed by different substrates, investigate plants construction and operation costs and measure both biogas and engine emissions compositions. Biogas status analysis shows a high growth rate until the end of 2012 due to generous Government subsidies while, after supports reduction, a continuous depletion of biogas installations is observed. Alongside the development, established supports overlook also the plant size as well as the cost. In fact, the most widespread plant nameplate electric power is 1 MW while its construction cost ranges between 4.2–4.8 millions of Euros. Real on-site measurements show variable biogas composition while engine emissions are comparable with the natural gas ones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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12 pages, 846 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Systems Analysis of Biogas Production—Part I Research Design

by Emma Lindkvist, Magnus Karlsson and Jenny Ivner

Energies 2019, 12(5), 926; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12050926 - 10 Mar 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3084

Abstract

Striving towards a resource efficient society requires an adjustment of energy systems towards renewable options. It is also of high importance to make use of products and materials to a higher degree. Biogas production has the potential to recover nutrients and energy from [...] Read more.

Striving towards a resource efficient society requires an adjustment of energy systems towards renewable options. It is also of high importance to make use of products and materials to a higher degree. Biogas production has the potential to recover nutrients and energy from organic by-products, as well as to substitute fossil fuels in the energy system. Resource efficiency relates to the economic, energy and environmental performance of the system studied. A comprehensive research design for assessment of the resource efficiency of biogas production systems is described in this paper. The research design includes the following parts: identification of cases, defining scenarios, system development, evaluation perspectives and systems analysis. The analysis is performed from three perspectives; economy, energy and environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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19 pages, 5065 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biofuel Produced from Solid-State Anaerobic Digestion of Dairy Cattle Manure in Coordination with Black Soldier Fly Larvae Decomposition

by Choon Yong Wee and Jung-Jeng Su

Energies 2019, 12(5), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12050911 - 8 Mar 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6168

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of applying a two-step biological treatment process, solid-state anaerobic digestion (SSAD) and black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) composting, for the treatment of dairy cattle manure. Biogas from the SSAD of dairy cattle manure, and the [...] Read more.

This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of applying a two-step biological treatment process, solid-state anaerobic digestion (SSAD) and black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) composting, for the treatment of dairy cattle manure. Biogas from the SSAD of dairy cattle manure, and the digestate of SSAD was fed to BSFL. In turn, BSFL can be fed to animals as a protein supplement. Adjustment of the pH and 30% inoculation ratio (IR₃₀) during SSAD produced the highest theoretical methane yield, 626.1 ± 28.7 L CH₄/kg VS_des, with an ultimate methane yield of 96.81 ± 2.0 L CH₄/kg VS_load. For BSFL composting, the groups with a feeding rate of 75 and 100 mg/day/larvae had the highest body weight change, which was 969.6 ± 28.4% and 984.1 ± 177.6%, respectively. The combination process of SSAD and BSFL composting increases the incentive for dairy cattle manure treatment instead of conventional composting and produced more valuable products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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12 pages, 785 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Biogas as a Fuel for Transport Compared with Alternative Fuels

by Kari-Anne Lyng and Andreas Brekke

Energies 2019, 12(3), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12030532 - 7 Feb 2019

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 8243

Abstract

Upgraded biogas, also known as biomethane, is increasingly being used as a fuel for transport in several countries and is regarded as an environmentally beneficial option. There are, nevertheless, few studies documenting the environmental impacts of biogas as a transport fuel compared with [...] Read more.

Upgraded biogas, also known as biomethane, is increasingly being used as a fuel for transport in several countries and is regarded as an environmentally beneficial option. There are, nevertheless, few studies documenting the environmental impacts of biogas as a transport fuel compared with the alternatives on the market. In this study, life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology was applied to compare the environmental performance of biogas used as a fuel for bus transport with natural gas, electricity fueled buses, biodiesel, and fossil diesel. A sensitivity analysis was performed for the biogas alternative to assess the importance of the underlying assumptions. The results show that biogas has a relatively low contribution to the environmental impact categories assessed. Emissions of greenhouse gases are dependent on assumptions such as system boundaries, transport distances and methane leakages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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17 pages, 3010 KiB

Open AccessArticle

System Analysis of Biogas Production—Part II Application in Food Industry Systems

by Emma Lindkvist, Magnus Karlsson and Jenny Ivner

Energies 2019, 12(3), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12030412 - 28 Jan 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5301

Abstract

Biogas production from organic by-products is a way to recover energy and nutrients. However, biogas production is not the only possible conversion alternative for these by-products, and hence there is interest in studying how organic by-products are treated today and which alternatives for [...] Read more.

Biogas production from organic by-products is a way to recover energy and nutrients. However, biogas production is not the only possible conversion alternative for these by-products, and hence there is interest in studying how organic by-products are treated today and which alternatives for conversion are the most resource efficient from a systems perspective. This paper investigates if biogas production is a resource efficient alternative, compared to business as usual, to treat food industry by-products, and if so, under what circumstances. Five different cases of food industries were studied, all with different prerequisites. For all cases, three different scenarios were analysed. The first scenario is the business as usual (Scenario BAU), where the by-products currently are either incinerated, used as animal feed or compost. The second and third scenarios are potential biogas scenarios where biogas is either used as vehicle fuel (Scenario Vehicle) or to produce heat and power (Scenario CHP). All scenarios, and consequently, all cases have been analysed from three different perspectives: Economy, energy, and environment. The environmental perspective was divided into Global Warming Potential (GWP), Acidification Potential (AP), and Eutrophication Potential (EP). The results show, in almost all the systems, that it would be more resource efficient to change the treatment method from Scenario BAU to one of the biogas scenarios. This paper concludes that both the perspective in focus and the case at hand are vital for deciding whether biogas production is the best option to treat industrial organic by-products. The results suggest that the food industry should not be the only actor involved in deciding how to treat its by-products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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9 pages, 623 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Struvite—An Innovative Fertilizer from Anaerobic Digestate Produced in a Bio-Refinery

by Magdalena Szymańska, Ewa Szara, Adam Wąs, Tomasz Sosulski, Gijs W.P. van Pruissen and René L. Cornelissen

Energies 2019, 12(2), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12020296 - 18 Jan 2019

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 5640

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a pot experiment aimed at the assessment of the fertilizer value of struvite, a precipitation product obtained from a liquid fraction of the digestate. The effects of struvite (STR), struvite + ammonium sulphate (STR + N) and [...] Read more.

This paper presents the results of a pot experiment aimed at the assessment of the fertilizer value of struvite, a precipitation product obtained from a liquid fraction of the digestate. The effects of struvite (STR), struvite + ammonium sulphate (STR + N) and ammonium phosphate (AP) treatments were examined on maize and grass cultivation on silty loam and loamy sand soil. The crop yields were found to depend on both the soil type and experimental treatment. Crop yields produced under STR and STR + N exceeded those under the control treatments by respectively 66% and 108% for maize, and 94% and 110% for grass. Crop yields under STR + N were similar or greater than those under the AP treatment. The nitrogen recovery by maize and grass reached respectively 68% and 62% from the struvite and 78% and 52% from AP. The phosphorus recovery by maize and grass reached 7.3% and 4.8%, respectively, from struvite (i.e., STR and STR + N), which was lower than that from the AP (18.4% by maize and 8.1% by grass). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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13 pages, 1887 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Combined Inoculation on Biogas Production from Hardly Degradable Material

by Spyridon Achinas and Gerrit Jan Willem Euverink

Energies 2019, 12(2), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12020217 - 11 Jan 2019

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3248

Abstract

The goal of this research was to appraise the effect of combined inoculation on the performance of anaerobic digesters treating hardly degradable material, and particularly the pressed fine sieved fraction (PFSF) derived from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Batch tests were conducted in mesophilic [...] Read more.

The goal of this research was to appraise the effect of combined inoculation on the performance of anaerobic digesters treating hardly degradable material, and particularly the pressed fine sieved fraction (PFSF) derived from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Batch tests were conducted in mesophilic conditions in order to examine the optimal mixing ratio of inoculums. Mixing ratios of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100 of three different inoculums were applied in the batch tests. The findings indicated that the inoculation of digested activated sludge with digested organic fraction of municipal solid waste (MSW) in the ratio 25:75 resulted in a higher PFSF degradation and a higher biogas yield. The results from the kinetic analysis fit well with the results from the batch experiment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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10 pages, 1604 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Bio-Refinery Concept for N and P Recovery—A Chance for Biogas Plant Development

by Magdalena Szymańska, Ewa Szara, Tomasz Sosulski, Adam Wąs, Gijs W. P. Van Pruissen, René L. Cornelissen, Mieczysław Borowik and Marcin Konkol

Energies 2019, 12(1), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12010155 - 2 Jan 2019

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5947

Abstract

Biogas is an alternative source of energy for fossil fuels. In the process of transforming organic materials into biogas significant amounts of valuable digestate are produced. In order to make the whole process sustainable digestate should be utilized this is a constraining factor [...] Read more.

Biogas is an alternative source of energy for fossil fuels. In the process of transforming organic materials into biogas significant amounts of valuable digestate are produced. In order to make the whole process sustainable digestate should be utilized this is a constraining factor in the development of the biogas industry. Consequently, there is an on-going search for new technologies to process digestate, allowing to broaden the range of possible ways of digestate utilization. One of such possibilities is technology of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) recovery from the anaerobic digestate. In this study results of physicochemical analysis of materials flowing through the farm-scale bio-refinery producing struvite (STR) and ammonium sulphate (AS) are presented. Struvite was precipitated from the liquid fraction of digestate (LFDS). Ammonia was bound by sulphuric acid resulting in obtaining ammonium sulphate. The STR obtained was of medium purity and contained other macronutrients and micronutrients that further enhanced its agronomic value. The P recovery effectiveness, counted as the difference between the P_tot content in the material before and after STR precipitation was 43.8%. The AS was characterized by relatively low N_tot and S_tot content. The N_tot recovery efficiency reached 43.2%. The study showed that struvite precipitation and ammonia stripping technologies can be used for processing digestate however, the processes efficiency should be improved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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31 pages, 16224 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Biogas and Ethanol from Wheat Grain or Straw: Is There a Trade-Off between Climate Impact, Avoidance of iLUC and Production Cost?

by Mikael Lantz, Thomas Prade, Serina Ahlgren and Lovisa Björnsson

Energies 2018, 11(10), 2633; https://doi.org/10.3390/en11102633 - 2 Oct 2018

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6149

Abstract

Current EU policy calls for decreased emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) by i.e., replacing fossil fuel in the transportation sector with sustainable biofuels. To avoid indirect land use change (iLUC), the EU at the same time strives to limit the use of crops [...] Read more.

Current EU policy calls for decreased emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) by i.e., replacing fossil fuel in the transportation sector with sustainable biofuels. To avoid indirect land use change (iLUC), the EU at the same time strives to limit the use of crops and to increase the use of residues. In this study we compare climate impact and production cost for biogas and ethanol based on wheat grain and straw, respectively, in a Swedish context. The economic competitiveness for ethanol from straw vs. grain is evaluated based on the mandatory emission reduction for fossil vehicle fuels implemented since July 2018 in Sweden. The result of this study clearly shows that biogas and ethanol from straw have the lowest GHG emissions regardless of the calculation method used, although biofuels from grain also fulfill EU GHG reduction criteria even when suggested iLUC factors are included. It was also shown that the cost of producing straw-based biofuels was higher, thus there is a trade-off between climate impact and costs. The GHG reduction mandate adopted in Sweden partly compensates for this, but is not enough to make ethanol from straw competitive from an economic perspective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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13 pages, 3315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biogas from Fresh Spring and Summer Grass: Effect of the Harvesting Period

by Alessandro Chiumenti, Davide Boscaro, Francesco Da Borso, Luigi Sartori and Andrea Pezzuolo

Energies 2018, 11(6), 1466; https://doi.org/10.3390/en11061466 - 6 Jun 2018

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 4455

Abstract

Yard trimmings, landscape management and agricultural practices determine the collection of biomass currently destined mainly to the production of a valuable soil amendant by composting. While composting requires energy, especially for the turning/aeration phases and for air treatment (i.e., biofilters in the case [...] Read more.

Yard trimmings, landscape management and agricultural practices determine the collection of biomass currently destined mainly to the production of a valuable soil amendant by composting. While composting requires energy, especially for the turning/aeration phases and for air treatment (i.e., biofilters in the case of enclosed systems), anaerobic digestion represents an energy positive process that results in production of biogas and digestate, which can be used as fuel and fertilizer, respectively. The focus of the present research was the evaluation of biogas and methane potential of grass collected in two different periods of the year (spring and summer) from riverbanks located in Northern Italy. The conversion to biogas of feedstocks is greatly influenced by the composition of the organic matter, content of cellulose, and lignin in particular. The production of biomass per hectare and the consequent biogas production were also evaluated. The experimental tests were performed on both samples of fresh grass in laboratory scale batch reactors, characterized by 4.0 L of volume and operated in mesophilic conditions (38 °C), for 40 days per cycle. The anaerobic digestion process was performed on a mixture of inoculum and grass, characterized by inoculum:substrate VS (volatile solids) ratio equal to 2. The inoculum was represented by digestate from a full-scale anaerobic digestion plant fed with dairy cow manure. The results in terms of biogas production, biogas quality (CH₄, CO₂, H₂S), and emissions from digestates (NH₃, CO₂ and CH₄) are presented in the paper. Total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA), alkalinity, acidity vs. alkalinity ratio, fibers (cellulose, lignin), and total Kjieldahl nitrogen (TKN) were determined both on input and output of the process. The biogas yield obtained from grass resulted higher than expected, quite similar to the yield obtained from energy crops, with Biomethane Potential (BMP) of 340.2 NL·kg⁻¹VS and of 307.7 NL·kg⁻¹VS, respectively, for spring and summer grass. Biogas quality was slightly lower for summer grass, perhaps in relation to the higher content of fibers (lignin). Alternatively, the yield of grass per surface was significantly different between spring and summer with the highest production in the summer. In fact, the results revealed a methane yield of 263 Nm³·ha⁻¹ and of 1181 Nm³·ha⁻¹, respectively for spring and summer grass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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Review

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22 pages, 976 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Brief Review of Anaerobic Digestion of Algae for Bioenergy

by John J. Milledge, Birthe V. Nielsen, Supattra Maneein and Patricia J. Harvey

Energies 2019, 12(6), 1166; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12061166 - 26 Mar 2019

Cited by 128 | Viewed by 10807

Abstract

The potential of algal biomass as a source of liquid and gaseous biofuels has been the subject of considerable research over the past few decades, with researchers strongly agreeing that algae have the potential of becoming a viable aquatic energy crop with a [...] Read more.

The potential of algal biomass as a source of liquid and gaseous biofuels has been the subject of considerable research over the past few decades, with researchers strongly agreeing that algae have the potential of becoming a viable aquatic energy crop with a higher energy potential compared to that from either terrestrial biomass or municipal solid waste. However, neither microalgae nor seaweed are currently cultivated solely for energy purposes due to the high costs of harvesting, concentrating and drying. Anaerobic digestion of algal biomass could theoretically reduce costs associated with drying wet biomass before processing, but practical yields of biogas from digestion of many algae are substantially below the theoretical maximum. New processing methods are needed to reduce costs and increase the net energy balance. This review examines the biochemical and structural properties of seaweeds and of microalgal biomass that has been produced as part of the treatment of wastewater, and discusses some of the significant hurdles and recent initiatives for producing biogas from their anaerobic digestion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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32 pages, 2353 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Future Agricultural Biogas Plant in Germany: A Vision

by Susanne Theuerl, Christiane Herrmann, Monika Heiermann, Philipp Grundmann, Niels Landwehr, Ulrich Kreidenweis and Annette Prochnow

Energies 2019, 12(3), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12030396 - 27 Jan 2019

Cited by 131 | Viewed by 18754

Abstract

After nearly two decades of subsidized and energy crop-oriented development, agricultural biogas production in Germany is standing at a crossroads. Fundamental challenges need to be met. In this article we sketch a vision of a future agricultural biogas plant that is an integral [...] Read more.

After nearly two decades of subsidized and energy crop-oriented development, agricultural biogas production in Germany is standing at a crossroads. Fundamental challenges need to be met. In this article we sketch a vision of a future agricultural biogas plant that is an integral part of the circular bioeconomy and works mainly on the base of residues. It is flexible with regard to feedstocks, digester operation, microbial communities and biogas output. It is modular in design and its operation is knowledge-based, information-driven and largely automated. It will be competitive with fossil energies and other renewable energies, profitable for farmers and plant operators and favorable for the national economy. In this paper we discuss the required contribution of research to achieve these aims. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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20 pages, 3199 KiB

Open AccessReview

Process Disturbances in Agricultural Biogas Production—Causes, Mechanisms and Effects on the Biogas Microbiome: A Review

by Susanne Theuerl, Johanna Klang and Annette Prochnow

Energies 2019, 12(3), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12030365 - 24 Jan 2019

Cited by 63 | Viewed by 7962

Abstract

Disturbances of the anaerobic digestion process reduce the economic and environmental performance of biogas systems. A better understanding of the highly complex process is of crucial importance in order to avoid disturbances. This review defines process disturbances as significant changes in the functionality [...] Read more.

Disturbances of the anaerobic digestion process reduce the economic and environmental performance of biogas systems. A better understanding of the highly complex process is of crucial importance in order to avoid disturbances. This review defines process disturbances as significant changes in the functionality within the microbial community leading to unacceptable and severe decreases in biogas production and requiring an active counteraction to be overcome. The main types of process disturbances in agricultural biogas production are classified as unfavorable process temperatures, fluctuations in the availability of macro- and micronutrients (feedstock variability), overload of the microbial degradation potential, process-related accumulation of inhibiting metabolites such as hydrogen (H₂), ammonium/ammonia (NH₄⁺/NH₃) or hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) and inhibition by other organic and inorganic toxicants. Causes, mechanisms and effects on the biogas microbiome are discussed. The need for a knowledge-based microbiome management to ensure a stable and efficient production of biogas with low susceptibility to disturbances is derived and an outlook on potential future process monitoring and control by means of microbial indicators is provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Utilization of Biogas)

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