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Active Contributor

Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Edinburgh, UK
Posts: 10

Micro Biogas System?

06/01/2011 9:45 AM

Hi,

I'm currently studying an Msc in Environmental Sustainability in Edinburghs Napier University. I done some research in the past with methane gas. The methane emitted from human effluent I feel is not utilised, if the ancient Assyrians used this source of biogas and the london city sewers supplied enough energy to fuel the victorian lamps then why can't we in the 21st century.

I would like to investigate the potential of the micro biogas technology and design a system that can heat the waste self efficiently with ground source heat pumps. GSHP would give a continuous temperature for the benefit of the bacteria. I will need to investigate the amount of energy produced for one household to see would a system incorporating a number houses would be more cost effective. I would like some advice from someone within the industry?

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Member

Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Midwest USA
Posts: 5
Good Answers: 1
#1

Re: Micro Biogas System?

06/02/2011 10:28 AM

To be honest - I don't think there IS an 'industry' right now. I have read of a few applications in developing countries mostly ad hoc throw together biomass cook stoves. That and large municipal methane digesters at sewage plants. Other than that I know of no company actively pursuing this in any commercial way for the household market.

If household waste isn't sufficient you might consider designs that would also be able to utilize yard waste - lawn clippings and such. Seasonal for sure but in much of North America the energy demand from air conditioning exceeds the heating demand in winter. Something probably not intuitive in Scotland.

Keep us posted.

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Guru

Join Date: May 2010
Location: in optimism
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#2

Re: Micro Biogas System?

06/04/2011 1:04 AM

The topic has been extensively discussed on CR4, from rural digester's, to commercial systems. Many of those discussions contain links to systems, approaches and equipment. Searching your key words in "all of CR4" (to the right of page), would be a useful first step.

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Guru
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Join Date: Jan 2006
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#3

Re: Micro Biogas System?

06/21/2011 8:00 PM

You might find some good information from Mother Earth News. They have a good website.

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Active Contributor

Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 17
#4

Re: Micro Biogas System?

09/16/2011 10:33 AM

What you are thinking is already in vogue in India. "Gobar-gas" plants can be seen in many villages using human and animal manure (Gobar in North Indian language).

it has to be community based and not for individual homes.

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