Analysis of a Laboratory-Scale Biogas Plant’s Performance in Single-Load Operation

Issue 2, Year 2023

Vasil Hristov, Petko Tsankov, Nely Georgieva, Kalin Kirov
Title: Analysis of a Laboratory-Scale Biogas Plant’s Performance in Single-Load Operation [full pdf]
Abstract: The European policy for a carbon-neutral economy has led to a continuous increase in the demand for renewable energy sources (RES) within the energy mix of individual countries. Techniques and technologies for the conversion and utilization of various forms of “green” energy continue to evolve. One promising potential source of energy is the waste biomass from livestock and agriculture.
The examined scientific literature reveals a significant number of publications addressing various aspects of the biomass utilization process – from new designs of laboratory biogas installations to the impact of different factors on the methanogenesis process and biogas production.
This research introduces a newly designed laboratory research apparatus for a bioreactor aimed at a biogas production, offering the capability to regulate and investigate the influence of various parameters on the performance of the biogas installation. The apparatus’s construction is described along with its capabilities for conducting scientific experiments.
A pilot was conducted to validate the functionality of the created laboratory research apparatus and the obtained results were analyzed. Conclusions and recommendations for future experiments are provided.
Keywords: RES, biogas technologies, animal biomass, anaerobic fermentation, energy balance.
doi:10.15547/joiah.2023.02.004