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Comparison of Biological Efficiency Assessment Methods and Their Application to Full-Scale Biogas Plants

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  • Benedikt Hülsemann

    (State Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Bioenergy, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 9, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Torsten Mächtig

    (Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Kiel University, Olshausenstraße 40, 24098 Kiel, Germany)

  • Marcel Pohl

    (DBFZ Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum Gemeinnützige GmbH, Biochemical Conversion Department, Torgauer Straße 116, 04347 Leipzig, Germany)

  • Jan Liebetrau

    (Rytec GmbH, Consulting and Research, Pariser Ring 37, 76532 Baden-Baden, Germany)

  • Joachim Müller

    (Tropics and Subtropics Group, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Eberhard Hartung

    (Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Kiel University, Olshausenstraße 40, 24098 Kiel, Germany)

  • Hans Oechsner

    (State Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Bioenergy, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 9, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany)

Abstract

For calculation of biological efficiency of a biogas plant (BP), it is required to determine the specific methane potential (SMP) of the substrate. A study comparing available methods for determination of SMP and the comparison with data of full-scale BPs is missing but necessary according to the differences in process conditions between both. Firstly, mass and mass associated energy balances of 33 full-scale BPs were calculated and evaluated. The results show plausible data for only 55% of the investigated BPs. Furthermore, conversion and yield efficiencies were calculated according to six different methods for SMP determination. The results show a correlation between the measured on-site specific methane yield and the calculated SMP by methods based on biological degradability. However, these methods underestimate the SMP. Calculated SMPs based on calorific values are higher, but less sensitive. A combination of biochemical and energetical methods is a promising approach to evaluate the efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Benedikt Hülsemann & Torsten Mächtig & Marcel Pohl & Jan Liebetrau & Joachim Müller & Eberhard Hartung & Hans Oechsner, 2021. "Comparison of Biological Efficiency Assessment Methods and Their Application to Full-Scale Biogas Plants," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-22, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:9:p:2381-:d:541474
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Havukainen, J. & Uusitalo, V. & Niskanen, A. & Kapustina, V. & Horttanainen, M., 2014. "Evaluation of methods for estimating energy performance of biogas production," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 232-240.
    2. Browne, James D. & Murphy, Jerry D., 2013. "Assessment of the resource associated with biomethane from food waste," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 170-177.
    3. Pöschl, Martina & Ward, Shane & Owende, Philip, 2010. "Evaluation of energy efficiency of various biogas production and utilization pathways," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 87(11), pages 3305-3321, November.
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