Development and construction of a novel, cost-effective, input-flexible and efficient solid BIOgas plant up to 75 kWel

Background

Residual materials such as horse manure, grain waste and landscape maintenance green waste have so far accounted for only a small proportion of total biogas production. This is due to high transport costs resulting from the decentralised distribution of small local quantities. For the “500 kWel– standard fermentation plant”, this substrate fermentation option is not feasible, particularly for economic reasons, so that small biogas plants up to 75 kWel– rated output are particularly promoted in the EEG. Here, the heat can be used directly on site. In addition to contributing to climate protection, there is an additional enhancement of land in the context of nature conservation objectives. Nevertheless, there has been no significant increase in the number of small biogas plants to date, and this trend is levelling off due to the degression of electricity remuneration. Against this background, the FeBio project aims to develop an economical solution for making “problematic substrates” usable for energy production in small plants with the help of an innovative technology – dry fermentation for small plant sizes.

 

Project objective

The aim of the work is to establish an economical (<15 €/MWhel– production cost and <6,000 €/kWel – Invest), input variables and efficient pilot and demonstration plant for the utilisation of residual materials (in this case mainly horse manure and spilt grain) in a simple design that can be replicated by operators (e.g. farmers). Ultimately, the goal is to achieve high production volumes. Parts of the plant are designed as containers containing all technical elements, such as CHP and gas treatment.

 

 

Project design

The project is divided into the following seven work packages:

  1. Concept, planning and construction of the biogas plant
  2. Commissioning of the biogas plant
  3. Monitoring and optimisation of process flows during plant operation
  4. Monitoring and optimisation of technical components
  5. Investigation and optimisation of economic efficiency
  6. Recommendations for policymakers, farmers, plant manufacturers and authorities
  7. Quality assurance and dissemination of results

IZES gGmbH is responsible for coordinating the joint project.
The partners in the consortium are Ökobit GmbH as the plant developer, an agricultural business as the investor and operator, and the University of Hohenheim for the analysis and evaluation of the substrates and fermentation residues.
The accompanying work on innovation consulting and results transfer is being subcontracted.
The project is also supported by a group of scientific experts who work in thematic workshops.

 

 

Duration:
01/2020 – 12/2023
Contact:
Dr. Joachim Pertagnol
Michael Porzig
Arbeitsfeld:
Stoffströme