Methane and Electricity Production from Poultry Litter Digestion in the Amazon Region of Brazil: A Large-Scale Study

Abstract

AbstractThis work, on a real scale, aims to characterize and quantify the production of biogas from poultry litter based on Napier grass (CN) and rice husk (CZ) as substrates. The system uses four substrate feed tanks, followed by four anaerobic reactors and a stabilization pond for the effluent. The system has a generator set used in the production of electricity. Poultry litter was analyzed for the chemical determination of the constituents. Samples were collected at the entrance and exit of the biodigester to verify the efficiency of removal of organic matter. Biogas production and consumption were monitored. In this research, a new methodology was used to replace the residue of CN with CZ and feed the biodigestion system without interrupting the process until the complete replacement of one residue with another.The values of N, P, K obtained were, respectively, 2.92, 3.72 and 2.12 g/100 g. The COD removal efficiency in the biodigesters was 51%, representing a load of 79.8 kgDQO/day. The values of CH4 and CO2 concentrations in biogas were 52.5 and 47.5%, respectively. The highest energy production occurred in September (9280 kWh/month). In the months of July and September, the highest values of energy demand (around 2000 kWh/month) were perceived, with exhaust fans and fans as the main responsible for energy consumption (48% of the total). The research showed how the use of poultry waste can contribute to reducing the cost of electricity from rural properties, providing economic development and improving the local energy sector. Graphic abstract