Abstract
In this paper, we focused on the statistical evaluation of inputs to a biogas plant processing a mixture of kitchen waste and agricultural crops to ensure stable biogas production. The aim of the research was to identify the components of the input substrates that will ensure the maximum yield of CH4 and the substrates that increase the production of H2S. By a suitable combination of substrates, it is possible to optimize the production of biogas from the biogas plant. We analyzed a sample of 858 measurements, which were carried out in a selected biogas station for a period of 2.5 years. We were interested in differences in production of CH4, O2, and H2S outputs depending on the composition of inputs. From 17 inputs, 125 substrates were formed. The significance of the influence of individual substrates as categorical variables with the achieved numerical values was assessed by means of ANOVA analysis. Selected substrates were sorted based on CH4 and H2S production using graphical methods (bubble graphs) into four quadrants defining the desired and undesired values of the output variables. We identified a total of 20 suitable and 11 unsuitable substrates to produce quality biogas. Sorghum silage substrate was defined as a substrate that significantly increases the proportion of H2S in biogas.
Highlights
The use of renewable energy sources is currently a frequently discussed topic
The aim of our research was to maximize the amount of CH4 in biogas, minimize the amount of H2S, and ensure the stability of biogas production to protect the technology of the biogas plant and increase its effectivity and performance
We analyzed the operating parameters of a biogas plant in terms of the quality of biogas produced from a mixture of kitchen waste and agricultural crops
Summary
The use of renewable energy sources is currently a frequently discussed topic. It is generally considered that their main advantage is the reduction in the use of fossil fuels and their environmental impact. The problem of using renewable energy sources is their variability and, frequent dependence on climatic conditions. Biogas is used to generate electricity, heat, fuel for cars or in technologies using the synergistic effect of biogas and other energy sources, such as water, wind, sun. Biogas production in the European Union increased due to encouraging of renewably energy policies. The EU is a leader with more than 10 GW installed output and around 17,400 biogas plants. Half of all biogas consumption was destined to heat generation: 127 TJ of heat and 61 TWh of electricity in 2015 [1]. Biogas from wastewater treatment prevails in few countries, such as Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden [2]
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