ARF19 - Optimizing energy production from on-farm manure digesters using agri-biofuel residues as co-substrates

| Alternative Renewable Fuels - Project Summaries 2007-08 |

Researcher:

Dr. Kevin Kennedy, Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa

Objectives:

1. Characterize biofuel residues as co-substrates to enhance biogas production for medium size farm digesters in Ontario.

2. Evaluate performance and enhanced biogas production of various farm acceptable AD configurations for manure-agri biofuel residue mixtures.

3. Provide laboratory and full-scale data and evaluate AD results for refinement of NM feedstock regulations.

4. Evaluate performance and enhanced biogas production through addition of agri-biofuel residue mixtures at 2 farm scale digesters.

5. Evaluate economic benefits of closed loop manure-agri biofuel systems for medium sized cash crop-livestock farms.

6. Develop and implement user friendly simulation software to guide or trouble shoot feeding and control of manure-residue digesters to maximize power generation

7. Develop and implement a technology transfer program that will foster the uptake of anaerobic digester systems to livestock operations in Ontario.
   

Expected Benefits:

This study will provide a reference for farms across Ontario considering agri-biofuel operations and implementation of anaerobic digestion (AD) systems. Lab scale results using various (deemed farm acceptable) AD configurations will provide insight into future digester designs and performance for manure-organic rich co-substrates. While this study focuses on agri-biofuel residues, results will be applicable to other off-farm materials as well.

Summary of results:

Currently not available