Volume 21: Sustainable Energy Solutions for a Post-COVID Recovery towards a Better Future: Part IV

Adaptation of Biogas Production to the Residual Load of an Electricity Self-Sufficient Community Matthias Körber, Katharina Gelberg, Mandy Gerber, Roland Span

Abstract

In this work, the biogas production of laboratory-scale anaerobic digestion reactors was adapted to the residual load of an electricity self-sufficient municipality. The adaptation of biogas production to such an irregular course, as specified by the residual load, has not yet been investigated. By using rapidly degrading sugar beet and medium-fast degrading maize silage, it was possible to achieve a high level of agreement. Compared to a continuously fed reactor, the gas yield was not negatively affected. Various parameters assessing process stability were continuously observed and indicate a stable operation even at high organic loading rates up to 5.9 kg VS m-3 d-1. This mode of operation can minimize the necessary gas storage capacity and prevent investments in gas storage expansions.

Keywords Anaerobic digestion, Biogas technology, Demand-driven energy supply, Flexibility, Feed management