Reel Caribbean Energy is focused on supporting alternative, renewable energy projects throughout the Caribbean to help businesses and consumers reduce their carbon footprint...and their utility bills. Visit http://www.reelcaribbeanenergy.com for more details.
3. -The term 'biogas' is commonly used to refer to a gas which has
been produced by the biological breakdown of organic matter in
the absence of oxygen. The gases methane, hydrogen and
carbon monoxide can be combusted or oxidized with oxygen and
the resultant energy release allows biogas to be used as a fuel.
http://www.answers.com/topic/biogas#ixzz38brOP661Source:
-A mixture of methane and carbon dioxide resulting from the anaerobic decomposition of such waste
materials as domestic, industrial, and agricultural sewage. The decomposition is carried out by
methanogenic bacteria; these obligate anaerobes produce methane, the main component of biogas,
which can be collected and used as an energy source for domestic processes, such as heating,
cooking, and lighting. The production of biogas is carried out in special digesters, which are widely used
in China and India. As well as providing a source of fuel, these systems also enable sewage, which
contains pathogenic bacteria, to be digested, thereby removing the danger to humans that could
otherwise result from untreated domestic and agricultural waste.
5. Biogas typically refers to a gas produced by the breakdown of organic matter in
the absence of oxygen. It is a renewable energy source, like solar and wind
energy. Furthermore, biogas can be produced from regionally available raw
materials and recycled waste and is environmentally friendly and CO2 neutral.
Biogas is produced by the anaerobic digestion or fermentation of biodegradable materials such
as manure, sewage, municipal waste, green waste, plant material, and crops.[1] Biogas comprises
primarily methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and may have small amounts of hydrogen
sulphide (H2S), moisture and siloxanes.
The gases methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide (CO) can be combusted or oxidized with oxygen.
This energy release allows biogas to be used as a fuel. Biogas can be used as a fuel in any country for any
heating purpose, such as cooking. It can also be used in anaerobic digesters where it is typically used in a
gas engine to convert the energy in the gas into electricity and heat.[2] Biogas can be compressed, much
like natural gas, and used to power motor vehicles. In the UK, for example, biogas is estimated to have the
potential to replace around 17% of vehicle fuel.[3]
http://www.answers.com/topic/biogas#ixzz38buwqZDaSource:
7. Biogas for heating
Perhaps the easiest way to use biogas is for heating. This is because, for this purpose, no pre-
treatment other than the removal of water is required. Biogas is usually used for heating
buildings in conjunction with a biogas plant, but surplus heat can also be directed into the
district heating network.
Biogas is energy rich and is well suited as a source of energy within many areas.
8. Biogas power generation
Biogas energy can also be used to generate power. Both electricity and heat can be produced
with the help of a gas powered generator. The proportions of heat and power generated depend
of course on the design of the plant but are usually in the region of 35 per cent electricity and 65
per cent heat.
Biogas as vehicle fuel
Relatively speaking, biogas requires considerable processing if it is to be used as vehicle fuel.
The energy value has to be raised by separating carbon dioxide in order to achieve a methane
content of between 95 and 99 per cent. Water, impurities and particles must be removed to
avoid mechanical as well as environmental damage. Finally, the gas has to be compressed.
Although significant work is needed to upgrade methane gas to biogas fuel, the environmental
benefits are so great that an increasing number of filling stations are opening throughout the
country. There are at present between 40 and 50 biogas stations in Sweden and the aim is to
have 100 before the end of 2007. Approximately 4,000 vehicles now run on biogas fuel on
Swedish roads.
9. Biogas in the gas network
Refined biogas can be injected into existing gas networks. Networks for town gas
were perhaps more common before but, in Stockholm for example, there is a
functioning network with natural gas being used for gas cookers, heaters, baking
ovens, water heaters etc.
Biogas in industry
Many industries such as sugar refineries, distilleries, dairies and paper mills generate
processing and waste water that can be digested directly on site. Biogas can thus be
used for heating premises, district heating power production, heating ovens etc.
14. Reel Caribbean Energy is focused on supporting alternative,
renewable energy projects throughout the Caribbean to help
businesses and consumers reduce their
carbon footprint...and their utility bills.
Visit http://www.reelcaribbeanenergy.com for more details.