Study of the potential of generation of electric energy from the biogás of digestion anaerobia of food residues

Abstract

In order to find sustainable ways of allocating organic waste, it is currently sought to use biological processes for treatment, being possible to use their derivatives as energy source and fertilizer. The article aims to analyze the results of a research that evaluated the energy potential of the biogas produced from the anaerobic biodigestion of the food residue produced by the restaurant “Sem Nome” in the municipality of Itajubá – MG. A pilot project was built, consisting of three PET bottles, which served as reactors, in addition to other objects such as gas valve, high pressure hose and temperature control. The production of CH₄, CO, CO₂, O₂, H₂S, Temperature and Pressure was monitored, as well as physical and chemical analyzes, which evaluated parameters such as ST, STF, SV, BOD, COD and pH. The concentration of CH₄ in the biogas, as well as the energy potential, was theoretically estimated, due to the shortcoming in biodigestion system such as constant temperature drops and the presence of ruptures in the reactors, causing atmospheric gas infiltration. Therefore, assuming favorable conditions for the realization of anaerobic biodigestion and based on data provided by the literatur, CH₄ production was estimated as well as the restaurant's energy potential, giving 65.65 L / day of CH₄ during the week and 87.54 L / day on weekends and public holidays, making available a monthly 6,569.86 kWh of energy. With this data, it was possible to confirm the efficiency of methanization as a sustainable system for the disposal of organic waste, as well as to assist in the generation of electric energy.