Energy Potential of Biogas From Pig Farms in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

Pig farming stands out as an alternative for decentralized electrical energy production from the use of biogas energy. However, its use is still limited. Thus, this study aimed to estimate and map the biogas production, as well as determine the electric power originated by the use of biogas produced in covered lagoon biodigester from pig farms of different sizes in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The research was based on data provided by the Instituto Mineiro de Agropecuária (IMA). Three forms of electric power were estimated, as follows: (i) total, (ii) current, and (iii) installed. They were estimated from the volume of manure generated at each development stage of the animals. The total electric power corresponded to 31 MW, while the current electric power was equal to 20 MW. The installed electric power was still low and corresponded to 35.4% of the current electric power. The results showed that 55% of the current electric power was concentrated in only two mesoregions (Triângulo Mineiro/Alto Paranaíba and Zona da Mata). Therefore, the use of biogas contributed to providing energy self-sufficiency in pig farms and the generation of decentralized electrical energy.

Mathematical Models for Estimating Methane Production in Covered Lagoon Biodigesters Treating Pig Manure

“…The use of reliable mathematical models can bring benefits in terms of obtaining quick results, reduction in monitoring costs, improvement in decision-making, evaluation of the system's operational performance, support in inventory studies, increase in energy sustainability, and decentralized energy generation in rural areas (Astals et al, 2013;Majdinasab et al, 2017;Sousa et al, 2020).…”