Development and Testing of Self Sustainable Bio-Reactor for Biogas Production

Abstract

The increasing demand of energy and its production cost from the fossils fuels is directing to develops the renewable resources of the energy for the sustainable environment for the future generation. To cope the energy crises in the agriculture-based countries the scientific community was focusing on exploring new low cost self-sustainable biogas production reactor design. In this approach, biogas reactor was designed where solar energy as an input energy source for heating the feedstock in bioreactor was used. Optimization of biogas production at different temperatures were analyzed. A six liters double jacket reactor was developed in which hot water circulated. Hot water moved from solar collector to other side. The purpose of hot water circulation was to maintain inner tank (slurry tank) hotter every time. It's required temperature about 35 o C-45 o C for mesophilic conditions. Bio-gas production was tested at different temperature ranges. Production of biogas was tested at 10% total solids and 90% liquid. The findings show that higher temperature favored more yield. This study also focused on zero waste bio-reactor that could be used for further field application. Development of self-sustainable bio-reactor that has natural energy source (sunlight) and portable bioreactor that could be moved to any place.