Energy Efficiency Economics of Conversion of Biogas From the Fermentation of Sewage Sludge to Biomethane as a Fuel for Automotive Vehicles

Abstract

The paper presents the analysis of efficiency and energy economics potential applicability of biomethane as an alternative fuel for powering company owned motor vehicles and public transport vehicles produced by the conversion of surplus biogas generated in municipal sewage treatment plants. Biogas produced at municipal wastewater treatment plants in the process of anaerobic fermentation of sewage sludge is a source of renewable energy used for energy generation. Currently in Poland, the most commonly applied management method of biogas produced from sewage sludge involves the production of energy in a cogeneration system. Having in mind the condition of the natural environment, the search for alternative fuels for motor vehicles is underway. One of the types that can be used is biomethane, produced by the conversion of biogas produced in the fermentation process of organic wastes contained in sewage sludge. The biogas purified to contain about 95% of methane can be used in vehicles designed to burn gaseous fuel. In order to implement the conversion process of biogas to biomethane, it is necessary to work out a balance sheet of biogas produced at the sewage treatment plant, to study its chemical composition and to select the optimal technology to obtain high-energy gas fuel that meets required standards. In the course of the biogas conversion process, carbon dioxide is removed, which is regarded here as the so-called energy ballast. The technology used for powering motor vehicles by means of biomethane has been successfully implemented in many countries of the European Union. In view of environmental considerations, the proposed solution is generally supported because biomethane-powered engines have lower levels of emissions harmful to people and the environment.

Recycling of Polymer Waste in the Context of Developing Circular Economy

“…The study of waste management from polymeric materials, as the most aggressive environmental pollution in terms of chemical composition of sources, devoted to the work of authors who have considered in compared recycling and waste disposal system [3], which allowed to characterize the positive effects of recycling on the environment on the basis of energy from garbage -biogas from sewage sludge or food waste and refuse derived fuel from polymeric waste [4,5]. The constantly growing volume of industrial and domestic use of polymers stimulated the search for ways to utilize the plastic fraction in municipal solid waste [6].…”

Modelling the Migration of Anthropogenic Pollution from Active Municipal Landfill in Groundwaters

“…The landfilled wastes containing organic fractions are the source of methane and carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere, which are referred to as so-called greenhouse gases. One of the solutions aiming to reduce such fugitive emissions is the construction of degassing installations, biogas intake facilities and its thermal neutralization in engines powered by landfill biogas in the combined electricity and heat generation system [15,16] Additionally, it is also possible to convert biogas to biomethane and use it to drive motor vehicles [17,18]. Having in mind the adverse impact of landfills, the key issue at the operational stage and after the closure of the landfill is to ensure environmental monitoring conducted by the operator.…”

Assessment of the Waste Management System in Krakow as an Element of Circular Economy

“…The criteria and assessment factors should be selected so that the proposed solution is safe for human health and the environment, while the assessment should be clear and precise [17][18][19][20]. The aim of the paper is to present the quantity and quality of generated and accumulated municipal waste streams towards the introduction of a circular economy [20][21][22][23][24][25]. Points, • ensure the levels of recycling required by law, preparation for re-use and recovery by other methods are achieved, • reduce the mass of biodegradable municipal waste sent for disposal.…”