The Smart Use of Biogas: Decision Support Tool

Waste-to-energy provides a solution for two problems: waste management and energy generation. Anaerobic digestion is a biological process, thereby valorizing organic matter, usually fatal, produce a renewable energy source and digestates that can be used as fertilizer. Indeed, in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic digestion) and protected from light, organic matter is partially degraded by the combined action of several types of micro-organisms, a series of biological reactions leading to the formation of biogas composed of Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Nitrogen N2, Hydrogen H2, Oxygen O2, Water vapor H2O, hydroxide sulfur H2S and the energy recoverable portion Methane CH4 but very harmful to the environment, or even 22 times more harmful than CO2 which is a greenhouse gas (GHG). Once this portion of recoverable biogas containing methane CH4 is produced or captured as much value it most effectively, however, different ways are possible: heat, power, Combined Heat & Power “CHP”, automotive fuel or the injection into the natural gas network. The purpose of this work is to develop an Excel-based spreadsheet and database program with visual basic that can help to find the optimal scenario to valorize this biogas; firstly this scenario must be based on technical criteria as well as the flow of raw biogas produced, quality and purity of biogas required for each scenario. Secondly, the economic criteria also play an important role (treatment and valorization costs). Finally, this scenario chosen must take into account social and environmental impacts.