Optimising biogas and biosolids energy recovery and revenue generation
Annual Conference
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The Life Cycle Assessment Manager for Energy Recovery (LCAMER) Tool by Water Environment Research Foundation for on-site energy recovery system (ERS) evaluation using biogas was used. Two case studies are presented, including a FOG facilities. LCAMER is a spreadsheet based model that uses a life cycle assessment approach to compare relative economic benefits of one ERS to another over the life of the system.
Different anaerobic digestion technologies were reviewed, ranging from single stage / multiple stage mesophilic digestion, acid phase digestion in combination with mesophilic anaerobic digestion and, temperature phased anaerobic digestion. LCAMER estimates biogas production based on feed sludge quality and quantity, digester -type, SRT, and volatile solids destruction. It estimates sludge heating and mixing energy requirements based on digester volume and geometry. Digester Capital and O&M cost is estimated using LCAMER life cycle tool.
A large energy recovery systems range is assessed based on performance, capital and O&M cost for engines cogeneration, gas turbines, microturbines and fuel cells. Financial outcome is expressed as simple payback period. Life cycle assessment considers electricity and natural gas cost for each option and estimates onsite greenhouse gas emissions and relative emission rates of common criteria air pollutants.