Power generation with biogas from municipal solid waste: Prediction of gas generation with in situ parameters

• Published in: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews Vol. 30; pp. 412 - 419
• Main Authors: Aguilar-Virgen, Quetzalli, Taboada-González, Paul, Ojeda-Benítez, Sara, Cruz-Sotelo, Samantha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Biogas; Biomass; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Landfill; Natural energy; Renewable energy; Solid waste; Mexico, Baja California, Ensenada; Mexico; Solid waste; Biogas; Renewable energy; Landfill; Power production; Urban waste; Electric power production
• ISSN: 1364-0321; 1879-0690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2013.10.014

Estimations of biogas emissions in final disposal sites have been studied by several researchers, primarily for their potential as a renewable source of energy and greenhouse gas emissions mitigation. Different models have been developed to predict the generation of biogas; the first-order model is widely used. Most of these models are based on two parameters, the methane generation rate (k) and methane generation potential (L0). These parameters cannot be generalized for biogas estimation in any site, and must be modified according to in situ characteristics. The objectives of this research are (a) modify the constants of k and L0 with in situ data, and (b) estimate the biogas generation in a sanitary landfill of a Mexican city using the modified constants. The following data were used in modifying the model constants biogas: (a) waste characterization studies, (b) biogas extraction tests, (c) observations of characteristics and sanitary landfill operation, (d) interviews with the managers of the sanitary landfill, and (e) several parameters of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) model. Biogas estimation using the modified constants was performed in the version 2.0 Mexico Landfill Gas Model proposed by Stearns, Conrad and Schmidt Consulting Engineers, Inc. (SCS Engineers). The results show that approximately 70% of the waste generated is organic, which influences the value of the parameters used in calculating the k and L0. With in situ characteristics, values of k=0.0482yr−1 and L0=94,457m3/t were obtained. It is projected that the electric power generation could reach a maximum capacity of 2.4MW in 2019. This energy could increase the installed capacity in the Ensenada by approximately 4.36% and supply approximately 66% of the electric energy required for lighting, which amounts to savings of US$2.62 million and an environmental benefit of approximately 1.17MtCO2e from 2009 to 2025.