An Integrated Bioenergy System at UW-Platteville Chris Baxter UW-Platteville School of Agriculture UW-Extension Nutrient Management

Project History WI Focus on Energy Grant to study feasibility of anaerobic digester systems – Large-scale “Community” Digester on UWP Campus (~700 cows) – Small-scale digester on UWP farm (~150 cows) Large scale digester more economically feasible, logistically challenging Small scale digester not economically feasible as a stand-alone system

Integrated Bioenergy System Concept Soybeans Oilseed extraction Vegetable oil biodiesel conversion glycerine manure feed Biogas & electricity biodiesel ENERGY!!! Anaerobic digester Livestock

Components Anaerobic digestion of dairy and beef manure – System sized for 200 cows Oilseed press and roaster : – Production of raw oil and meal – Ability to test various oilseeds – Produce meal to meet farm livestock needs Biodiesel production system – up to 5000 gal/yr capacity

Oilseed Press and Roaster “Cold press” system produces raw veg oil and high protein meal Raw oil must be allowed to settle and be filtered before use Roaster enhances feed value of meal – necessity for using as livestock feed

Biodiesel Production Process controlled, minimizes handling of caustic ingredients Temperature controlled – speeds process and improves consistency Ability to make small batches (50 gal) – Ideal for educational/research applications

Anaerobic Digester Ability to handle non- manure substrates – Manure from beef/swine – Glycerine – Cheese whey – Campus food waste ~100 kw turbine Waste Heat Recovery Liquid-Solid separation Liquids - land spread Solids – land spread, use as bedding replacement, or develop into value- added product

Potential for glycerol to increase methane production 1.8 X Oswald Wohlgemut (MSc, 2008), University of Manitoba

Challenges to Overcome Integrated energy systems require a high level of management and knowledge of various farm production systems. Current energy prices make returns relatively low – long paypack periods Off-farm inputs must be stable, plentiful, and transportable.

Potential Outcomes A unique energy system unlike any currently in operation Demonstrate process integration – key to profitable and sustainable systems on small farms. Outstanding educational opportunities for students in multiple majors Numerous research possibilities First step toward development of a community-based digester.

Sustainable and Renewable Energy Systems Program Multi-disciplinary curriculum focused on Sustainable and Renewable Energy UWP already has a minor and is developing a new major (SRES) Current focus is on Science/Technology and Business/Management Student interest in this area is high.

Questions?