Developing Scalable Design for Converting Biogas to Electricity Group 22 Sung Hoon Bae (BME) Daniel Rim (ChBE) Chris Zachara (ChBE) Advisor: Dr. David Owens Owen Graduate School of Management Bae, Rim, Zachara BME 272: Oral Report #1http://
Outline Problem statement Objective Background: biogas Methods Current status Future work Importance
Problem Statement Bangladesh High population/high poverty rate Population: 162 Million – 7 th GDP (PPP): $1,500 per capita – 153 rd
Problem Statement Only 30% electricity distribution (2002) 25% in urban and 10% in rural (2000) 79% of population in rural (1999) Government efforts 30% to 38% distribution from Slow progression
Objective Create a generator (biogas) Household scale “Reasonable” retail price Sufficient output electricity W light bulbs for 6 hrs/day
Background: Biogas Anaerobic digestion or fermentation Biodegradable materials Biomass, manure, sewage, and etc. Composition Methane: 50-70% Dioxide: 30-40% Hydrogen: 5-10% Nitrogen: 1-2% Application Electricity and heating
Background: Why Biogas? Clean Fuel 80% less hydrocarbon and 60% less nitrogen oxides than diesel Negligible concentrated particles or dust Availability Organic material – virtually unlimited Animal waste, food waste, and etc. 65% labor force in agriculture in Bangladesh
Methods Biogas digester
Methods Generator Electricity Biogas digester Control
Current Status Research Biogas General information Biogas power plant Generator Fluid (liquid vs. gas) Material selection Design Brainstorming
Future Work Brainstorming session with all three project groups Consult with ChBE, ME, and EECE experts about the project/design Generate drawings and specs and hopefully order necessary materials over winter break Find an appropriate place to make and test the prototype
Importance Provide electricity in rural area with reasonable price May help with sanitization problem Increase activity time at night Can be distributed to other countries as well
References Department of Economic and Social Affairs Population Division (2009) (.PDF). World Population Prospects, Table A revision. United Nations.. Retrieved "Bangladesh"