Biogas as fuel in IC engine | Advantages and disadvantages
Roberto Magalhães
Biogas – Fuel in the IC Engine
Biogas typically refers to a gas produced by the decomposition of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. It is a renewable energy source, like solar and wind energy. Furthermore, biogas can be produced from regionally available raw materials and recycled waste and is environmentally friendly and CO2 neutral.
Biogas is produced by the anaerobic digestion or fermentation of biodegradable materials such as manure, sewage, municipal waste, green waste, plant materials and crops. Biogas mainly comprises methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and may contain small amounts of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), moisture and siloxanes.
Methane, hydrogen and carbon monoxide (CO) gases can be burned or oxidized with oxygen. This release of energy allows biogas to be used as fuel. Biogas can be used as a fuel in any country for any heating purpose such as cooking. It can also be used in anaerobic digesters, where it is typically used in gas engines to convert the energy in the gas into electricity and heat. Biogas can be compressed, like natural gas, and used to power motor vehicles.
Read too; Biodiesel – Fuel in IC engine Advantages and disadvantages
bogas generator set
Advantages of Biogas Energy
It is a renewable source of energy.
It is comparatively less pollution generating energy.
Biomass energy helps clean towns and cities.
Provides fertilizer for agriculture and vegetable gardens.
There is enormous potential to generate energy from biogas.
Biomass energy is relatively cheaper and more reliable.
It can be generated from everyday human and animal waste, vegetable and agricultural waste, etc.
Recycling waste reduces pollution and the spread of disease.
The thermal energy obtained from biogas is 3.5 times the heat from burning wood.
Due to the greater heat production, the time required for cooking is shorter.
Disadvantages of biogas energy
The cost of building a biogas plant is high, so only rich people can use it.
Continuous supply of biomass is necessary to generate biomass energy.
Some people don't like cooking food with biogas produced from sewage waste.
The biogas plant requires space and produces foul smell.
Due to inadequate construction, many biogas plants are operating inefficiently.
It is difficult to store biogas in cylinders.
Transporting biogas through pipes over long distances is difficult.
Many easily grown grains, such as corn and wheat, are being used to produce ethanol.
This can have negative consequences if a large portion of the food harvest is diverted for use as fuel.
The crops used to produce biomass energy are seasonal and not available year-round.
bogas generator set
