Thermodynamic and exergoeconomic analysis of energy recovery system of biogas from a wastewater treatment plant and use in a Stirling engine. (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Colmenar-Santos, Antonio; Zarzuelo-Puch, Gloria; Borge-Diez, David; García-Diéguez, Concepción
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 88(2016)
• Page Start: 171
• Page End: 184
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Biogas -- Sludge -- Thermoeconomic -- Exergetic -- Anaerobic digestion -- Stirling engine; B boiler -- BOE official state bulletin of Spain -- CIEMAT Center for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research -- CORINAIR core inventory of air emissions -- d. m. dry matter -- EU European Union -- EUROSTAT statistical office of the European Communities -- EWL the European waste list -- E2020 European strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth -- GW gigawatt -- Ha hectare -- HRB heat recovery boiler -- ktoe kilo tonnes oil equivalent (=4.18 × 1013 J) -- LHV lower heating value of fuel [kcal/Nm3] -- MAGRAMA Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment -- Mtoe million tonnes oil equivalent -- NMVOC non-methane volatile organic compounds -- NTU number of transfer units -- PER renewable energy Spanish plan -- PNIR Spanish integrated plan of waste -- PNLD Spanish plan of sewage sludge -- ppm parts per million -- RNL Spanish register of sludge -- SS sewage sludge -- VOCs volatile organic compounds -- WWTP wastewater treatment plant; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2015.11.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this research it is to show how the biogas biomethanisation from primary and secondary treatment of activated sludge from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), can be an alternative renewable energy option from fossil fuels, which offers competitive advantages and points out new horizons for the use of this fuel. This will allow to achieve some important priorities of energy plans in EU countries: to reduce the organic matter deposited in landfills and CO2 emissions and to find viable solutions to minimize the environmental impact of sewage sludge (SS). This study analyses the biogas combustion and energy recovery processes from a thermodynamic, thermoeconomic and exergetic point of view. The results show that the boiler of the process is the main source of irreversibility and exergy destruction. Moreover, the energy and exergy economic value of exhaust gases from the combustion chamber, are significant and worthwhile to be exploited. For this reason, the present study explores the applicability and suitability of integrating a Stirling engine in such process. The study reveals that it is possible to create a small micro-cogeneration system which leads to sustainable waste management and energy savings in the treatment plant itself. Highlights: Biogas biomethanisation from SS represents an alternative renewable energy source. Thermodynamic, thermoeconomic and exergetic analysis of energy recovery process. The main source of irreversibility and exergy destruction is the boiler. Energy and exergy economic value of exhaust gases is significant. Application of biogas obtained to produce steam to power a Stirling engine.