What is the process of converting the methane gas into energy?
The methane produced in the digester is collected in the top of the digester and can be drawn off and burned as a fuel much like natural gas. The methane is diluted with carbon dioxide so the biogas mixture has a lower energy content than natural gas. The biogas energy content is about 600 Btu/ft3 whereas natural gas has an energy content of about 1000 Btu/ft3. The easiest way to use biogas is as fuel for a boiler or hot water heater. It also can be used as a fuel in an internal combustion engine. In our demonstration project, we are using the gas to fuel an internal combustion engine that drives a generator. The electricity produced will help meet the dairy’s power needs.
