SIM 4850 Biogas Production

Model Description

Feed Pre-treatment: Users will select from a variety of feedstocks, each with unique advantages and challenges.  

Fermentation: In the digester, microorganisms break down organic material under controlled conditions to produce biogas. Users will regulate key parameters such as temperature and pH to maintain optimal microbial activity. Safety is also crucial, as biogas is flammable. A by-product of this stage, digestate, can be utilised as an organic fertiliser. 

Energy Utilisation: A portion of the produced biogas is used in a combined heat and power (CHP) plant. This generates electricity and heat, supporting digester operation and supplying power to external consumers. 

Biogas Purification: The remaining biogas undergoes purification to remove CO2 and trace gases, yielding high-energy biomethane. This purified gas is pressurised, odorised, and injected into the national grid for use in residential, industrial, and power generation applications. 

Learning outcomes

• Understand the process of biogas and biomethane production through anaerobic digestion. 
• Explore different feedstocks, their biogas yields, and processing challenges. 
• Assess the impact of feed pre-treatment on digestion efficiency and methane output. 
• Learn how to control and optimise fermentation conditions for maximum biogas yield. 
• Identify factors that inhibit biogas production and how to mitigate them. 
• Evaluate the environmental and economic viability of various biogas applications. 
• Understand the necessity of biogas purification and its role in different energy sectors. 
• Analyse the sustainability and scalability of biogas as a renewable energy source. 
• Recognise the value of digestate as a by-product and its applications in agriculture. 

This simulation enables users to make data-driven decisions in renewable energy production, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to optimise biogas operations in real-world applications.