SBIR-STTR Award

Biogas & Electric LLC proposes a novel low cost approach to NOx removal through a combination of extended absorption and selective non-catalytic reduction utilizing the anaerobic digester liquid waste stream. If efficacy in the proposed NOx removal process can be shown, the new method will be adopted by all proposed manure based anaerobic digestion projects in California, and shortly thereafter adopted by many other manure based anaerobic digestion projects across the globe. OBJECTIVES: Biogas & Electric LLC's Phase I research will strive to demonstrate the efficacy of a novel low cost approach to scrubbing NOx emissions from biogas exhaust generated by gas turbines at anaerobic digestion facilities on many dairy farms. The goal of the proposed research is to prove efficacy in the lab of Biogas & Electric LLC's novel low cost approach to scrubbing NOx emissions from biogas exhaust. While many NOx reduction methods exist, they all require a large capital expenditure on behalf of the dairy or developer. Biogas & Electric LLC's proposed research could lead to the development of a low cost NOx removal system that could be the tipping point in anaerobic digester affordability for many California based dairies. The goal of this research is to provide a truly simple, maintenance-free, and economical solution to a currently unmet need. The desire, therefore, is to avoid as much cost and complexity as possible

Biogas & Electric LLC proposes a novel low cost approach to NOx and SO2 removal through a combination of extended absorption and selective non-catalytic reduction. If efficacy in the proposed NOx removal process can be shown, the new method will be adopted by all proposed manure based anaerobic digestion projects in California, and shortly thereafter adopted by many other manure based anaerobic digestion projects across the globe. OBJECTIVES: The goal of the Phase II research is to build upon the Phase I findings by establishing scalability, reliability and cost effectiveness of the novel NOx and SO2 reduction method for biogas engines. To achieve this goal, the following objectives will be met. A. Conduct pilot studies identifying the optimum system dimensions, pressure, liquid waste handling system, anti-foaming structure, and exhaust cooling and handling system. B. Design and construct a commercial scale apparatus and implement the project at a dairy based anaerobic digester. C. Document construction and operational savings associated with the apparatus. D. Analyze and document the chemical analysis of the waste fluid both before and after interaction with engine exhaust within system. NOx and SO2 levels before and after the system will be measured and compared to regulatory mandated levels. APPROACH: Perform a survey of processes used in industry and documented in literature. Investigate and inspect existing implementations and interview system designers where possible. Test selected techniques in Phase I Proof-of-Concept Vehicle as necessary. This will primarily target techniques that are shown in literature but have not been demonstrated at any significant scale. Create detailed system models for candidates selected. Analytical modeling will focus on thermodynamic parameters (flow rates, temperatures, and pressures) and processes (interfacing and mixing of fluids, heat exchange, et cetera.) Combine requirements for systems resulting from into a superset system that can be reconfigured to test each option. Develop the main test plan that will provide operational data to either validate or invalidate the target processes under investigation. The specific system performance requirements and instrumentation strategy will be generated to meet the process specifications and to enable running the system at the extents defined by the plan. Identify primary responsible parties for design and fabrication of subsystems. Release responsible parties to proceed. Identify interface requirements and development hardware to meet requirements. Identify control system requirements and specify system to meet requirements. Specify supporting hardware and plan necessary to test and buyoff completed system after assembly and prior to delivery at final site location. Perform overall system assembly and system integration. Break down and package system for shipment to jobsite. Reassemble the system at test site. Integrate with site utility and process supplies. Checkout system and equipment with the test plan. Check system for integration with biogas engine and site utility and process supplies. Release for inspection. Train facility personnel and site host how to operate the systems use emergency disconnects. Perform system burn-in test: Run at boundaries of operating parameters for a sufficient period to demonstrate system reliability. This is supervised operation. Collect and reduce system operational data. Prepare summary report for program. Determine operational costs by calculating the electrical needs of each component. The electrical needs of each component can be determined by recording the Voltage and Amperes of each electrical component. The resulting annual kWh will then be multiplied by the dairy's purchase price of electricity to determine the estimated annual electrical cost of each component. Each component's cost will then be summed together to determine the estimated annual operating cost of the complete system. Use a TESTO 350 XL gas analyzer to analyze NOx and SO2 levels before and after the system and compare to the regulatory mandated limits