Biogas Production in an Anaerobic Reactor with a Heating System Based on Alternative Energies from Solid and Liquid Waste of the Agroindustry

This project addresses the need to optimize biogas production in cold climates where conventional digesters fail due to low temperatures. The main objective is the design and construction of an anaerobic digester incorporating a solar-powered heating system. This solution aims to mitigate environmental and economic issues related to wastewater management and organic solid waste, particularly in the Ecuadorian context, where water pollution and increasing waste generation are significant. The methodology focuses on laboratory experimentation, utilizing optimized mixtures of dairy wastewater, organic residues, and bovine manure as feedstock. Activities include selecting instrumentation, designing the layout for the reactor and heating system, physically constructing the system, and digesting the mixture under controlled parameters. Expected outcomes involve determining the volume of biogas produced (analyzing its CH4 and CO2 composition) and the quantity of organic biofertilizer obtained per liter of treated mixture, thereby promoting an alternative energy source and optimal resource management.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To design and construct an anaerobic digester equipped with a solar heating system to generate biogas from a mixture of dairy industry wastewater, biodegradable organic waste, and bovine excreta.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Solid waste and optimization of renewable energies