Statistical Approach for Assessing the Suitability of Substrates for a Biogas Plant

Peter Tauš, Dušan Kudelas, Marcela Taušová and Ľubomíra Gabániová
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Peter Tauš: Institute of Earth Resources, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Processing Control and Geotechnology, Technical University of Kosice, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
Dušan Kudelas: Institute of Earth Resources, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Processing Control and Geotechnology, Technical University of Kosice, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
Marcela Taušová: Institute of Earth Resources, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Processing Control and Geotechnology, Technical University of Kosice, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
Ľubomíra Gabániová: Institute of Earth Resources, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Processing Control and Geotechnology, Technical University of Kosice, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 21, 1-13

Abstract: In this paper, we focused on the statistical evaluation of inputs to a biogas plant processing a mixture of kitchen waste and agricultural crops to ensure stable biogas production. The aim of the research was to identify the components of the input substrates that will ensure the maximum yield of CH 4 and the substrates that increase the production of H 2 S. By a suitable combination of substrates, it is possible to optimize the production of biogas from the biogas plant. We analyzed a sample of 858 measurements, which were carried out in a selected biogas station for a period of 2.5 years. We were interested in differences in production of CH 4 , O 2 , and H 2 S outputs depending on the composition of inputs. From 17 inputs, 125 substrates were formed. The significance of the influence of individual substrates as categorical variables with the achieved numerical values was assessed by means of ANOVA analysis. Selected substrates were sorted based on CH 4 and H 2 S production using graphical methods (bubble graphs) into four quadrants defining the desired and undesired values of the output variables. We identified a total of 20 suitable and 11 unsuitable substrates to produce quality biogas. Sorghum silage substrate was defined as a substrate that significantly increases the proportion of H 2 S in biogas.

Keywords: biogas plant; input substrates; biogas; methane production; biowaste (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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