Biogas to Electricity
Biogas can be used to generate electricity . 1 cubic meter of Biogas generates roughly 2 units of electricity. Such plants are particularly suitable in applications where there are no existing electricity grid connections or where the cost of grid electricity is very high. This option could also be exercised in locations where there is load shedding during certain hours.
Typical treatment steps
H₂S removal: iron sponge, activated carbon, or biological scrubbers
Moisture removal: condensers or chilling
Internal Combustion Engines (ICE)
Most commonly adopted method
Works like a diesel or gasoline engine, but runs on biogas.
Drives a generator to produce electricity.
Efficiency: 38–40% electrical energy conversion efficiency
Mature, cost-effective, reliable but requires regular maintenance; sensitive to impurities like H2S
Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
Most biogas systems use CHP, where:
Electricity is generated in the generator
Heat from engine/turbine exhaust is captured for:
Digester heating
Space heating
Steam Generation
Industrial processes
This concept of CHP boosts the overall efficiency to 70–90%.