Heat Balance and Energy Efficiency of Bioreactor in Severe Climate Conditions

Abstract

On the basis of mathematical modeling of the thermal conditions of a biogas plant, a study was made of the influence of climatic conditions, fermentation regimes, design features of the bioreactor, and the types of substrate used to produce commercial biogas. It has been established that year-round operation of a biogas plant in a fully autonomous mode in severe climate conditions is possible only when the volume of the digester is greater than a certain critical volume, determined by climatic conditions, and the type of substrate used, the plant design and thermal insulation. With a volume less than critical, autonomous operation of a bioreactor is possible only in the warm season. The value of thermal resistance of the reactor thermal insulation is determined, at which autonomous year-round operation of the reactor is possible. At the same time, the mesophilic mode of operation of the reactor is preferable in climatic conditions of the Udmurt Republic, if it is focused on obtaining biogas, as the main product of fermentation, and its energy use.