In the first research of its kind in the world, scientists at Fort Hare University have developed a model to optimise the production of methane gas for biofuels.

KeChrist Obileke, Golden Makaka, and Nwabunwanne Nwokolo from the Department of Physics, Renewable Energy Research Centre at the University of Fort Hare conducted the research.

Their project was financially supported by the University’s Govan Mbeki Research and Development Centre (GMRDC).

They mixed cow dung from the Fort Hare Dairy with water and used the results produced by a “digester” where the mixture was left to rot to develop a mathematical model for optimising biogas production using cow dung.

The authors said that this is the first study of its kind to be published to their knowledge.

“This study is of great essence as it will help facilitate the decision-making process,” the authors wrote, adding that they were providing a predictive model that can be integrated into the real-life experience of facility operators and engineers at biogas facilities and for the production of renewable energy at large.

Anaerobic digestion of organic waste (without oxygen) is an efficient process for producing biogas with a high energy value.

Recently, this technology has attracted much attention due to the added advantage of minimising greenhouse gas emissions. The produced biogas is an alternative or supplement for fossil fuel products, reducing emissions.

In addition, anaerobic digestion is considered an economical and effective technique because it uses waste as a substrate. Organic waste such as animal waste, sewage sludge, industrial organic residue, and agricultural waste is usually employed, with animal waste topping the list.

Among animal waste, cow dung is mainly used as a substrate due to its universal abundance and availability. Not only does cow dung serve as a substrate, but it is also used for thermal insulation and as a fertiliser for soil conditioning.

Read full article:  https://www.mdpi.com/2078-1547/13/2/53