Introduction

This lecture gives a general overview on situation adapted technologies for energy utilization from bio-resources and an estimation of their feasibility and capability in terms of energy and material recovery.

Anaerobic digestion

Anaerobic digestion of bio-resources occurs in air tight conditions with the absence of oxygen and the presence of anaerobic microorganisms and bacteria. This process consists of number of stages and depends on numerous parameters which can dramatically influence the quality of biogas, and, thus the efficiency of the whole biological treatment plant. Therefore, the process configuration of such facilities shows strong variations and is mainly influenced by feedstock quality and requirements for the final product utilization.

Aerobic digestion

Aerobic digestion or composting is the process of stabilization of organic matter by a variety of microorganisms that leads to the formation of heat, carbon dioxide (CO2), water and compost (more stable organic material that can be used as a soil amendment). This process promotes an intensive rotting phase and temperatures suitable for hygienization, which leads to bio-waste stabilization and production of a sustainable product for environmental conservation and economic gain.

Learn2compost

Learn2compost is an online tool that was developed for education and training of students and public authorities to plan composting facilities.

It consists of two parts which allow choosing different substrates from the data base in order to ensure the optimum process conditions, and on the other hand, selecting a suitable type of system.

Odor treatment:

Despite the fact that anaerobic digestion is sealed from the environment, odor and methane emissions can still occur. Also during storage, transportation and pretreatment of biowaste odor emissions occur. Apart from the odor avoidance, treatment facilities for such emissions have to be considered.

Self assessment:

To test the knowledge a quiz is available after each lecture.

Material

In order to particpate in this course and lecture, you will have to go through the diverse materials we have provide here in this project. All the material can be found here: https://collaborating.tuhh.de/Early-Bird-Betreuende/learn2compost