Source: TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY submitted to
THE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FOR A BIOBASED INDUSTRY AND ECONOMY
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0216889
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
-OLD S1041
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2008
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2013
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Project Director
Capareda, SE.
Recipient Organization
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
750 AGRONOMY RD STE 2701
COLLEGE STATION,TX 77843-0001
Performing Department
Biological & Agricultural Engineering
Non Technical Summary
We are investigating several biological and theremochemical processes for conversion of biomass to energy. In one project, we are evaluating thermochemical gasification combined with thermophilic anaerobic digestion for conversion of dairy manure for on-site energy production. In addition to producing energy, the mass and volume of wastes from the combined system will be significantly reduced which will allow more economical export of phosphorus and other nutrients from the watershed in which the dairy is located. This will help the overall dairy operation become more sustainable. We are investigating methods to increase biogas production from anaerobic digestion, for example, by incorporating the glycerol byproduct from biodiesel production in the feedstock to the digester. We are investigating conversion of different types of sorghum to ethanol, and we are developing alternative methods for production of biodiesel from oils and fats.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
4032410202020%
5112410202020%
4021510202010%
4021520202010%
4021799202010%
5111510202010%
5111799202010%
5111520202010%
Knowledge Area
403 - Waste Disposal, Recycling, and Reuse; 511 - New and Improved Non-Food Products and Processes; 402 - Engineering Systems and Equipment;

Subject Of Investigation
1799 - Fiber crops, general/other; 1510 - Corn; 1520 - Grain sorghum; 2410 - Cross-commodity research--multiple crops;

Field Of Science
2020 - Engineering;
Goals / Objectives
Reduce costs of harvesting, handling and transporting biomass to increase the competitiveness of biomass as a feedstock for biofuels, biomaterials and biochemicals Improve biofuel production processes Identify, develop and evaluate sustainable processes to convert biomass resources into biochemicals, biocatalysts and biomaterials Identify and develop needed educational resources, develop distance based delivery methods, and develop a trained work force for the biobased economy
Project Methods
A combined thermophilic anaerobic digestion and thermochemical gasification system is being developed to convert dairy manure to energy. The system will separate manure solids from liquid with the liquid portion fed to the anaerobic digester for biogas production and the solids dried and fed to a fluidized bed gasifier for conversion to synthesis gas and char. Studies will be conducted to determine the maximum feed moisture content and other operating parameters for the gasifier and to determine operating parameters for the anaerobic digester. Other studies on anaerobic digestion will be conducted to investigate biogas production using the glycerol byproduct from biodiesel production as a co-feedstock with waste streams from poultry processing plants, municipal wastewater treatment plants or other sources. Different ratios of glycerol to co-feedstock will be investigated to determine optimum combinations. In studies of ethanol production systems, conversion of different types of sorghum (grain, sweet and high biomass) to ethanol is being investigated to determine ethanol yields and optimum conversion conditions. We are also gasifying various other feed stocks (woodchips, switchgrass, cotton gin trash and sorghum biomass) to produce high quality synthesis gas. Finally, we are developing alternative methods for production of biodiesel from various oils and fats.

Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Engineers, Scientists, Farmers and Ranchers and commodity team members Changes/Problems: Reduced funding in some research areas and highly competitive grants. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Numerous operators training for the pyrolysis and gasification technologies developed at TAMU is continually being initiated. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Research reports presented in annual meetings of the ASABE and Beltwide Cotton Conferences. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continued research work on technologies being developed.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? New hydrocarbon processes have been developed at TAMU station from pyrolysis of various biomass. Electrical power production from various biomass is also being demonstrated through continued license of TAMU technology.

Publications

  • Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Capareda, Sergio C. 2013. Introduction to Biomass Energy Conversions. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. Hardbound 585pp, ISBN 978-1-4665-1333-4


Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Target Audience Agricultural Engineers Biofuels and Renewable Energy Experts Industry Groups Farmers and Ranchers Teachers and Extension Specialists Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Opportunities The research and publications generated are potential resource materials for training and professional development. The development of gasification and pyrolysis are potential intellectual property for clientele How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results Dissemination Research results are published in national meetings and seminars Journal publications have been downloaded by interested target audience What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Major Goals of the Project Development of mobile gasification and pyrolysis technology Publication of numerous refereed journal articles Publication of textbook in renewable energy and biofuels

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Placido, Jersson, Tahmina Imam and Sergio Capareda. 2013. Evaluation of Ligninolytic Enzymes, Ultrasonication and Liquid Hot Water as pretreatments for Bioethanol Production from Cotton Gin Trash. Bioresource Technology 139 (2013) 203-208. Elsevier Science Direct Publications. April 2013.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Teiseh, Eliasu A. and Sergio Capareda. 2013. Maximizing the Concentrations of Hydrogen, carbon Monoxide and Methane Produced from Pyrolysis of a MixAlco Process Derived Sludge. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis 102 (2013) 76-82. Elsevier Science Direct Publications. April 2013
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Capunitan, Jewel A. and Sergio C. Capareda. 2013. Characterization and Separation of Corn Stover Biooil by Fractional Distillation. Fuel 112 (2013) 60-73. Elsevier Science Direct Publications. May 2013.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Farmer, Michael C., Aaron Benson, Xiaolan Liu, Sergio Capareda, and Marty Middleton. 2013. Feasibility of an Adaptable Biorefinery Platform: Addressing the Delivery Scale Dilemma under Drought Risk. Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics. Accepted for Publications June 26, 2013 by JAAE, Sheridan Press, Hanover, PA
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Kongkasawan, Jinjuta and Sergio C. Capareda. 2013. Jatropha Oil Refining Process and Biodiesel Conversion: Mass and Energy Balance. International Energy Journal, Regional Resources Information Center (RERIC), Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Bangkok, Thailand. Accepted for publication July 16, 2013
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Santos, Bjorn, Sergio Capareda, Jewel Capunitan. 2013. Engine Performance and Exhaust Emissions of Peanut Oil Biodiesel. Journal of Sustainable Bioeneregy Systems (JSBS), Copyright by Scientific Research. Volume 3, No. 4, pp. 272-286. 2013
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Maguyon, M. C. C and S. C. Capareda. 2013 Evaluating the Effects of Temperature on Pressurized Pyrolysis of Nannochloropsis Oculata Based on Product Yields and Characteristics. Energy Conservation and Management Journal, Elsevier Publications, London, Volume 76 (2013) 764-773
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Cubio, G., F. B. Alagao, S. C. Capareda. 2013. Real-time Analysis of Engine Power, Thermal Efficiency and Emission Charactereristics Using Refined and Trans-esterified Waste Vegetable Oil. Journal of Energy Resources Technology (of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers). Accepted for publications on September 20, 2013
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Santos, Bjorn, Sergio Canzana Capareda, Jewel Capunitan. 2013. Sunflower Methyl Ester as an Engine Fuel: Performance Evaluation and Emissions Analysis. ISRN Journal of Renewable Energy, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, Volume 2013, Article ID 352024, pp.1-12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/352024


Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Task 2: Develop conversion processes The TAMU station continues to conduct research on biomass gasification, pyrolysis, and hydrothermal liquefaction processes. New catalysts were used to deoxygenate biomass derived biooil in collaboration with Johnson Matthey Catalysts (Houston, Texas). A new continuous catalytic conversion system was developed to produce stable bio-oil using various catalysts. Cobalt based hybrid Fischer-Tropsch synthesis gas catalyst were also used for improved selectivity of hydrocarbons in the JP-8 carbon number range using synthesis gas obtained from the pyrolysis of the MixAlco sludge. Gasification research is focused on the operation of the TAMU mobile fluidized bed gasification system to generate electrical power from the synthesis gas produced using MSW as feedstock. In addition, more biochars are produced for subsequent land application and char characterization studies. Direct conversion of algal biomass to liquid fuels via fast pyrolysis is also underway. An ASPEN Plus model was developed along with preliminary economic and sensitivity analyses. Task 3: Improve methods for characterization of intermediate products and process control TAMU station has conducted research on the improvement of methods for characterization of biooil using FTIR and GC-MS technology. TAMU is developing pyrolysis-derived bio-oil stability procedures using ASTM standards. We continue to add air quality analysis in most of our biofuels production research. TAMU has also developed a new control system for the closed-loop operation of the TAMU mobile fluidized bed gasifier. This is continually being tested using the mobile fluidized bed gasifier using various feedstock. Task 4: Develop and improve catalytic upgrading processes to convert intermediates to high quality and stable liquid fuels and products. Gasoline was produced at TAMU from switchgrass and a sample was sent for analysis at Southwest Research facility in San Antonio, Texas to demonstrate its superior stability property compared with commercial gasoline fuel. A continuous catalytic reaction system was also developed to convert fractionated biooil into gasoline. Hydrogen gas is also being produced and optimized to be used for the hydrogenation and deoxygenation processes. PARTICIPANTS: Gasification Research. The following individuals have been involved in this project: 1. David Carney - Research Associate. BAEN. 2. Amado Maglinao - PhD Student, BAEN 3. David Lacey - Student Worker, BAEN, TAMU 4. Tyler Hass - Student Worker, BAEN, TAMU 5. Ryan Roessler - Student Worker, BAEN, TAMU 6. Zachary Skrabanek - Student Worker, BAEN, TAMU 7. Clint Sternadel - Student Worker, BAEN, TAMU 8. Jake Schwartz - Student Worker, BAEN, TAMU Pyrolysis Research. The following individuals have been involved in this project: 1. Eliasu Azinyui Teiseh - Ph.D. Student - BAEN, TAMU 2. April Lovelady - PhD Student, BAEN, TAMU 3. Jewel Capunitan, Ph.D. Student - BAEN, TAMU 4. Tahmina Imam, Ph.D. Student - BAEN, TAMU 5. Monet Maguyon - PhD Student, BAEN, TAMU 6. Bjorn Santos - PhD Student, BAEN, TAMU 7. Anthony Allen - Student Worker, BAEN, TAMU Ethanol Research. The following individuals have been involved in this project: 1. Tahmina Imam - PhD Student, BAEN, TAMU 2. Jerrson Placido - PhD Student, BAEN, TAMU Biodiesel Research. The following individuals have been involved in this project: 1. Jinjuta Kongkasawan - PhD Student, BAEN, TAMU 2. Greg Cubio - PhD Student, Xavier University, Philippines 3. Bjorn Santos - PhD Student, BAEN, TAMU Air Quality Research. The following individuals have been involved in this project: 1. Dr. Mohammed S. Borhan - Post Doctoral Fellow, BAEN, TAMU 2. John Beseda - Student Worker, BAEN, TAMU 3. Tanner Welch - Student Worker, BAEN, TAMU TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences for the above projects are as follows 1. The Cotton Industry 2. Cattle Feeders Associations 3. ASABE Members and Engineers 4. USDA Agricultural Research and Extension Specialists 5. Other commodity-based Industry such as The Almond Industry and Confined Animal Feeding Operations (dairy, cattle feedyards and poultry) PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: No modifications.

Impacts
TAMU has continued the implementation of pre-commercialization efforts initiated by SDL Citadel Global (Dallas, Texas), a company who has licensed the Texas A&M University Fluidized bed gasification System for power generation using municipal solid wastes (MSW). SDL has provided a one-year Sponsored Research grant to accomplish these pre-commercialization tasks. A new invention disclosure is being prepared for the conversion of algae biooil directly into liquid hydrocarbon fuels.

Publications

  • Wise, J., D. Vietor, T. Provin, S. Capareda, C. Munster and A. Boateng. 2012. Mineral Nutrient Recovery from Pyrolysis Systems. Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy. Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 251-255. American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) 27 March 2012, J. Wiley Publications.
  • Teiseh, E. A., S. C. Capareda and Y. H. Rezenom. 2012. Cobalt Based Hybrid Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Catalyst for Improved Selectivity of Hydrocarbons in the JP-8 Carbon Number Range from a Synthesis Gas obtained from the Pyrolysis of the MixAlco Process Derived Sludge. Applied Catalysis A: General. Elsevier Science Ltd. Accepted for publication and available online 19 June 2012.
  • Imam, T. and S. C. Capareda. 2012. Ultrasonic and High Temperature Pretreatment, Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Fermentation of Lignocellulosic Sweet Sorghum to Bioethanol. International journal of Ambient Energy. Accepted for Publications 19 April 2012.
  • Schnell, R. W., D. M. Vietor, T. L. Provin, C. L. Munster and S. C. Capareda. 2012. Capacity of Bio-char Application to Maintain Energy Crop Productivity: Soil Chemistry, Sorghum Growth, and Runoff Water Quality Effects. Journal of Environmental Quality, Volume 41 (2012) 1-8. Special Section: Environmental Benefits of Bio-char. The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and the Soil Science Society of America, Madison, WI.
  • Faulkner, W. B. and S. C. Capareda. 2012. Effects of Sweeping Depth on Particulate Matter Emissions from Almond Harvest Operations. Atmospheric Pollution Research. Vol. 3(2012): 219-225.
  • Borhan, M. S., S. C. Capareda, S. Mukhtar, W. B. Faulkner, R. McGee and C. B. Parnell. 2012. Comparison of Seasonal Phenol and p-cresol Emissions from Ground Level Area Sources in a Dairy Operation in Central Texas. Journal of Air and Waste Management. JAWMA. Accepted for publication January 19, 2012.
  • Teiseh, A. and S. C. Capareda. 2012. Efficiency Cycle Recovery of Hydrogen from a Low Concentration Pyrolysis Gas Stream by Pressure Swing Adsorption. Separation Science and Technology, Elsevier Science, Ltd., UK, England. Accepted for Publications, January 5, 2012.
  • Capunitan, J and S. C. Capareda. 2012. Assessing the Potential for Biofuel Production of Corn Stover Pyrolysis Using a Pressurized Batch reactor. Fuels, Volume 95 (2012) 563-572. Elsevier Science Ltd., UK. England.
  • Iman, T. and S. C. Capareda. 2012. Characterization of Bio-Oil, Syngas and Bio-Char from Switchgrass Pyrolysis at Various Temperatures. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis. Volume 93 (2012), pp. 170-177, Elsevier Science Ltd., UK. England.


Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Dr Engler continued development of a modular anaerobic digestion system utilizing animal and other biorefinery wastes such as glycerin. A MS student completed a thesis on the production of biogas from anaerobic co-digestion of glycerin and dairy manure. Dr. Capareda completed development of a new TAMU mobile fluidized bed gasification system for heat and power generation. PARTICIPANTS: Three graduate students received training from this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include engineers and scientists involved in conversion of bioresources for renewable enegy production, agricultural producers concerned with adding value to agricultural wastes or crops through production of energy, and commercial renewable energy producers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Initial operation of the modular anaerobic digestion system revealed significant leakage so operation was halted until leakage could be stopped. Studies of co-digestion of crude glycerin from biodiesel production and chicken processing wastewater were completed. Crude glycerin from on-farm production of biodiesel had significantly higher biogas production than crude glycerin from an industrial production facility. The on-farm product had higher levels of glycerides and free fatty acids than the industrial product which accounted for the higher biogas productivity. Both types of crude glycerin increased biogas production over chicken processing wastewater alone. The technology for the mobile fluidized bed gasification system for heat and power generation was licensed by SDL Citadel Global, a start-up company based in Dallas, Texas, and they have entered into a short sponsored research agreement with TAMU for commercialization.

Publications

  • Foucauly, Lucas J. 2011. Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Chicken Processing Wastewater and Crude Glycerol from Biodiesel. M.S. thesis. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.
  • Munster C., M. Ha, S. C. Capareda, D. Vietor, T. Provin and M. Palma. 2011. GIS Program to Optimize Feedstock Utilization for Mobile Pyrolysis Units. Aerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. ASABE Paper No. 11-11267.


Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Dr. Searcy is spearheading the following research studies on biomass logistics and transport: (a) development of machine systems for biomass harvest and processing, (b) evaluation of biomass characteristics during transport and storage, (c) evaluation of energy expenditures associated with chopping, grinding and baling processes and (d) developing biomass modules to improve densities before shipment to bio-refineries. Dr. Munster's studies include GIS analysis and logistics of mobile fast pyrolysis systems in Texas and the North Central Region of the US. Dr. Thomasson is investigating the use of spectral devices (e.g. NIR) for biomass characterization and biomass yield estimation. Dr. Lacey is investigating the use of raceways for algae production and developing appropriate control systems. Dr. Fernando is developing new alternative ways to extract oil from micro-algae and developing various biocatalysts and nano-catalysts for bio-oil upgrade. Dr. Engler is developing modular anaerobic digestion systems utilizing animal and other industrial wastes such as glycerin. Dr. Capareda is developing mobile fluidized bed gasification and pyrolysis systems applicable for various biomass feedstock and animal wastes. In addition, Dr. Capareda is developing techniques to improve the adsorptive quality of bio-char as an activated carbon product. Dr. Fernando is developing processes to upgrade bio-oil into refinery grade crude oil. Dr.Vietor is investigating the value of bio-char produced from a fast pyrolysis process to ensure that nutrients may be recycled for ease of plant uptake. Protein by-products from algae and corn are being investigated by Dr. Nikolov PARTICIPANTS: Investigators involved in this project are as follows: Cady Engler, Sergio Capareda, Steve Searcy, Alex Thomasson, Zivko Nikolov, Ron Lacey, Clyde Munster, Sandun Fernando, and Don Vietor. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences for this project are as follows: The Cotton Industry, ASABE Members and Engineers, USDA Agricultural Research and Extension Specialists, and other commodity-based Industry such as The Almond Industry, Confined Animal Operations (Dairy, cattle feedyards and poultry), Cotton Ginners Association. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Research projects above lead to the training of several Ph.D. and MS degree students with research projects in the field of bioenergy supported through the USDA National Needs Fellowship and other DOE, NSF and industry supported projects. Most research projects lead to development of either an invention disclosure or the application of patents. Numerous small projects were used to leverage large new consortium such as the National Alliance for Advanced Bio-fuels and Bio-products (NAABB) Project, a $44M multi-state and multi-institution program.

Publications

  • Aquino, F. L., S. C. Capareda and C. B. Parnell, Jr. 2010. Elucidating the Solid, Liquid and Gaseous Products from Batch Pyrolysis of Cotton Gin Trash. Transactions of the ASABE. Volume 53(3): 651-658. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Maglinao, A. L. and S. C. Capareda. 2010. Predicting Fouling and Slagging Behavior of Dairy Manure (DM) and Cotton Gin Trash (CGT) During Thermal Conversion. Transactions of the ASABE. Volume 53(3): 903-909. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Nikolov, Zivko L. and Lisa R. Wilken. 2010. Commercial opportunities and challenges for protein products from corn. ASABE Technical Paper #1000002. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Nikolov, Zivko L. and Susan L. Woodard. 2010. Commercial opportunities and challenges for protein products from transgenic plants. ASABE Technical Paper #1000003. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Samarasinghe, Nalin U. and Sandun Fernando. 2010. Effect of pressure shock on microalgal cell lysis. ASABE Technical Paper #1009947. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Ha, Miae, Brad Roberson, Marco Palma and Clyde Munster. 2010. Optimizing the logistics of a mobile fast pyrolysis system for sustainable biocrude oil production. ASABE Technical Paper #1009174. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Gibson, John M., Brandon Hartley, J. Alex Thomasson, Steve Searcy and Ruixiu Sui. 2010. Harvest efficiency and field losses for high yielding sorghum. ASABE Technical Paper #1009222. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Nawaratna, Gayan I. and Sandun Fernando. 2010. Transesterification with partially polymerized metal alkoxide heterogeneous catalysts. ASABE Technical Paper #1009128. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Gunawardena, Duminda A. and Sandun Fernando. 2010. Effect of pressure on deoxygenation of methanol over ZSM-5 using a high pressure pyroprobe. ASABE Technical Paper #1008888. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Teiseh, E. A. and S. C. Capareda. 2010. Separation of H2, CH4 and CO produced from thermo-chemical pyrolytic process on two decoupled metal impregnated zeolite adsorbent beds by pressure swing adsorption. ASABE Technical Paper #1009782. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Teiseh, E. A. and S. C. Capareda. 2010. Optimizing hydrogen and methane production from industrial sludge by thermo-chemical means. ASABE Technical Paper #1009780. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Thomasson, J. Alex and Ruixiu Sui. 2010. Toward on-line measurement of algal properties. ASABE Technical Paper #1009359. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Maglinao, A. L. and S. C. Capareda. 2010. Development of Computer control system for the pilot scale fluidized bed biomass gasification system. ASABE Technical Paper #1009877. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Capareda, S. C., S. Mukhtar, S. Engler and L. B. Goodrich. 2010. Energy Usage Survey of Dairies in the Southwestern United States. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. Volume 26(4): 667-675. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Davis, Ryan, T. and Zivko Nikolov. 2010. Harvesting algae by optimizing ionic coagulation and polymeric flocculation conditions. ASABE Technical Paper #1009841. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Luedecke, Phillip R., R. Davis, J. Lassig, J. Murdock, S. Emsoff, J. Stepp, Z. Nikolov and R. E. Lacey. 2010. Irradiance, temperature, and pond depth effects in microalgae production ponds. ASABE Technical Paper #1009148. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Hartley, Brandon, John Gibson, J. Alex Thomasson, Steve Searcy and Ruixiu Sui. 2010. Machine performance of forage harvesting equipment on high tonnage sorghum. ASABE Technical Paper #1009360. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Santos, B. S. and S. C. Capareda. 2010. Performance characteristics and exhaust emissions of a diesel engine powered by chicken fat biodiesel. ASABE Technical Paper #1008991. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Capunitan, J. A. and S. C. Capareda. 2010. Corn stover pyrolysis using a high- pressure/high-temperature reactor: Evaluation of product yields and conversion efficiencies. ASABE Technical Paper #1009881. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
  • Imam, T. and S. C. Capareda. 2010. Ethanol fermentation from sweet sorghum. ASABE Technical Paper #1009693. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.


Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Construction on a small-scale thermophilic anaerobic digester continued during 2009. Instrumentation was installed for monitoring digester performance. Results of energy audits for dairies in Texas and California were presented to stakeholders during the Texas Animal Manure Management Issues Conference in September, 2009. PARTICIPANTS: One M.S. student received training from this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include engineers and scientists involved in production of biogas by anaerobic digestion and dairy producers concerned with adding value to animal waste through production of energy. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Results of energy audits of 14 dairies in Texas and California indicated that milking and housing components dominated the electricity usage for hybrid (open-lot and free-stall combination) dairies, with the milking parlor being the primary consumer of energy for the open-lot facilities. Newer dairies were more efficient in electrical energy use than older facilities. A significant amount of energy could be saved by upgrading facilities with newer and more energy efficient equipment. In addition, the estimated daily potential energy availability from manure (25 kWh/d-hd) is much greater than the average daily on-farm energy requirement (3.2 kWh/d-hd) indicating the possibility of adopting on-site manure to energy conversion systems. Analysis showed that renewable energy conversion systems with more than 15% conversion efficiencies could be considered for this on-farm energy production alternative.

Publications

  • Engler, C.R., S. Capareda, S. Mukhtar and B. Goodrich. 2009. Energy usage on dairies in the Southwestern United States. Proceedings of the Texas Animal Manure Management Issues Conference, Round Rock, TX, September 29-30.