A Biogas - Tolerant Engine - Generator for Advanced Agricultural Waste Management Systems

Anaerobic digesters are capable of producing methane-rich biogas from animal manure and also offer the advantages of controlling odors, reducing pathogens, and minimizing the environmental impact of the waste. The biogas produced from anaerobic digesters is a renewable, distributed source of energy that can be used to generate electricity to offset power consumption on farms. Unfortunately, biogas is highly corrosive and quickly embrittles the cast iron and steel used for many engine components. As a result, conventional engines fail after several months of exposure to biogas. The objective of this project is to develop an inexpensive, low-maintenance, high-efficiency, biogas-tolerant engine that can be used for generators at these biodigester installations. Our approach will be to modify the engine to minimize the flow of corrosive gases into the crankcase and to replace critical engine components with ones fabricated from corrosion-resistant materials.