Energy use of residual biomass: case study of the food remains of families of students of the University of Guayaquil, for biogas production

Abstract

This work describes the energy potential of a certain type of residual biomass (food scraps) that comes from urban homes and that can be used as an alternative energy resource of clean energy different from the current dependence on fossil energy (domestic LPG gas). The objective of the study was to demonstrate that the level of biogas production is determined by the energy recovery of the organic substrate (food waste), which is viable to feed a device based on methane fermentation to replace the current domestic gas cylinders of 15 kg. The scientific contribution of the article is the result of the research carried out through the randomized experimental design with 5 samples from 196 households and 2 samples from

two independent households and their subsequent analysis. The parameters that were measured were: physical analysis, ash melting point, elemental analysis and energy content whose variables influence the process of converting biomass to energy based on biochemical methods. In contrasting hypotheses with other types of MSW (rest of food), no significant differences were found (p> 0.05). Finally, the results of the average upper and lower caloric power are: 3742.21 kcal / kg and 3309.68 kcal / kg showing an adequate energy potential to use the residual biomass as a valid alternative to the use of new renewable energy sources, in recovery projects or fuel generation with methane fermentation treatment. The use of urban organic biomass or its derivatives can be considered null in terms of net emissions that will not affect the environment or the atmosphere.