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Evaluation of Integrated Anaerobic Digestion and Hydrothermal Carbonization for Bioenergy Production
Published on: June 15, 2014
'Hot topic' - combined energy and process modeling in thermal hydrolysis systems
Peter Aichinger1, Christine DeBarbadillo2, Ahmed Al-Omari2
1Unit of Environmental Engineering, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 13, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria E-mail: aichinger@araconsult.at; ARAconsult GmbH, Unterbergerstrasse 1, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
Summary
Thermal hydrolysis process (THP) enhances anaerobic digestion (AD) for biogas production. A new model reveals dynamic effects cause energy inefficiencies, reducing electricity generation by up to 29%.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Energy Systems
Background:
- Thermal hydrolysis process (THP) is crucial for optimizing anaerobic digestion (AD) by enhancing biogas production and improving sludge dewatering.
- THP requires significant heat for steam generation, making its energy demands dynamic and dependent on operational factors.
- Understanding these dynamic effects is key to improving energy efficiency in wastewater treatment plants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a combined energy and process model for describing the dynamic behavior of THP within a full-plant context.
- To analyze the interactions between THP and anaerobic digestion (AD) under varying operational conditions.
- To identify and quantify energy inefficiencies in THP operations and assess optimization potential.
Main Methods:
- Developed a comprehensive model integrating process and energy dynamics of THP and AD, ensuring mass continuity and energy conservation.
- Modeled various energy species, focusing on thermal heat and calorific energy transformations.
- Applied the combined model to the THP at Blue Plains advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) for detailed analysis.
Main Results:
- The model accurately describes the dynamic behavior of THP, including interactions with AD and operational parameters.
- Identified significant energy inefficiencies stemming from dynamic effects such as steam production/consumption mismatches, gas shortages, and underloaded units.
- Quantified electricity production losses up to 29% due to these identified dynamic inefficiencies.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic effects significantly impact THP energy efficiency, leading to substantial losses in electricity generation.
- The developed combined energy and process model is a valuable tool for analyzing THP performance and identifying optimization strategies.
- Implementing operational adjustments to mitigate dynamic effects can lead to considerable energy savings in wastewater treatment facilities.
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