Techno-Economical Analysis of a Dairy Cow Farm-Scale Anaerobic Digestion System
Open Access
- Author:
- Porcano, Hunter
- Area of Honors:
- Biological Engineering
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Juliana Vasco-Correa, Thesis Supervisor
Ali Demirci, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- Anaerobic digestion
Dairy farming
Renewable natural gas (RNG)
Techno-economic analysis (TEA)
Pennsylvania
Sustainability
Greenhouse gas emissions
Agricultural systems
Biogas
Switchgrass
Carbon credits
Anaerobic Digestion
Dairy Farming
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)
Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA)
Pennsylvania
Sustainability
Biogas
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Economic Viability
Switchgrass - Abstract:
- This research investigates the imperative to promote bio-based sustainable practices in global agricultural systems, with a focus on the significant contribution of dairy operations to annual greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. There is a need for techno-economic analysis to inform decision-making among dairy farmers regarding the integration of anaerobic digestion systems. The study highlights the potential of renewable natural gas to mitigate methane emissions from dairy operations while providing renewable fuel. Through modeling and evaluation of various scenarios, including herd sizes (1000, 2000, and 5000 heads) and switchgrass availability, the research aims to provide valuable insights into the feasibility and profitability of anaerobic digestion on Pennsylvania dairy cow farms. This study found that anaerobic digestion systems were more profitability on larger farms. Factors such as natural gas selling price and biogas yield from manure had the largest impact on profitability. Anaerobic digestion systems may have to be tailored to fit the Pennsylvania dairy industry to increase feasibility.