An estimation of bio-methane generation from photovoltaic thermal compound parabolic concentrator (PVT-CPC) integrated fixed dome biogas digester

Bio-methane is a major constituent of biogas and produces heat during combustion. The optimum production of biogas (bio-methane) in the digester occurs at a mesophilic tem-perature range (30-40 degrees C), and it decreases with temperature. To address the problem of decreased biogas production and the different types of energy needs of the people living in cold climatic conditions, a photovoltaic thermal compound parabolic concentrator (PVT -CPC) integrated digester system has been envisaged, which is capable to produce heat, electricity, and bio-methane simultaneously. This proposed system can be installed as a stand-alone unit, and it is able to produce the daily energy need of a family of 4-6 members. In the present communication, we have estimated the daily bio-methane pro-duction (m3 day -1) of the integrated system. Numerical simulations have been performed to evaluate the performance of the system in the month of March in cold climatic condi-tions of Srinagar, India which has a daily average temperature of 5.5 degrees C. The system pro-duces 72.8% more bio-methane compared to non-heated digester of same capacity. The percentage of electrical energy, thermal energy, and chemical energy (bio-methane) generated by the integrated system is 13%, 67%, and 20% respectively. (c) 2023 IAgrE. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.