The first session will go over the basics of Biogas (anaerobic digestion), explain the basic concepts, characteristics and biology/chemistry of the anaerobic digestion process. Actual examples of anaerobic digestion in various forms will be presented detailing feedstocks and by-product end uses. A basic outline for designing a system will be detailed with working examples, and a hands-on experience with our most recently designed low-cost modular system with a construction demonstration and manual. Lastly, each participant will be given a spreadsheet they can use to design their own biogas digester.

On Sunday, we will travel to the Catawba County EcoComplex, an eco-industrial park based on waste management and clean energy development. We will analyze the landfill gas to energy system on-site and ASU’s integrated biodiesel research facility and crop processing facility. We will focus on closed-loop system design and address the potential of small-scale biofuel developments on decentralized energy production.