Title: Review of the potential of biogas generation in India and a comparative study of various biogas upgrading techniques

Authors: Dalal Yunus; Rajesh Kale; Devendra Suralkar

Addresses: Manjara Charitable Trust's Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, University of Mumbai, Versova, Mumbai – 400053, India ' Manjara Charitable Trust's Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, University of Mumbai, Versova, Mumbai – 400053, India ' Manjara Charitable Trust's Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, University of Mumbai, Versova, Mumbai – 400053, India

Abstract: In India, daily human activities generate large quantities of biodegradable waste. The quantities of solid and liquid organic waste produced every year amounts to 30 million tons and 4,400 cubic metres, respectively. The average municipal solid waste (MSW) generation is 0.45 kg/person/day. This easily accessible waste can be utilised as a source of energy by direct conversion into biogas that will partially offset the dependency of the country on the energy imports. The paper reviews the existing biogas potential in India and presents a comparative study of various biogas upgrading techniques. Various techniques have been rated based on different parameters like energy consumption, percentage removal of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) losses, operating range of pressure and temperature, pumping system required, desulphurisation and possibility of regeneration. The study suggests that selection of an upgrading technique does not depend on the tropical conditions or climate of a country but more on the application, capital investment and the process parameters.

Keywords: biodegradable waste; biogas; biogas upgrading; water scrubbing; physical absorption; membrane separation; pressure swing adsorption; PSA; chemical absorption; cryogenic separation; microalgae cultivation; India.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRET.2017.088984

International Journal of Renewable Energy Technology, 2017 Vol.8 No.3/4, pp.360 - 370

Received: 04 Jan 2017
Accepted: 10 Jul 2017
Published online: 03 Jan 2018 *

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