Literature Review on Biogas Feeding Systems

Abstract

Biogas feeding systems are the most important elements that influence the efficiency and productivity of the anaerobic digestion process. This paper reviews the different feeding strategies, including continuous, semi-continuous, and batch systems, analyzing their merits and demerits in biogas production. A continuous feed system consistently yields the same levels of methane. Semi-continuous and batch-feeding systems provide great flexibility, but sometimes unstable processes can affect them. Optimization of substrate handling, and digestion efficiency with the usage of the latest technologies of automated feeding, and two-stage feeding, has optimized biogas yields. However, these technologies require higher energy demands and operational complexity. Some key research gaps have been identified: substrate-specific feeding strategies, the effect of feeding methods on microbial communities, energy efficiency, and the integration of real-time monitoring systems. Filling these gaps could make biogas systems more scalable and sustainable, thus making them a better and more reliable renewable energy source.