Energy and cost efficient degree of purification of biogas for use in tractors

The project started in 2013 and finishes in 2015.

The aim of this project is to determine the optimal biogas purification degree under different conditions. It will comprise calculations of the potential economic and fuel efficiency gains that can be achieved with reduced purification, but it will also concern what practical issues might arise if upgrading to and driving on a gas with low methane content. The project will involve modeling as well as practical measurements on upgrading (cooperation with Biosling) and use in tractors (cooperation with Valtra).

Especially for farm plants high upgrading costs result in biogas rarely being an option as fuel for farm tractors, despite the advantages this fuel may have on agriculture in general. However, it is likely that the tractors would work at least equally well if the gas was less purified, reducing the methane content from today’s 96-98 % to 80-90 %. This would significantly reduce the cost and energy consumption for upgrading, as the last carbon dioxide is the most difficult to remove.

The project is financed by the Swedish Farmers’ Foundation for Agricultural Research.

Participating from the Department is Gunnar Larsson.

External partners are Biosling, Valtra and SMP.