I joined Vigyan Ashram with a doubt lingering in my mind “Is biogas truly a green gas, considering it contains methane and carbon dioxide, notorious greenhouse gases” ?
My first discussion session was held with Mr. Arun Dixit [Head, Design Innovation Centre], in this discussion I learnt that biogas is predominantly composed of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), both of which are greenhouse gases. However, what sets biogas apart is its origin and production process. Biogas is generated through the anaerobic digestion of organic matter, such as agricultural waste, food scraps, or animal manure and this process takes place in a controlled environment, such as a biogas digester, where microorganisms break down the organic material in the absence of oxygen. The key aspect that makes biogas environmentally friendly is that the organic matter used for its production would typically decompose naturally, releasing methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. By capturing and utilizing these gases through biogas production, we prevent their uncontrolled release into the environment.
As we discussed deeper into the subject, I discovered that my doubt was misplaced. Biogas deserves its reputation as a green gas due to several compelling reasons.
Assignment 1
Calculations of LPG cost saved per month
Biogas Weight = Biogas Density * Volume of Biogas = 1.15kg/m3 * 200m3 = 23kg
Energy Content of Biogas used = Biogas Weight * Biogas Energy/kg = 23 * 21.5MJ/kg = 494.5 MJ
LPG in kg = Biogas Energy (MJ)/LPG Energy = 494.5MJ/46.1MJ/KG = 10.73kg
LPG saved Monthly = LPG * Cost/Kg = 10.73kg*78rs/kg = 837Rs
Vigyan Ashram saves almost 10.73KG of LPG per month.
