Optimization potential in fermentation plants for biowaste in Baden-Württemberg

For several years the utilization of biodegradable waste in fermentation plants has been increasing. Due to this development it is necessary to evaluate the best use of biodegradable waste and to identify potential optimization for existing plants as well as the design of new plants. Currently there is a lack of long-term, tested, reliable data regarding existing concepts for the respective substrates and actual performance of the systems. 

The aim of the project is to develop an extensive database with specific values on established concepts for biowaste fermentation plants. The database is intended to support project development and planning decisions in the expansion of fermentation capacity and to identify optimization potentials.

Using real plants as an example, a solid database was created with key data on established anaerobic digestion processes for biowaste. Measurements, sampling and data collection at three sites in southern Germany made it possible to draw up detailed energy and material flow balances and to document process operations. The data was collected in close cooperation with the plant operator of the three dry fermentation plants through interviews, material flow analyses, data collection and sampling on site as well as laboratory analyses. Initial optimization potentials can be derived from this data basis. By comparing the three plants with each other, it was possible to discover some major differences. For example, large differences could be identified in the energy consumption of individual aggregates or in the material flow management within the plant. Further optimization potentials and, in some cases, measures have already been derived from these differences.