Bio-iSensor - Online process monitoring of relevant parameters influencing the quality of biogas production by means of intelligent sensors
- Funding period: 01.10.2012 - 31.03.2016
- Participant organisations: 6
- Project funding: 2.600.000 Euro
- BMBF-Project: BioProFi
Biogas generation is a highly complex biotechnological process: Quality and quantity of the produced methane differ significantly, especially when there are diverse biomass substrates involved. Research indicates that biomass composition has a strong influence on the fermentation process, consequently influencing the quality and quantity of the produced biogas. Currently there is little evidence which parameters apply for a constant and effective biogas production. Therefore research and development of measurement and monitoring systems for future integration into biogas plants are becoming increasingly important.
Within the project, scientists are concerned with the identification of relevant parameters influencing biogas production. They are also working on the development of intelligent sensors for process monitoring and controlling to allow an optimal adjustment of the biogas plants, expecting improvements in methane output.
High temporal resolved online and offline data representing characteristic processes of biogas production are required to optimize biogas production. Based on these parameters it is possible to develope robust and efficient strategies for process control. In this context, the project aims to develope and enhance measurement systems for online monitoring in biogas plants:
- Low frequency domain electronical tounges based on impedance spectroscopy for substrate analysis
- Microwave sensors for a non-contact analysis of water and anhydrous mass
- Spectroscopic detection of organic macro molecules and volatile organic fatty acids during liquid phase and gas phase
PATTERN EXPERT provides an analysis software allowing the integration of a multitude of sensor signals into a combined monitoring and controlling system.
Partners:
- Fraunhofer IBP
- Fraunhofer IGB
- Fraunhofer ICT
- DBI Gas- und Umwelttechnik GmbH
- PATTERN EXPERT
- IBA e.V.