Advancing Utilization of Manure Methane Digester Electrical Generation

Philip Goodrich, Associate Professor
Vance Morey, Professor
David Schmidt, Assistant Extension Engineer

Funding Source

Legislative Commission on Natural Resources

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of fuel cell/microturbine technology and identify compatible waste streams

Need or Impact

Anaerobic manure digestion is a technology that is very beneficial to farmers and the environment. The Haubenschild Dairy in Princeton, Minnesota, is an exemplary model of the technology and has elevated the interest of livestock producers in manure digesters. The environmental benefits are outstanding and include: 1) reduced odors and emissions, 2) the nutrient properties of the digested manure are enhanced, which also reduces potential for pollution to waters, and 3) reduced reliance on fossil fuels as an energy source. Taken all together, this results in the livestock operation becoming a more sustainable venture.

Project Status

Just underway.