Co-generation Pilot Project

Raw biogas requires treatment before it can be used as a fuel source in conventional internal combustion engines or micro-turbines because it contains high levels of impurities, such as, hydrogen sulphide and siloxane. In this 12-month field test study, the Alberta Capital Region Wastewater Commission (ARCWC) will combust raw biogas in a combined heat and power (CHP) system using a 58 kilowatt (kW) Stirling Cycle external combustion engine. Results from the test will be analyzed to determine the viability and efficiencies (energy, as well as, operations and maintenance) that can be gained by combusting raw biogas in a full-scale system in the range of four megawatts (MW). Estimates suggest that during the test period, the 58 kW unit would consume 337,625 m3 of raw biogas, would generate 438,000 kWh of power per year (for savings of $23,214.00), and would reduce GHG emissions by 355,249 kg by displacing electricity generated at coal-fired plants. A fully implemented CHP system would provide over 50 per cent (an estimated 3,410,400 kWh) of power, 90 per cent of current heating needs (reducing the need to purchase fossil fuel-based power) and a total GHG reduction estimated at approximately 2.5 million kilograms. The annual savings from a fully implemented CHP system is estimated at $100,000.