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Power from Farm Animals System Technology--Altex Technologies Corporation, 650 Nuttman Street, Suite 114, Santa Clara, CA 95054-2620; 408-982-2303
Dr. John T. Kelly, Principal Investigator
Dr. Mehdi Namazian, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-99ER82738
Amount: $99,998
Animal wastes are an environmental problem, particularly in feed lot areas where animals are concentrated. If the wastes could be upgraded to a fuel and burned in efficient small-scale engines, high value electric power could be produced, while mitigating environmental problems. This project will develop a small-scale power generation method to pretreat and combust the animal waste, so that reliable and low cost electric power can be generated using existing engines. Preliminary economic analyses have shown that the concept will be competitive in geographical areas of interest. In Phase I, animal waste power generation opportunities will be identified and concept designs will be prepared to address those opportunities. Available test equipment will be utilized to fill in key data gaps. Test results will then be used to update the concept design and, with the support of manufacturers, an economic analysis will be performed to show feasibility. In Phase II, pilot-scale tests will be combined with economic analyses to prove viability.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The concept should allow for the generation of electric power from animal wastes, primarily in remote rural areas in the U.S. and abroad. Over 100 million of tons of animal wastes will be beneficially used, thereby reducing ground and water environmental problems. Also, burning of the renewable waste will reduce CO2 greenhouse gas emissions by over 100 million tons. These substantial benefits should be accomplished at a competitive cost.