Spatially Explicit Model for Anaerobic Co-Digestion Facilities Location and Pre-Dimensioning Considering Spatial Distribution of Resource Supply and Biogas Yield in Northwest Portugal

Abstract

The high volumes of animal manure and sewage sludge, as a consequence of the development of intensive and specialized cattle dairy farms in peri-urban areas, pose challenges to local environmental quality and demands for systems innovation. Besides these negative impacts, energy recovery from biogas produced in anaerobic co-digestion processes should contribute to local sustainable development. This research considers technical data obtained from the optimization of biomethanization processes using sewage sludge and cattle manure liquid fraction, aiming to develop a spatially explicit model including multicriteria evaluation and an analytical hierarchy process to locate biogas production facilities, allocate energy resources and consider biogas unit pre-dimensioning analysis. According to the biophysical conditions and socioeconomic dynamics of the study area (Vila do Conde, Northwest Portugal), a spatially explicit model using multicriteria and multiobjective techniques allowed the definition of suitable locations, as well as the allocation of resources and support pre-dimensioning of biogas facilities. A p-median model allowed us to allocate resources and pre-dimensioning biogas facilities according to distance and accessibility elements. The results indicate: (i) the location of areas with adequate environmental conditions and socioeconomic suitability advantages to install biogas production facilities, and (ii) the ability to compare the options of centralized or distributed location alternatives and associated pre-dimensioning.

Special Issue on the Intensified Conversion of Organic Waste into Biogas

“…Montes et al [7] assessed the biomethanogenic potential of several wastes and by-products from alcoholic beverage production, indicating that the economic feasibility of anaerobic digestion technologies could depend on the capability of the industries to join forces and create consortiums [7]. Moreover, the implementation of biogas production units may include pre/post-treatments and must consider the logistics of sludge disposal [8]. Coura et al [8] developed a spatially explicit model using an analytical hierarchy process concerning the suitable location and the pre-dimensioning of biogas units in anaerobic co-digestion systems for liquid fraction treatment and valorization of sewage sludge and dairy cattle manure.…”

“…Moreover, the implementation of biogas production units may include pre/post-treatments and must consider the logistics of sludge disposal [8]. Coura et al [8] developed a spatially explicit model using an analytical hierarchy process concerning the suitable location and the pre-dimensioning of biogas units in anaerobic co-digestion systems for liquid fraction treatment and valorization of sewage sludge and dairy cattle manure. This approach will be very useful to decision-makers working towards resources optimization.…”

Fuzzy Clustering With Derivative–Free Search Algorithm for Location of Biogas Energy Systems

“…After obtaining criteria weights with SWARA method, COPRAS method is used for selecting appropriate city t establish a biogas facility. Coura et al (2021), examined high volumes of animal manure and sewage sludge have negative impacts. Therefore, this research considers optimization of biomethanization processes for local environmental quality.…”

Energy Balance of Turbocharged Engines Operating in a WWTP with Thermal Hydrolysis. Co-Digestion Provides the Full Plant Energy Demand

“…Several studies have focused on improving digestion performance of sewage sludge by the application of different techniques, through the addition of supplements [8][9][10], the application of pre-treatments [11][12][13], and co-digestion [14][15][16] as a way of enhancing biogas production and benefiting from the common utilization of plant equipment. The introduction of a pre-treatment unit in an existing digestion plant causes changes in the electrical and thermal demand because of the additional equipment installed.…”