DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

3D-printed gas turbines for efficient conversion of biogas to power in rural communities of the Global South

Project disclaimer

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Description

HyperGen through this project aims to adapt a novel design of Micro Gas Turbine (MGT) for use with biogas from Anaerobic Digestion (AD) by developing a Multi Fuel Injector (MFI) that can handle a variety of fuels, e.g., pure biogas, BioLPG, or diesel. The HyperGen MGT (HMGT) is aimed at competing with Piston Engine Generators, particularly diesel (DPGs) in small scale applications (<500kW). MGTs are simpler, lower maintenance, cleaner emission, and easier to multifuel. HyperGen's platform goes further by providing a basis for significantly higher efficiency and adopting a wide array of fuels, whilst providing consumers with affordable, reliable, low carbon electricity. This project focuses specifically on working with biogas and developing resilience to the corrosive biogas combustion gases through material testing and less interference between biogas and corrodible surfaces. The MFI is critical in ensuring a smooth transition to low carbon fuels given the dearth of availability of small-scale engines for operation on pure biogas without added diesel. The MGT could provide an alternative to DPG in minigrids, including solar PV ones in developing countries. Biogas storage is cheaper than batteries and cleaner than diesel for peak or back-up generation. This project will focus on farm cooperatives in Malawi that are supported by our partner Malawi Fruit. These communities currently have very limited access to electricity. Malawi Fruits will provide a consumer view on competing technologies and assess how access to 24/7 clean power from MGT could change the lives of these farmers. Production of biogas for cooking and fertilizer from Anaerobic Digestion is also a likely side benefit that could be deployed early on. The project will 1) Deliver a working MFI and conceptual design of Balance of Plant around the MFI/MGT (from biogas to heat and power) adapted to the feedstocks for biogas available on Malawian cooperatives. 2) Investigate methods allowing the MFI/MGT to handle the corrosive biogas, while maintaining energy efficiency. This may include biogas purification e.g., zinc oxide bed, filtration, the challenge being that these methods must be adapted if applied in the field in Malawi or ODA countries in a continuation project. 3) Assess resources, energy needs and attitudes of Malawian farming community through surveys and workshops conducted by Malawi Fruits. This will inform Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) when specifying the whole plant around feedstock availability and collection, as well as uses for the biogas and waste heat beyond power generation.

Objectives

This activity is funded under the Energy Catalyst Programme. The Energy Catalyst programme supports innovative businesses and organisations to find new commercial solutions that help provide clean, affordable and secure energy in sub-Saharan Africa, South and South East Asia. It will support highly innovative, market-focused energy solutions in any technology or sector. They must be targeted at people, public services and local enterprises who are unable to afford or access existing solutions, or who lack the the time or expertise to successfully use those solutions. Grant funding will be provided to support businesses to undertake research, development and innovation activity on innovative products or services, business models and processes. Incubation support will also be provided to help some of the businesses to take their innovations to market faster, as well as further support to enable access to investors and customers and maximise the potential created.

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Location

The country, countries or regions that benefit from this Programme.

Malawi

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