Analysis of Energy Generation Efficiency and Reliability of a Cogeneration Unit Powered by Biogas

Abstract

Landfill gas recovery and utilisation is a solution which reduces the adverse environmental impact of the landfill. Combined heat and power (CHP) generation improves the energy balance of the facility and enables the optimal management of energy generated from a renewable source. This article aims to analyse the operation of the CHP unit in two aspects, that is, in terms of energy generation efficiency and operational availability. Energy ratios were calculated and the analysis was based on the Weibull distribution in order to assess the CHP unit’s operational reliability to minimise costs and maximise energy production. The results of the investigations and analyses demonstrated an increase of the gas yield by 29.5%, an increase of energy production by approx. 42%, and the reduction of downtime by 28.2% from 2018 to 2022. Studies related to the efficiency and reliability of operation of the cogeneration unit showed an increase in all the main parameters analysed, which resulted in greater energy and operational efficiency. The research which has been conducted is a significant scientific contribution to the optimisation of the “waste-to-energy” process for cogeneration units with the capacity of up to 0.5 MW.