Evaluación térmica de grupo electrógeno a biogás BRANCO en la Estación Experimental de Pastos y Forrajes Indio Hatuey

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Abstract

The scope of this work is the thermal assessment of a stationary engine for power generation, fuelled by biogas at the Experimental Station of Pastures and Forages Indio Hatuey (EEPFIH), in order to reach efficient working conditions within a Cuban environment. The assessment was based on the first and second law of thermodynamics, estimating thermal efficiency, specific fuel consumption, exergy efficiency and cost. On the other hand, an engine test bench was settled, which was composed by an expansion device for pressure reduction to near atmospheric, a gas analyzer and a counting, likewise electric resistances to establish the engine load. The optimal work condition was obtained for 3.6 kW of engine load with a 12.32% of efficiency, consuming 1.316 m³/kWh, favorable with biogas use in an Otto cycle engine, and the substitution of gasoline to biogas generates important economic benefits. The engine tested showed good performance to be implemented coupled to small biodigesters, such as those found at a local scale farms.