3 minutes of electric generation from less than 100 liters of biogas

In this video we continue our experiments running a small two stroke engine/electric generator on biogas from kitchen garbage. We learn that the in-line air compressor oilers do not seem to work well and that oiling through the spark plug port to the crankshaft doesn't work for more than a few minutes at a time. We also learn that we can get about 3 minutes of engine time from less than 100 liters of biogas, suggesting that the 1000 liter units in Cairo will give a half an hour. We will verify this when we get to Cairo, using a 4 stroke engine that doesn't suffer lubrication issues. We would still like to know how to get lubrication to a two stroke however, because they are the major engine type in the developing world. Suggestions are invited.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• electricity
• from
• biogas
• kitchen
• garbage.

[arun202464]

i have a problem.... I dont think that you can drive this engine directly from bio gas.... There will be some chemical treatment of gas....

[madjimms]

As one person below commented, you could simply burn it in a steam setup & it would need no complicated carb.

[alcojmar]

try a four stroke engine. that would eliminate your problem with lubricating the engine.. believe you me i come from a third world country and four stroke engines are widely used than two stroke engines..

[tappakeggaday1]

you posted this video back in 2009, I would love to see an update on this after 2 years and what your actual fuel consumption was or is with any modified system you now have.3 minutes on less than 100 liters seems to huge of a loss but I am sure there are better ways to measure what you actually have collected and look forward to seeing what you've come up with

[robert66michel]

how about using a small steam generator and then run the condenser around or thru your digester to keep it warm.

[switchgrassfuel]

good video. I think you could use the gas to run a still and make ethanol. and use ethanol to run your generator. E100 when stored properly will never go bad. I no it would probably take a lot of gas to make ethanol, but a liquid fuel is more transportable and handy to have around. plus it seems more efficient to run gas to a stove than to run it in a generator. I hope to try some experiments someday using biogas to cook with,create electricity, and make fuel grade ethanol.

[BelieveNoGod]

I'm no engineer, but isn't it possible to build a better sealed system ?

As you mentioned in your video you thought you lost about 50% of the gas.

I understand that you are trying to figure out an easy system wich can be installed an run by practicly everyone. But it's a huge loss of energy.

[BelieveNoGod]

We have a 50cc Keeway scooter. It's a 2 stroke engine, but it got it's own oil tank, no need to put oil into the gasoline.

[johnsenkenn]

Use a two stroke engine with a oil pump, then you have solved your oiling problem.

[samuraijack7269]

have you looked into using a sterling engine?