Description:

The first session will go over the basics of Biogas (anaerobic digestion), explain the basic concepts, characteristics and biology/chemistry of the anaerobic digestion process. Actual examples of anaerobic digestion in various forms will be presented detailing feedstocks and by-product end uses. A basic outline for designing a system will be detailed with working examples, and a hands-on experience with our most recently designed low-cost modular system with a construction demonstration and manual. Lastly, each participant will be given a spreadsheet they can use to design their own biogas digester.

On Sunday, we will travel to the Catawba County EcoComplex, an eco-industrial park based on waste management and clean energy development.  We will analyze the landfill gas to energy system on-site and ASU’s integrated biodiesel research facility and crop processing facility.   We will focus on closed-loop system design and address the potential of small-scale biofuel developments on decentralized energy production. 

Cost: $375
ASU Student Cost: $300
Location: Appalachian State University Campus (Saturday) & Catawba County EcoComplex (1/2 day Sunday)

All attendees will receive a Certificate of Completion

Instructors:

Jim Houser
Jeremy Ferrell

Catawba County has partnered with Appalachian State University to create a 7381 square foot center for biodiesel research, development and production.  It is the goal of the Catawba County Regional EcoComplex and Resource Recovery Facility to develop a system that will recover all useable products and by-products from a group of private and public partners located in a close-knit defined area, the EcoComplex. This group of partners will work together to use each other’s waste products either as a source of energy (electricity, steam, or heat) or as a raw material for the production of their own product (pallets, lumber, compost, brick shapes/art).