Design, Monitoring, and Application of a Cost-Effective Bioreactor for Biogas Production

This study presents the design and construction of a low-cost bioreactor for biogas production, aimed at regions with abundant organic waste to promote renewable energy use in rural and agricultural communities. The bioreactor is equipped with sensors to monitor critical parameters such as temperature, pH, and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) to ensure efficient anaerobic digestion, using horse manure as the substrate. Operational conditions were evaluated, maintaining pH between 6 and 7, the optimal range for biogas production, and temperature between 30 and 35°C, ideal for methanogenic activity. TDS values fluctuated between 620 and 780 mg/L, revealing a direct relationship with biogas production and emphasizing the importance of maintaining optimal solid concentrations, as excessive solids reduced efficiency. This work demonstrates the feasibility of implementing low-cost bioreactors for biogas generation in rural areas, contributing to sustainable energy recovery and effective organic waste management.