Biogas and Solar Cell Technology Seminar by XU-ANEC

Seminar Title: Biogas Technology and Solar Cell Basics
Resource Person: Engr. Arnel T. Chavez B.S. Agricultural Engg / Science Research Specialist of XU-ANEC (Xavier University Non-Conventional energy Center ) / In Charge of the Technical Division of the Center
Date: Sept 10, 2008 1:30 PM at the ILIPCO office, Tablon, Cagayan de Oro

Brief Background: XU-ANEC is an extension arm of the Philippine Department of Energy, entrusted to do research, training, consultancy for Renewable Energy Projects. They are based in MANRESA Farms near SEARSOLIN, in the College of Agriculture research farm of Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro.

Description: There was a brief intro to XU-ANEC and then a presentation on Biogas Production ( can also he found in APPROPEDIA wiki here) . This was a shortened seminar from the same XU-ANEC presentation, which was then a 2 day seminar on How to Construct a Fixed Dome Hollow Block Biogas Unit. A brief description was given on the process of Methane Production, the yields of each material used for biogas, from Cattle Dung, Pig Dung, Green Grass ( Which can produce a SURPRISINGLY high enough amount of methane, similar to Pig Dung).
Cost estimates for FIXED DOME Digesters a few years ago was 5,000 to 6,000 pesos per cubic meter, but has now increased to P 10,000 to 12,000 per cu. m.

I mentioned that There were also HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) Biogas Digesters, which could cover more ground (and might be cheaper to construct). Engr. Arnel said that these are Landfill type Biogas digesters for really large scale systems (He mentioned earlier that the fixed dome would be cost effective, in this case, for at least a 10 sow strong piggery). He mentioned that Fixed Domes were long lasting and that there were other D.A. (Dept. of Agriculture) Digesters made of LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene Plastic) called TUBE Digesters, but would last only 5 years.

There were many interested people in the seminar ranging from Cattle Ranchers, Pig Farmers. One farmer wanted to know if she could use Biogas to power her mining operation beside her Piggery. Many people wanted to get the plans and wanted to know how much was consultancy. Engr. Chavez said (since they were from the Dept. of Energy), consultancy and construction supervision would be a free service, an outreach, and the plans for the fixed dome were available in their MANRESA office.

The next presentation was on Solar Cell Technology Basics. they should a basic system used in a Home, with the Solar Cell panels (Solar Collectors) , Deep Cycle Batteries ( MOTOLITE was their only brand of choice) , the Charge Controller ( which determines if the batteries are charge enough, and acts as a current controller, swithing electricity use between Solar cell at day, and Batteries at Night). Solar Cells run on DC Current, so they have to be changed to AC Current once it reaches the House.

They also showed the Solar Array (meaning large amounts of Soalr Cells) of the CEPALCO 1 MW Solar Cell Facility in Indahag, near Cagayan de Oro City. This was touted to be one of the 10 biggest Solar Power Plants in Asia.

Comment: Most of these technologies, the Fixed Dome Biogas Digester, the Solar Cells, are now the mainstream types of renewable energy devices. They are fairly old but have been carefully studied by the Cagayan de Oro Engineers for some time now. Other kinds of Biogas Digesters (mostly plastic), and Solar Cells ( which do not need expensive Photolithograpy - Microchip making facilties, but only special, cheaper printer-like facilities using a cheaper semiconductor "ink" ) are now coming into the commercial stage. Nonetheless at Oil hovering at around US$ 100+ per barrel, all these options are almost, or are already cost effective alternatives.

That's all for now. Back to work.