Yusufu Luka, Hassan Ahmed Saddiq, Abdulhalim Musa ABUBAKAR, Nathan Akucha Naandeti

Excel Solver Aided Biogas Kinetics Computation for Varied Ratio Co-digestion of Cassava Peels with Chicken Manure

Introduction

Excel solver aided biogas kinetics computation for varied ratio co-digestion of cassava peels with chicken manure. Optimize biogas production from cassava peels & chicken manure co-digestion. Excel Solver models kinetics, finding optimal ratios & improving digester efficiency for waste-to-energy.

Abstract

The co-digestion of cassava peels (CP) and chicken manure (CM) offers a sustainable approach to biogas production, but optimizing process conditions and kinetic modeling remains crucial for efficiency. This study employed Excel Solver to estimate kinetic parameters in the modified Gompertz and Cone models for three different CP:CM ratios (1:1, 1:3, and 3:1) under mesophilic conditions (ambient temperature) and a retention time of 40 days. Anaerobic digestion (AD) was conducted in 4 L batch digesters with a 2 L working volume. Results showed that the 1:3 CP:CM ratio produced the highest cumulative biogas yield (0.25 m³) from experiment, outperforming the other ratios (1:1 = 0.2384 m3 & 3:1 = 0.1576 m3). At the optimal ratio, the modified-Gompertz model exhibited a superior fit (R² = 0.9684) compared to the Cone model (R² = 0.7586), with lower SSE values (2.157 vs. 16.503, respectively), confirming its reliability in capturing microbial adaptation and substrate degradation dynamics. The estimated parameters—biogas production potential (BP = 0.2076 m³), maximum production rate (k = 0.0226 m³/day), and lag phase (λ = 3.4 days)—highlighted the significance of nitrogen balance in optimizing biogas yield. The kinetic study is essential for predicting biogas production trends, optimizing digester performance, and designing efficient biogas systems, while Excel Solver provided is a user-friendly tool for nonlinear regression, eliminating the need for specialized statistical software. This study reinforces the potential of kinetic modeling and computational optimization in enhancing AD processes, paving the way for improved waste-to-energy conversion. 

Review

The study, "Excel Solver Aided Biogas Kinetics Computation for Varied Ratio Co-digestion of Cassava Peels with Chicken Manure," addresses a critical area in sustainable energy production: optimizing biogas generation from agricultural waste streams. By investigating the co-digestion of cassava peels and chicken manure, the authors explore a practical approach to waste-to-energy conversion. A notable strength of this research is its innovative use of Excel Solver for kinetic parameter estimation, making sophisticated modeling more accessible and reducing reliance on specialized statistical software. This user-friendly computational strategy significantly enhances the practical applicability of the findings for a broader audience of researchers and industry practitioners. Methodologically, the research employed 4 L batch digesters with a 2 L working volume under mesophilic ambient conditions over a 40-day retention period. Three different CP:CM ratios (1:1, 1:3, and 3:1) were systematically evaluated. The experimental results clearly identified the 1:3 CP:CM ratio as optimal, yielding the highest cumulative biogas production of 0.25 m³. Subsequent kinetic modeling, comparing the modified Gompertz and Cone models, demonstrated the superior fit of the modified Gompertz model (R² = 0.9684, SSE = 2.157). From this model, crucial kinetic parameters were estimated: biogas production potential (BP = 0.2076 m³), maximum production rate (k = 0.0226 m³/day), and lag phase (λ = 3.4 days), underscoring the critical role of nitrogen balance in process optimization. This research offers valuable insights for enhancing anaerobic digestion efficiency, particularly by identifying an optimal co-digestion ratio for common agricultural wastes. The successful application of Excel Solver as an accessible tool for complex kinetic modeling represents a significant contribution, lowering barriers to entry for advanced data analysis in biogas research. The derived kinetic parameters are essential for predicting biogas production trends and informing the design of more efficient digester systems. While the study effectively demonstrates the potential of integrated experimental and computational approaches, specifying the precise range of "ambient temperature" and providing contextual data such as organic loading rates could further enrich the data's utility. Nevertheless, this work strongly reinforces the importance of kinetic modeling and computational optimization in advancing waste-to-energy conversion processes.

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