Feasibility Study of Biogas Generated Electricity for the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science at Otterbein University

Manure removal is an important issue for Otterbein University’s Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science. Evaluating alternative methods for manure removal at Otterbein is essential for both economic and green energy initiatives. Two companies who manufacture waste to energy systems, SEaB Energy and Bioferm Energy Systems, were contacted regarding the feasibility for the small-scale anaerobic digesters that they currently market (the Muckbuster and EUCOlino, respectively). Quasar Energy Corporation was also contacted as a possible off-site manure disposal option at their Zanesville large-scale dry digestion facility. Both the Muckbuster and EUCOlino options were determined to be economically infeasible for Otterbein University based on analysis on economic investment versus economic return. The Quasar Energy Corporation option could be economically feasible if Otterbein can provide storage for its manure for three-week intervals and invests in a front-end loader. Implications for this project are that Otterbein could potentially reduce its manure removal costs while supporting a green energy initiative, and that the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science is too small-scale for the small-scale anaerobic digesters that are currently available. An option for further research would be for an Otterbein University systems engineering major to design a custom made anaerobic digester for Otterbein’s equine facility