Within a year, DEIF’s anti-knocking module saved us more than 7,000 euros
Self-sufficient biogas plant supplies the grid 24/7
With 650 sows, 20,000 slaughter pigs per year, a total reactor size of 11,500 m3, and a top-notch gas engine controller with anti-knocking regulator, Nimtofte Biogas has hit the success formula. By fueling the gas engine with biogas extracted from the piggery’s dung, the plant produces 3 GWh yearly for the grid corresponding to 600 households – and utilises the surplus heat to warm the pigsty and other buildings.
In 2015, Nimtofte Biogas decided to upgrade the plant’s 15 year old and worn-out engine and an outdated power management system. The owner, Kristian Thorsen, therefore began searching the market for new solutions. “Due to the varying quality of biogas, we prioritised the possibility of continuous fine-tuning when selecting the new solution. It is our experience that fine-tuning is essential to obtain optimum utilisation of the biomass”, Thorsen explains and continues.
“Fine-tuning also minimises consequential losses because it enables us to intervene and make adjustments rather quickly”. Ultimately, Kristian Thorsen ended up choosing the power management solution from DEIF because of its flexibility and almost endless possibilities to fine-tune. “It has become quite a sport to us to optimise the plant in order to secure the largest contribution margin. Obviously, this hunt for the last marginal demands both ability and willingness to acquaint oneself with the technical side of the system – but don’t forget… The last marginal holds the key to optimise your profit”, says Kristian Thorsen.
Easier daily operation
Almost a year after commissioning, Thorsen takes stock of Nimtofte Biogas’ experiences and achievements with the new solution. “I am very satisfied with DEIF’s power management system and how it integrates with the rest of the biogas plant. The DM 400 is virtually self-optimising, which has made the daily operation much easier and unproblematic. Additionally, if anything goes wrong, I am notified via SMS. That allows me to focus on other things”, he says.
»With the old system, we had a 34% efficiency ratio. The new system has elevated this to just below 39%. For a period, we have even been constantly above 40%.«
Steffen Thorsen
Chief engineer | Nimtofte Biogas
Anti-knocking for protection and optimum utilisation
Initially, Nimtofte Biogas invested in the power management solution only. Shortly after that, they decided to look further into adding an engine anti-knocking module to it. Again, this stemmed from a desire to further optimise the engine running conditions and – in the end – the output performance. By adding glycerine, you can raise the octane rating, thereby improving the combustion process. However, operating close to the upper limit of the engine also increases the risk of engine knocking.
"Adding DEIF’s anti-knocking module to our control solution has already prevented two gas engine breakdowns. Because of biogas impurities, the air intake valve was stuck – this was detected by the AKR which stopped the engine immediately to prevent damage. The regulator constantly monitors and adjusts if necessary”, Steffen Thorsen, chief engineer of Nimtofte Biogas, explains.
Power Efficiency
Efficiency improvement cuts payback time
The installation of the new and contemporary solution not only brings easier operation. Nimtofte Biogas has also registered a considerable efficiency improvement.
“With the old system, we had a 34% efficiency ratio. The new system has elevated this to just below 39%. For a period, we have even been constantly above 40%”, Steffen Thorsen states.
Kristian Thorsen attributes the main part of the progress to the new RMG gas mixer and the power management system from DEIF. Due to the optimised efficiency of the entire plant, he estimates a return on investment equal to approximately one year.
Asked directly if he believes the DEIF controlled solution has led to specific cost saving advantages, Kristian Thorsen replies that due to the flexible controller he and his staff face practically no downtime and less service checks.
As a day of downtime costs around 1,800 Euros in total, it is absolutely crucial that the system remains in operation all the time. High commitment and constructive dialogue Kristian Thorsen describes the commissioning period of the anti-knocking system as a bit challenging because it was a new solution and a first in terms of combining Nimtofte Biogas’ specific engine type with DEIF’s regulator.
“On the other hand, that gave me the opportunity to experience the high level of engagement of DEIF’s project team. Really dedicated and focused on finding the right solution. Our dialogue has been and remains very positive. I feel our input is appreciated and taken seriously. A gas engine breakdown easily costs more than EUR 2,500 in repairs and EUR 1,200 per day out of operation. Within the first year, the AKR from DEIF saved us twice that amount." Kristian Thorsen, owner Nimtofte Biogas.
Related Products
Systèmes intégrés DM 400 gas
- Moteur à gaz et générateur : contrôle, protection, synchronisation et répartition de charge pour la puissance active et la puissance réactive
- Protection du réseau incluant la détection perte de secteur
- Contrôle des systèmes auxiliaires : mélange et circuit des gaz, circuits air/gaz d’échappement, circuits de refroidissement/refroidissement d’urgence, etc.
- Contrôle des émissions et communication avec le système d’allumage (Altronic CD200, Heinzmann Phlox 2 et autres)
- Interface PC tactile avec diagramme de flux animés, journaux, etc., pour faciliter la supervision de l’ensemble du CHP (locale et à distance)
