Case Study: Michigan State UniversityRenewable energy generation from food waste, biosolids and manure

The Michigan State University Facility will generate 450kW of renewable electricity, when complete in 2013, from campus cafeteria waste, food processing waste, biosolids and manure to replace coal power on the main campus.

Energy Generation from organic wastes

Substrate Recept ion

Food waste, biosolids and manure will be delivered to

separate in-ground concrete reception pits with integrated

mixers via trucks. Food substrates will be sent to a

pasteurization system prior to being sent to the mixing

tank with the manure and biosolids.

Renewable Energy Produc t ion

The biogas produced will be dried and purified prior to

being converted into electricity using CHP systems to

produce 460kW of base load power. The electricity will be

wheeled through the local utility fto the main campus.

Anaerobic Digest ion

The facility utilizes a single tank digester system equiped

with hydraulic submersible motors and service boxes to

ensure for improved safety, efficiency and ease of

maintenance.

Fer t i l izer & Bedding Produc t ion

Digestate will through a filter screw press separator that

separates the fiber from the liquid streams. The fiber will be

used for bedding or fertilizer products while the filtrate is

pumped to a storage tank with 9 months storage for use by

local farms.

www.anaergia.com

Projec t G oal

Inputs Renewable Outputs

Pro cess D escription

Anaergia was awarded the design and construction of an

anaerobic digestion system on the Michigan State

University Campus in East Lansing Michigan. The university

is one of the largest in the United States with over 48,000

students and 5,000 faculty members.

The anaerobic digestion system, once complete in 2013, will

convert over 16,800 tons per year of food waste, waste

activated sludge and animal manures into renewable

energy. The clean energy is used on the main campus to

replace coal power.

Revenues are also generated for the university through

tipping fees for accepting waste from local food processors

and through the sale of fertilizer and bedding products.

Cafeteria Waste

Food Processing Waste

Waste Activated Sludge (WAS)

Miscellaneous Waste

790 gallons per day

2,560 gallons per day

13,100 gallons per day

1,640 gallons per day

Renewable Electricity

Renewable Heat

Fertilizer

460 kW

540 kW

Liquid

Manure

Food Processing Waste

Anaerobic Digestion

CHP ElectricityBiogasTreatment

Biogas

CampusWastewater

Fertilizer Sales Crop Spreading

Digestate

Cafeteria Waste