Methane Gas ( CH4 ) as Alternative Source of
Renewable Energy
A Research Proposal Submitted to
The Faculty of the School of EECE
Mapua Institute of Technology
In Partial Fulfillment of
The Requirements of the Degree of Bachelor Science of Electrical
Engineering
By
Miraflores, Vincent
Samarita, Dan Ehrald
Ulitin, Dave Everlee
Engr. George Vallestero
June 2009
APPROVAL SHEET
This is to certify that we have supervised the preparation of and ready the practicum paper
prepared by Miraflores Vincent, Samarita Dan Ehrald, and Ulitin Dave Everlee entitled
“Methane Gas as Alternative Source of Renewable Energy” and that the said research
proposal has been submitted for final examination by the Oral Examination
Engr.George C. Vallestero
Academic Adviser
As members of the Oral Examination Committee, we certify that we have examined this research
proposal presented before the committee on June 16, 2009 and hereby recommend it to be
accepted as partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree in Bachelor of Science in
Electrical Engineering.
Engr. Federico V. Cudia
Panel Member 1
Engr. Maria Criselda Loyola
Panel Member 2
This research is hereby approved and accepted by the School of EE-ECE-CoE as partial
fulfillment of the requirement for the degree in Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.
Engr. Felicito S Caluyo
Dean, School of EECE
Acknowledgments
First of all we would like to thank God Almighty for giving us strength and intelligence
to make this research somehow a small achievement in our part. Engr. George C. Vallestero for
guiding us and providing us sufficient instructions about our chosen topic. To our parents, for
their love, support and patience in giving us additional for this study and to our beloved friends
who makes us happy every time we work on this study.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preliminaries
Approval Sheet
i
Acknowledgement
ii
Table of Contents
iii-iv
Research Study
Chapter I: Introduction
Background of the study
1
Statement of the problem
1
Objectives of the Study
1
Hypothesis
1
Scope and Delimitation
2
Significance of the study
2
Chapter II: Review of Related Literature and Conceptual Framework
Introduction
3
Local Literature
3-5
Foreign Literature
6-8
Conceptual Framework
9
Definition of Terms
10
Chapter III: Methodology of Research
Introduction-
11-12
Research Design
13-18
Statistical Data
19-22
Appendices;
Sample Survey
References
Interview Questions
Researchers Profile
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Landfill gas is generated as a result of decomposition of solid waste in landfills. Landfill
gas primarily consists of carbon dioxide and methane. Both carbon dioxide and methane gas are
considered as a form of greenhouse gas that leads to global warming. Since all landfills generate
methane, it makes perfect sense to use this landfill gas for energy generation rather than emitting
it to the atmosphere.
Methane gas is a form of greenhouse gas that is over 20 times more effective than carbon
dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere. Methane gas can remain in the atmosphere for about
9 to 15 years.
This research aims to provide information and awareness to the people on the details on
how methane gas can be use as alternative source of renewable energy and to know what
appropriate way of converting methane gas into renewable energy.
The objective of the research is to study that methane gas energy does not have to be
harmful in any way, and can be produced in a friendly way to both mankind and the earth.
The importance of this study is to know that landfill gas for energy is a win opportunity.
Landfill gas emitted from decomposing garbage is a reliable and renewable fuel option that
remains largely untapped at many landfills
This research covers data regarding Methane gas as energy source that methane gas is
also a primary component of natural gas and an important energy source. As a result, efforts to
prevent or utilize methane emissions can provide significant economic, energy and
environmental benefits.
CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents literature and studies of local and foreign origin discussing the
theories and supposition about the application of methane gas as alternative source for renewable
energy.
It provides readers information about previous and relevant topics to the process of study.
It provides the findings and conclusion of previous investigation which may be related to the
finding and conclusion of the research.
LOCAL LITERATURE
The Philippines has numerous opportunities for methane capture and reuse projects in
agricultural waste and landfill gas extraction and utilization. The Philippines’ experience in
promoting agricultural biogas systems in the countryside will be a relevant factor in further
improving the technology’s viability. The Philippines will also contribute its experience in
landfill gas assessment and extraction arising from its pilot trial on existing sanitary landfills and
dump sites. Additional opportunities may arise in the form of dispatch of experts, technology
deployment, training and capacity building, tools and databases with information on methane
emissions, and potential sites for country-wide methane reduction programs.
Based on data in EPA's Global Anthropogenic Emissions of Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases report,
in 2005, Philippines's estimated anthropogenic methane emissions ranked 32nd in the world.
Approximately 18 percent of its anthropogenic methane emissions—7.1 MMTCO2E—come
from agriculture (manure management), coal mines, and landfills.
The Philippines has urged the international community to adopt the necessary measures to
reduce drastically global greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 80 percent if low-lying and
archipelagic countries like the Philippines are to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
Presidential Adviser on Climate Change Secretary Heherson Alvarez said this was the instruction
of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo given to him before he left last month for the March 29April 28 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Bonn,
Germany.
“The President has given instruction to move for an 80 percent cut (of greenhouse gas emissions)
which we filed and re-substantiated with the resolution we filed in Bonn recently,” The Bonn
proposal will be presented and voted upon by nations at the Conference of Parties (COP-15) in
Copenhagen this December 2009.
Other archipelagic countries, including Vietnam and Indonesia, have expressed strong support
for the Philippine proposal, Alvarez said.
Alvarez briefed the President on the Philippines’ call for the international community to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions during her visit to the Quezon City Controlled Disposal Facility at
Barangay Payatas this morning which was attended by 142 barangay chairmen of Quezon City.
The project also provides free electricity to two major streets in Barangay Payatas and the
Plantsahan ng Bayan, where residents iron their clothes for free.
According to a study by the Renewable Energy Coalition, the Philippines produces over 264,228
megawatts via renewable energy sources. Here’s the breakdown that actually totals more:

Geothermal - 4,531 MW

Hydro electric - 13,097 MW

Wind -76,600 MW

Wave - 170,000 MW

Biomass - 277 Million Barrels Fuel Oil equivalent (MBFOE)/year

Solar Power - 5 ~ 5.1 KwH per square meter per day.
renewable energy in the Philippines suffers from reliability problems. While Geothermal and
Hydroelectric are relatively constant, you can’t count on Wind to always blow, for waves to
always be strong, and the sun to always shine. Maybe that’s why this significant amount of
capacity hasn’t filtered down into the general energy usage of Philippine society.
FOREIGN LITERATURE
Methane is a gas and is the main component of natural gas. Methane’s molecular formula
is CH4. When it is burned, it produces water and carbon dioxide as byproducts. It can burn only
when mixed with oxygen. As it is relatively abundant and clean when burning, methane is a quite
attractive fuel source. However, its transportation is associated with some difficulty as it is a gas.
Usually, it is transported via pipelines with only a few countries that use trucks for transport.
Most of us know how methane smells if we have a gas oven at home, but methane is actually an
odorless gas. The smell many of us associate with this gas is actually an artificial odor added to
the gas to provide a signal in case of a leak.
By burning methane in gas turbines or steam boilers, the gas is used for electricity production.
Many homes have methane gas piped in, which is used for heating systems and cooking
appliances. Its energy content equals to 39 megajoules per cubic meter. Methane is also used as a
fuel for vehicles. Before it can be used for that purpose, it needs to be compressed. It is
considered to be environmentally friendly, even friendlier than petroleum and diesel fuels.
Interesting research is being conducted by NASA regarding methane as a potential rocket fuel. A
positive conclusion was found about methane. It can be found in many parts of our universe,
meaning that it’s extremely abundant. This means, of course, that methane could be collected onthe-spot and used accordingly.
Methane is also used in the chemical industry. Hydrogen, acetic acid and methanol are also
produced using methane. Methane’s boiling point is 161 degrees Celsius under a pressure of 1
atmosphere. This gas is flammable when its concentration is between 5 and 15 percent. If it is in
liquid form, methane may burn only at the pressure of 4 to 5 atmospheres.
Another important point about methane is that it can be harmful to human health and is a
contributing factor to global warming. Even though methane is non-toxic when it doesn’t reach
its explosive limit of five percent, it can be a dangerous asphyxiant. Asphyxiants cause oxygen
deprivation, which happens when oxygen is superseded by methane. The minimal presence of
oxygen in air should be not less than 18 percent.
Liquefied methane, which is used in refrigerators, may cause frostbite. In this case, the skin
becomes waxy, white or yellow. Tissue death may occur if the frostbite is severe enough.
Needless to say, contact with the eyes may result in even worse effects. Another thread is
associated with the abundance of landfills. The matter is that methane is being produced in
landfills as well from decaying organic matter. Soil allows methane to migrate underground,
which may cause an explosion hazard in adjacent homes. Methane travels through soil into
basements. This is why methane monitors should be used on and near landfills where methane is
being released. Such monitors burn methane off avoiding its spreading and underground
migrating. Today, just about every waste collector is examining its fleet of trucks to conserve
energy. That includes working with manufacturers to develop more fuel efficient, cleanerburning vehicles powered with alternative fuels and using hybrid engines,” said Parker. Hybrid
technology is particularly promising for garbage trucks because of their stop-and-go nature.
“The industry has for years invested in trucks fueled by liquefied natural gas, ultra-low sulfur
fuel and other low-emission fuels. Now, many operators are looking to alternative fuels like
biodiesel and even methane gas from landfills to run their trucks,” said Parker. Both alternative
fuel and hybrid trucks have been used in many cities, including San Diego, San Francisco,
Seattle, Fort Worth and Denver.
“Landfill-gas-to-energy projects address global warming by capturing methane, which is a
greenhouse gas,” Parker noted.
The EPA estimates that using methane as renewable, “green” energy brings environmental and
energy benefits equivalent to eliminating the CO2emissions of 195 million barrels of oil a year.
The Nobel Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has noted that
landfill-gas recovery directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Recycling and composting offer another greenhouse-reduction success story. The industry
recycled or composted slightly more than one third of all municipal solid wastes in 2007,
conserving precious resources, protecting air and water from potential pollution and leading to a
2.5 percent reduction in America’s total greenhouse gas emissions
“The solid waste industry is proud of its environmental achievements, but we’re not sitting on
our laurels. Independent research determined that between 1974 and 1997, greenhouse gas
emissions from solid waste and recycling declined by 78 percent, even while waste generation
increased by 70 percent. Our collective efforts have made a difference, and we continue to raise
the bar,” said Parker.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
The main concept of the study is methane Gas as Alternative Source of Renewable
Energy. The study utilizes the input, process of the study and output models as shown.
Input
Process of study
Output

Periodical Articles

Data gathering


Book Sources

Data analysis
gas as a renewable

Internet sources

Data
energy source

Seminars
Use of Methane
interpretation
The researcher considered the factors affecting the Methane Gas as Alternative Source of
Renewable Energy with regards to the use of energy source and these are the following; internet
sources, periodical articles, books, seminar attended. To determine Methane Gas as Alternative
Source of Renewable Energy, data must be gathered and processed. The data that will be
gathered would be very important for the development of the study. They are necessary to be
able to search the possible solutions to the problems stated. Collection of data can also be
achieved through researching and reading some articles from the internet. After gathering and
processing the necessary data, these must be analyzed. After all the processes states,
interpretation of the results will be designed to be able to state the conclusion and make some
recommendations.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Biogas - typically refers to a gas produced by the biological breakdown of organic matter in the
absence of oxygen. Biogas originates from biogenic material and is a type of biofuel.
Greenhouse gases - are gases in an atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation within the thermal
infrared range. This process is the fundamental cause of the greenhouse effect.
Methane - is a chemical compound with the molecular formula CH4. It is the simplest alkane, and
the principal component of natural gas.
EPA - Environmental Protection Agency
NSWMA - National Solid Waste Management Association
UNFCCC - United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
IPCC - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Asphyxia - is a condition of severely deficient supply of oxygen to the body that arises from
being unable to breathe normally. An example of asphyxia is choking.
Methanogenic bacteria - are archaea that produce methane as a metabolic byproduct in anoxic
conditions. They are common in wetlands.
CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
Introduction
This chapter presents the methodology to be used in this study. Descriptive method is
being used in the study. It is a method that describes what actually exists on the present time of
study such as practices, description, an analysis and interpretation of current conditions.
Research Design is presented and serves as a guide in doing the Research. It is also
presents the research Instruments and procedure as well as the research tool to be used in the
study.
Identification of the
Problem “Methane Gas
as Alternative Source of
Renewable Energy”
Conclusion and
Recommendations
Analyzing the situation and
planning of methods to be use
Research Materials
Used
Figure 3.1
In order for us to obtain results, we take some research materials like internet, books, periodicals
and seminars this are the data we gathered
Biogas Production
Conversion of organic waste from agriculture, livestock, industries, domestics and
other human activities into energy and bio-fertilizer by anaerobic process (strictly
no oxygen).Produced by methanogenicbacteria The use of biogas as energy and
fertilizer sources can lead to better environment, health and other socio-economic
gains.
Biogas Composition
Composed of 50 to 70 percent methane, 30 to 40 percent carbon dioxide and low
amount of other gases as hydrogen, nitrogen, hydrogen sulphide and water vapour.
Why Scrub?
-
CO2and N2 are inert which are fillers and add nothing to biogas as an
energy source
CO2and N2also dilute the energy in the biogas,
A liter of 66% methane biogas = 5.3 calories of heat energy, equivalent
to 590 BTU/ft3, whereas,
A liter of pure CH4= 8 calories of available heat energy equivalent to
900 BTU/ft3
Removal of the inert ingredients will result to smaller storage facility which
will be less expensive
BLOCK DIAGRAM
Biogas Digester
“Waste Source”
13 hp gasoline fed
generator “Electricity
generation”
Compressor
“Processing the
waste”
Use of scrubbers
“Used for filtering
CO2 and N2”
Figure 3.2
Biogas Sampling
Raw biogas (unscrubbed) from the
18 m3biogas digester.
Scrubbed biogas from the 500 liter
capacity gas storage tanks.
The unscrubbedand scrubbed biogas were
collected using a gas sampling plastic bag.
Biogas Qualitative Analysis
The quality of biogas was analyzed using
an Orsat Gas Analyzer.
THE PURIFICATION PROCESS
18 m3Biogas Digester
Compressor
Converted 13hp gasoline fed
Generator
Series of scrubbers
Storage tanks for scrubbed
biogas
Electricity Generation
for lighting, refrigeration,
and computer operation
Biogas Digester
Biogas digester are semi-continuous type made
of concrete outer and inner walls, has an inlet and
outlet pipes for loading and discharge of solid waste
and slurry. Fitted with gas holder made of gauge 16
iron sheet for biogas collection. Has a water seal to
prevent the scape of gas.
Gas Holder
GAS
HOLDER
The Scrubbers
-
Consisting of 4 units of 8 inches diameter
PVC pipes each of 50 liter capacity.
-
It is either packed with:
- NaOHflakes for the removal of CO2
- Iron fillings for the removal of H2S
Technical Design of the Scrubber
Biogas Storage Tanks
Consisting of 2 units of 500 liter capacity steel
tanks with movable gas holder It is water sealed
to prevent the escape of gas. Provided with gas
inlet and outlet pipes for the inflow and outflow
of gas into the generator.
13 hp Hybrid Type Generator
Installation of the Converter
Electricity Utilization
About 2.5 m3scrubbed biogas was used to fuel the modified generator and produced a 220 V that
power some electrical appliances such as exhaust fan, light, refrigerator and industrial fan for 1
hour.
Qualitative Analysis of Raw Biogas
Biogas Source
18 m3 biogas demo
Facility
Portable biogas digester
Biogas Composition
(%)
Methane
(CH4)
70
65
Carbon Dioxide
(CO2)
30
35
Respondents
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q5
Q6
Q7
Q8
Q9
Q10
total
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Total
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
0
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
0
1
1
0
1
0
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
1
0
9
6
Statistical Data
7
9
9
7
7
9
6
6
Summary : Yes = 1; No = 0
Total Tally:
Yes = 75
No = 25
Correlation Summary using Pearson Correlation:
Respondents
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Total
x
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
6
y
9
10
7
3
5
1
2
7
9
5
58
x2
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
6
y2
81
100
49
9
25
1
4
49
81
25
424
xy
9
10
7
0
5
0
0
7
9
0
47
9
10
7
7
5
9
8
7
9
5
76
n
10
∑X
6
∑X 2
6
∑Y
58
∑Y2
424
r
0.8414
The Purpose of this survey is to know what the reactions of selected citizens of Manila,
Regarding the implementation and effects of “methane gas as renewable source”.
EE018D / B6
Name:__________________________________
Occupation:________________________________
Directions: Kindly put 1 if yes and 0 if No in the box reference to your desired compliance.
1. Are you aware of as Renewable
Energy source “methane gas”?
2. Do you think methane gas is more efficient
To use than any other renewable energy source?
3. Do you think methane gas is much economical
To use than any other renewable energy source?
4. Do you think using Methane gas as new source of
Energy will improve the status of our economy?
5. Are you in favor of using methane gas as renewable
Energy source?
6. Some companies are against Methane gas as renewable
Energy source, are you willing to help the country to
Implement the use of methane gas as new energy source?
7. Do you think that the implementation of methane gas will
Make our world a better place to live in?
8. The Price of Energy cost is increasing, do you think
That methane gas as renewable source is the solution to
This problem?
9, Do you think it is helpful in our environment
to use Methane gas?
10. Do you think that the implementation of methane gas
Will increase the employment status in our country?
Comments and Suggestions:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Appendices
DAVE EVERLEE A. ULITIN
Address: 1217 Sta. Clara St. Sampaloc Manila
Mobile Number: 09276536150
Email Address: [email protected]
CAREER OBJECTIVE:
To be accepted in a company that would allow me to practice my knowledge and skills in the field of
Electrical Engineering, and consequently gain further information on the same discipline.
SKILLS

Proficient in different Software like Microsoft Office, Microsoft Visio, Knowledgeable in AutoCAD, EDraw Software, Tina Pro, Pspice OrCAD, MatLab, Motor Control, Electrical Design, Electrical Relays,
Power System Protection, Surge Protection.
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Tertiary:
2004 – Present Electrical Engineering
Mapua Institute of Technology
Intramuros Manila
Secondary:
2000 – 2004
La Consolacion – Tanauan
Tanauan City, Batangas
PERSONAL DATA
Born in Laurel, Batangas on March 19, 1987. Single, Filipino citizenship, Roman
Catholic. Can communicate in English and Filipino. Knows how to drive. Likes playing
basketball and listening to music. Dependable, responsible and hardworking. Can work with
minimal supervision.
REFERENCES : Available Upon Request
DAN EHRALD G. SAMARITA
Address: 9D-Dama De Noche Ext. Manuela Las Pinas City
Telephone Number: (02) 501-61-84
Mobile Number: 09063231296
Email Address: [email protected]
CAREER OBJECTIVE:
To be accepted in a company that would allow me to practice my knowledge and skills in the field of
Electrical Engineering, and consequently gain further information on the same discipline.
SKILLS

Educational background on applications of C++ Programming, PSPICE & MultiSim circuit
simulation, MATLAB, AUTOCAD,
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Tertiary:
2004 – Present Electrical Engineering
Mapua Institute of Technology
Intramuros Manila
Secondary:
2000 – 2004
Saint Mary’s Academy
525 P. Burgos St., Pasay City
PERSONAL DATA
Born in Cuenca, Batangas on March 15, 1987. Single, Filipino citizenship, Roman
Catholic..Loves Outdoor Adventure and music. Has a good interpersonal and organizational skill. Has a
sense of responsibility, Has an effective Communication skill, Eager and quick to learn.
REFERENCES : Available Upon Request
VINCENT L. MIRAFLORES
Address: 8070 Honradez st. Makati City
Mobile Number: 09162592120
Email Address: [email protected]
CAREER OBJECTIVE:
To be accepted in a company that would allow me to practice my knowledge and skills in the field of
Electrical Engineering, and consequently gain further information on the same discipline.
SKILLS
Proficient in different Software applications like Microsoft Office, Excel and Powerpoint,
Knowledgeable in AutoCAD, Tina Pro, MatLab
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Tertiary:
2004 – Present Electrical Engineering
Mapua Institute of Technology
Intramuros Manila
Secondary:
2000 – 2004
Paco Catholic School
Paco Manila
PERSONAL DATA
Born in Makati on June 11, 1987. Single, Filipino citizenship, Roman Catholic. Can
communicate in English and Filipino. Knows how to drive. Likes Body-Building and Playing Dota.
Dependable, responsible and hardworking. Can work with minimal supervision.
REFERENCES : Available Upon Request
REFERENCE
 http://www.energyconservationinfo.org/altenergy.htm#Methane
 http://www.methanetomarkets.org/partners/country/philippines.htm
 http://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/paginas/Contenidosecciones.asp?ID=3468&Tip
o=&Nombre=BioEnergy
 ttph://technogra.ph/20080611/sections/rundowns/renewable-energy-produces-at-
least-264228-mw-in-the-philippines
 Owen, Dimebag Petrucci, RENEWABLE ENERGY MAGAZINE, 2003
 Drake Francis, GLOBAL WARMING