Assessing the potential of cow dung and carpet grass as feedstock for biogas production to power a generator

This study investigates the potential of cow dung and carpet grass as feedstock for biogas production, aiming to provide a sustainable energy source for powering generators. A digester was fabricated to produce biogas from a mixture of cow dung and carpet grass under controlled anaerobic digestion conditions. The composition and energy content of the biogas were analyzed, and the biogas yield was measured over a 30-day period. Key parameters such as pH, system temperature, and total dissolved solids (TDS) were monitored to understand their influence on biogas production. Results showed that the pH values ranged from 4.1 to 5.2, which is lower than the optimal range for methanogenesis, yet biogas production was still feasible, peaking at pH 5.0. System temperature ranged from 28°C to 36.8°C, with the highest biogas yield observed at the upper end of this range. TDS levels fluctuated between 1,331 ppm and 3,060 ppm, indicating variations in the feedstock composition and microbial activity. The purified biogas successfully powered a 2.5 KVA generator for 30 minutes, demonstrating its practical application as an alternative energy source. This study highlights the potential of using cow dung and carpet grass for biogas production, contributing to sustainable energy solutions and waste management strategies.