Comparative analysis of biogas upgrading technologies: Efficiency, economics, and sustainability
Pradeep Kumar Meena, Sandika Dixit Awale
Abstract
Rising global energy demands necessitate cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. Biogas produced through anaerobic digestion, offers a renewable solution for household fuel, vehicle systems, and electricity generation applications. However, raw biogas contains impurities that must be removed to enhance its quality and calorific value. This paper comprehensively reviews biogas upgrading systems, including cryogenic separation, membrane technology, adsorption, and scrubbing, focusing on their economic viability and problem-solving potential. Among these, chemical scrubbing is highlighted for its high efficiency, excellent mass-transfer efficiencies, and reasonable setup and operation costs, making it the most frequently employed technique for producing high-purity methane. This study underscores the importance of selecting appropriate upgrading technologies to improve biogas utility and sustainability.