Residual biomass in greenhouse heating system in Cundinamarca

Abstract

Plant residues generated in companies dedicated to floriculture are often an environmental problem, since they are vectors for the spread of pests and diseases, and even aesthetic problems, and are not generally used for energy use. From there, a study of energy use of residual biomass is carried out, taking into account the data of a floriculture company in Sesquilé (Cundinamarca, Colombia). The vegetable biomass produced is characterized and quantified and a biodigestion system is designed to replace the fuel currently used (propane) for heating greenhouses during the frost season (20 days); A production of 3,836 Nm³ of biogas is estimated, in a time of 57 days. This proposal is a good alternative for the company, since the investment of the entire system is recovered in a period of 2.6 years.