Efficiency and Reliability of Theoretical Models of Biogas For Landfills

Abstract

This paper highlights a comparative analysis of biogas emissions produced in a Mexican landfill. The Mexican biogas model, the model of the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States of America (EPA) were applied in order to compare results with data obtained in-situ. The sanitary landfill located in the State of Mexico, Mexico, has 36 wells with a daily reception of 3500 kilograms of MSW. The results showed an in-situ generation of biogas (CH4, CO2 and O2) with an average frequency of 35.44 Hz (1 / s) and methane emissions of 3355.99 m³ / hr. The theoretical models estimated values ??for the year 2018 of 6270.57 m³ / hr for the EPA model and 8379.52 m³ / hr for the Mexican biogas model. The results showed significant variations in the estimates of the theoretical models versus in-situ measurements. This result discusses the reliability of the use of theoretical models to formulate projects for the utilization and valorization of MSW, considering the high amounts of investment involved and that the projections of power generation are based on the frequency of generation of the estimated biogas flow in the landfill.