LeibnizLeibniz--Institute for Agricultural Engineering Institute for Agricultural Engineering

PotsdamPotsdam--BornimBornim

� Non-university research institution

� Close co-operation with universities

� A member of the Leibniz Association

LeibnizLeibniz--Institute for Agricultural Engineering Institute for Agricultural Engineering

PotsdamPotsdam--Bornim Bornim

Strategic research in agricultural engineering

Our TaskOur Task

To create the scientific bases for new technologies for a sustainable land use (processes)

To develop technical solutions for the industry (prototypes)

The APECS joint project The APECS joint project

Anaerobic pathways to renewable energies and

carbon sinks

10/2009 – 09/2014

Funded by

ContextContext

More complete use of crop biomass � less carbon return to the soil

Climate changes � increased degradation of soil organic carbon

�Decrease of soil organic carbon

�Lower storage capacity for water and minerals

�Higher losses of fertilizers

�Decrease of soil fertility

�Lower crop yields

The APECS conceptThe APECS concept

Easy degradable

organic matter

Recalcitrant

organic matter

Inorganic matter

Biomethane

Minerals

Biochar Soil add

itive

What is biochar? What is biochar?

� Definition???

� ...produced from organic matter by thermochemical treatment

Glaser (2010) based on Hodges et al (2000)

Condensed aromates and functional groups

Carbonization technologies Carbonization technologies

� Pyrolysis (solid state, anaerobic, 500 – 900°C, C yield 30-60%)

� Torrefaction (solid state, anaerobic, 200 – 350°C, C yield >80%)

� Gasification (solid state, aerobic, > 700 °C, C yield <30%)

� Hydrothermal carbonization (liquid state, anaerobic, 180 - 300°C at 10-80 bar, C-yield < 90%)

The terra preta phenomenon The terra preta phenomenon

Glaser (2010)

The aim of APECSThe aim of APECS

The aim of the APECS project is to provide basic knowedge on

efficient co-production of biogas and biochar

based on organic wastes

ObjectivesObjectives

Sustainable and efficient production of bioenergy

Restoration or improvement of soil fertility

Long term carbon sequestration

Disinfection of organic wastes

Increasing and diversyfing the income of farmers and

rural communities

Transfer of new knowledge and innovative

technologies

ApproachApproach

Application orientated basic research

View at the whole process from the field to the field

Interdisciplinary team

Engineers and biologists

3 PostDocs, 5 PhDs, 10 TAs, 2-4 trainees

International Co-operations and networks

Focus: South America and Asia

International Biochar Initiative, EU Agro Biogas

Key methodsKey methods

Evaluation of various types of biomass

Novel digester design adapted to solids

Comparison of two different biochar solutions –

pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC)

Experiments in lab scale and technical scale

concerning digestion, carbonization and soil test

Model based optimization

Life cycle and economic assessment

Rotary kiln

HTC autoclave

Results on HTCResults on HTC

tR=2 h

tR=6 h

tR=10 h

T = 190 °C T = 230 °C T = 270 °C

C = 42 %

C = 73 %

Technology transfer:Technology transfer:

Potential advantages and challenges Potential advantages and challenges

Potential advantages

High flexibility (various substrates, various products)

Synergies (integration of energy and mass flow)

Proven biogas technologies

Challenges

High complexity of the APECS process

Lack of knowledge (effects on soils, potential risks, optimal biochar quality)

Early stage biochar technologies

Small scale application (Investment costs, work load, work safety)

El pan alegre El pan alegre –– the happy bread the happy bread

El pan alegre El pan alegre –– the happy bread the happy bread

LeibnizLeibniz--Institute for Agricultural Engineering Institute for Agricultural Engineering

PotsdamPotsdam--BornimBornim