Hybrid Unit: Photovoltaic Solar Panels and Biogas Digester for Domestic Energy Generation

Abstract

The main focus of this research is to put forward a new idea of implementing solar photovoltaic panels and anaerobic biogas digester to produce electricity for small residential houses. In the proposed hybrid energy unit, the photovoltaic arrays generate electricity for day time use, while electric generator driven by internal combustion engine powered by biogas digester provides electricity during night time. Calculations show that photovoltaic system of containing 10 panels of 400 Wp can provide day time electricity to a medium residential house. On the contrary, the methane gas produced by the 2m3 biogas digester supplied with house solid waste can generate electricity for only 2 hours at night. The substrate quantity can be increased by adding more organic material from animal manure or green grass. This system is suggested to solve the problem of energy shortage in remote houses in West Bank and Gaza Strip due to the cruel war and destruction of all energy sources and electricity infrastructure.