METHANE GAS AS FUEL FROM COMPOST PILE: AN ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY

BAGASALA, MARIA TISHAJACOB, DANNA ELAINEPAJARILLAGA, PATRICK

Dasmariñas National High SchoolSSC IV- GalileoSY 2014-2015

METHANE GAS AS FUEL FROM COMPOST PILE: AN ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY

A High School Thesis ProposalPresented to the

Science and Technology Department In partial fulfillment of the requirements in the subject

Research II

By:Bagasala, Maria TishaJacob, Danna ElainePajarillaga, Patrick

SSC IV- GalileoSY 2014-2015March, 2015

CERTIFICATION OF APPROVAL

The study entitled, “HEAT ENERGY FROM A COMPOST PILE AS AN ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY” conducted by Maria Tisha C. Bagasala, Danna Elaine A. Jacob and Patrick V. Pajarillaga is hereby presented for approval:

March, 2015

MELCHOR M. RACQUIONSSTII, MAPEH Department

Thesis Adviser

EDEN R. DAYAUON DEMSSHTIII, Research Panelist

Committee Chairman

LUZVIMINDA M. BAGOMTI, Science and Technology Department

Research Teacher

DAVID E. ATAS, Ed.D.

REX REIGNER P. SEÑASSTII, Science and Technology Department

Member

ARNEL R LEGASPI MAEdSSTI, Mathematics Department

Member

RUFINA M. CRUTOMTII, TLE-Boys Department

Member

MARIO M. ABEJUELASSHTIII, Science and Technology

Department

ANTONIO A. PETILOSSSHTII, Science and Technology

Department

Principal IVACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This section contains the gratitude for the people who helped and guided the

researchers in thesis entitled, “HEAT ENERGY FROM A COMPOST PILE AS AN

ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY”:

The researchers owe their deepest gratitude to the Lord God Almighty for

guiding, giving them strength and knowledge, providing faith and love that lead them to

successfully finish their thesis;

The researchers would like to thank their Research II adviser, Mrs. Luzviminda

Bago, Mr. Melchor Racquion, the thesis adviser, and the rest of research committee, Mrs.

Dayauon, Mr. Seña, and Mr. Legaspi for providing and teaching them the process of

completing this thesis;

This thesis would not have been possible without the help of the researchers’

parents, Engr. Pajarillaga for providing some steps in making the thesis product and the

help of assembling the product. Mrs. Jacob and Mr. Bagasala, for providing the financial

capital for the thesis;

The researchers are also indebted to their colleagues who supported them in

completing their thesis.

-Researchers

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

Acknowledgement iv

Table of Contents v-vi

Abstract vii

Chapter I: Problem and its Background

A. Introduction 1-2

B. Statement of the Problem 2

C. Hypotheses 3

D. Significance of the Study 3

E. Scope and Limitation 4

F. Definition of Terms 4-5

G. Conceptual Framework 5

Chapter II: Review of Related Literature and Related Studies 6-7

Chapter III: Methodology

A. Method of Research Used 8

B. Materials and Equipment 8

B.1. Materials 8

B.2. Equipment 8

C. General Procedure 8-9

D. Research Design 9

E. Gantt Chart 10-12

F. Evaluation Process 12

G. Statistics to be used 12

ABSTRACT

The study entitled “HEAT ENERGY FROM A COMPOST PILE AS AN

ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY” conducted by Bagasala,

Maria Tisha, Jacob, Danna Elaine, Pajarillaga, Patrick, aimed to produce a homemade

source of methane as an alternative source of energy. Testing whether there’s a

significant difference in terms of energy and time, then the watts produced and duration

of electricity will vary significantly in other alternative source of energy. For the product,

the materials and equipments were gathered primarily. First, the inferior was assembled

for the storage of wastes and methane. Next was the mixing of solid wastes and compost

pile as the primary source of methane. Then, the generator was assembled for the

conversion of methane to electricity. Lastly, the circuit connection to the tested

appliances was assembled. The final product was tested by

Chapter I

Problem and its Background

A. Introduction

In the Philippines, there are 770 million people generating an average of 0.3 to 0.7

kilograms of garbage daily and this amount is expected to increase by 40% at the end of

the decade .The Southern Tagalog Region where the municipality of Dasmariñas, Cavite

belongs contributes to one of the highest bulks of the country’s solid waste generated of

13 percent (Calderon, 2007). Composting is the natural breakdown of organic material,

such as banana peels and leaves, into a dark, loose and soil-like substance. This substance

is called compost, and is prized by all gardeners. Compost that is added to soil improves

its structure, texture, aeration, and nutrient content. Compost also helps maintain the

soil's pH and improves soil fertility. Landfilling organic wastes is inefficient because the

lack of oxygen inside the landfill causes decomposition to occur slowly. This produces

methane gas and acidic leachate. Methane is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause

asphyxiation and explosions if not properly managed. Acid leachate from the landfill can

contaminate groundwater, which is the source for springs, wells, and drinking water.

(NSW, February 2014)

The rate at which composting occurs depends on several factors. These factors

include: temperature of the compost system, the materials that are placed in the compost,

the particle size of the materials, and the size and shape of the compost system. Heat is a

by-product of composting. It is produced as a result of microbial breakdown of the

organic material in the compost pile. The heat that is produced depends, in part, upon the

carbon-to-nitrogen ratio or C:N ratio. For the best performance, the composting microbes

require the right amount of carbon for energy, and nitrogen for protein production.. A

large-scale compost pile can produce temperatures of 60°C–70°C. (Planet natural,2006).

Through a process known as thermionic conversion, heat energy can be converted into

electricity with very high efficiency. Thermionic generators use the temperature

difference between a hot and a cold metallic plate to create electricity.(Meir, et.al,2013)

The researchers will also use the idea of thermocouples that take advantage of an

electrical effect that occurs at junctions between different metals.(How Stuff

Works,2004). These factors give the researchers an idea of producing a compost pit that

can generate electricity. This specialized compost pit is relatively efficient especially

when electrical lines are out. It also serves as an alternative source of electrical energy.

The researchers will simply made compost pile that can generate heat, so that the

researchers will be able to take advantage of this natural source as an alternative source

of electrical energy.

B. Statement of the Problem

Generally, the study aims to produce an alternative electrical energy using the

heat in the compost pit.

Specifically, the study also aims to answer the following questions:

1. What is the effect on using compost pit’s heat in producing alternative source of

electrical energy in terms of:

1.1 watts produced; and

1.2 duration of electricity?

C. Hypotheses

Cause and Effect:

If there’s a significant difference in terms of energy and time, then the watts

produced and duration of electricity will vary significantly.

D. Significance of the study

The study entitled HEAT ENERGY FROM A COMPOST PILE AS AN

ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY will benefit many people and

constituents. They are listed and explained below.

Housewives. It will eventually help the housewives in the community because the

food wastes from their kitchen can produce free source of alternative electrical energy by

using this specialized compost pit. Anyone doesn’t have to spend much money on paying

electrical bills. Thru this, it can help to save money for future use.

Community. The useful and relevant information acquired from the study will

encourage them to continue using compost pits to lessen the wastes produced by the

community. And it also serves as a guide to produce alternative electrical energy.

Environment. The study will enhance involvement in lessening the wastes in the

environment.

Researchers. Researchers may find the findings useful because this study may

construct new knowledge for the researchers in terms of producing alternative source of

electrical energy.

E. Scope and Limitations

The study aims to produce an alternative electrical energy using the heat in the

compost pit. The study will be conducted at Pueblocillo Subd. FCIE Dasmarinas City,

Cavite.

The study will discuss an alternative source of electrical energy from compost

pit’s heat. The study started on the month June by collecting the needed materials for the

study. As estimated, the procedures will take up one to two months to finish up the

product. The gathering of data will take up one month after the product is finished.

Consequently, the main focus of this study is to produce electrical energy from

the heat of the compost pit. It does not seek include appliances that consumes high

voltage of electricity because the researchers will only focus to determine if there is no

significant difference in using heat from compost pit as an alternative in producing

electricity.

F. Definition of terms

This part presents the terms used in the study and their meanings as they will be used in

the study.

Black paint. It will absorb sunlight to activate the bacteria that produces methane.

Brass Y connector. Serves as a connector for the three hoses.

Compost. Main source of stored heat to be used.

Elbow. Connects the hose to the container.

Hose clamp. Used to tighten the hose so the methane will not escape from the container.

Shut off valve. Serves as the stopper and opener in the pathway for the methane to

release.

Tire. Serves as a storage of methane gas.

Water container. Container of the compost.

G. Conceptual FrameworkOutput: Specialized compost bin producing methane gas that served as fuel for an alternative source of electrical energy.Process: -The materials and equipments were gathered. -The inferior was assembled. -The compost were gathered and mixed. -The motor with peltier module was assembled. -The circuit connections were connected .

Chapter II

Review of Related Literature and Studies

According to NSW, Environment & Heritage, composting is the natural

breakdown of organic material, such as banana peels and leaves, into a dark, loose and

soil-like substance. This substance is called compost, and is prized by all gardeners.

Compost that is added to soil improves its structure, texture, aeration, and nutrient

content. Compost also helps maintain the soil's pH and improves soil fertility. Landfilling

organic wastes is inefficient because the lack of oxygen inside the landfill causes

decomposition to occur slowly. This produces methane gas and acidic leachate. Methane

is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause asphyxiation and explosions if not properly

managed. Acid leachate from the landfill can contaminate groundwater, which is the

source for springs, wells, and drinking water.(NSW, Environment & Heritage (2014)

Wastes—Resource Conservation—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Composting.)

Moreover based on SWAPP( Solid Waste Management Association of the

Philippines) survey that in 2007, Philippines generated 254 million tons of garbage. The

average Filipino generates 4.6 pounds (lb.) of garbage every day. Most of this garbage

goes to a landfill. But opening and maintaining landfills is expensive. In order to reduce

the amount of garbage that we send to the landfill, recycle as much as possible and to

compost our organic waste. In 2007, of the 254 million tons of garbage Filipinos created,

22 million tons was composted. (SWAPP,(2008))

According to AIP (American Institute of Physics), through a process known as

thermionic conversion, heat energy can be converted into electricity with very high

efficiency. Because of its promise, their researchers have been trying for more than half a

century to develop a practical thermionic generator. (S. Meir, C. Stephanos,

et.al(2013).New thermoelectronic generator: Heat energy efficiently converted to

electricity)

Thermocouples take advantage of an electrical effect that occurs at junctions

between different metals. For example, take two iron wires and one copper wire. Twist

one end of the copper wire and one end of one of the iron wires together. Do the same

with the other end of the copper wire and the other iron wire. If you heat one of the

twisted junctions (perhaps with a match) and attach the two free ends to a volt meter, you

will be able to measure a voltage. Similarly, if you hook the two iron wires to a battery,

one junction will get hot and the other will get cold. (How Stuff Works. (2004). Is it

possible to generate electricity directly from heat?)

According to Calderon, in the Philippines, there are 770 million people generating

an average of 0.3 to 0.7 kilograms of garbage daily and this amount is expected to

increase by 40% at the end of the decade.The Southern Tagalog Region where the

municipality of Dasmariñas, Cavite belongs contributes to one of the highest bulks of the

country’s solid waste generated of 13 percent [3]. The inefficient waste management in

the country results to the piling up of trash and contributes to the deterioration of the

country’s environment and bringing about impacts affecting public’s health. (Calderon,R.

(2007) The garbage dilemma in Dasma. )

Chapter III

Methodology

A. Method of Research Used

The study will use the experimental method of research. Calmorin, 2000 states

that experimental method involves a single treatment with two or more levels. In this

study, the amount of energy produced from the single compost pit will be determined.

B. Materials and Equipment

B.1. Materials

The materials used are 1 gallon of mixed pig’s manure and leftovers, 1 gallon of

water, 500 ml vulca seal, and 1 liter black paint.

B.2. Equipment

The equipment to be used are: 3 meters of 5mm diameter hose, brass Y connector,

5 mm diameter hose clamps, shut off valve, 5 gallons of water container, brass elbow,

cutter, paint brush and flat screw driver.

C. General Procedure

For the experimental compost bin or inferior.

The cup of a 5 gallon water container of will be punctured to make a hole for the

elbow. A socket connector will be placed below the elbow. A 5mm diameter hose will be

inserted at the elbow and tighten it with a hose clamp. This 5mm diameter hose is

measured 3 meters long and divided into 3 measuring 1 meter each. The hose that was

connected to the elbow was inserted to the brass Y connector. With the brass Y connector

the hose formed Y shape, therefore the hoses was imparted. The other hose connected to

the tire and the other one will be cut again into half and a valve will be connected

between these two hoses. After assembling the water container will be painted black.

For the compost,

An equal amount of mixed pig’s manure and leftover, and water measuring 1

gallon each will be mixed in a bucket. After mixing it will be placed inside the

experimental compost bin.

For the motor,

D. Research Design

*Drawing

E. Gantt Chart

Activities Duration

Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

1. Planning Stage

1.1 New materials

should be canvass for

buying

1.2 Submitted

write-ups must be

revise

2. Preparing Stage

2.1 All materials

are acquired

2.2 The product

should be finished

2.3 The final draft

of proposal must be

submitted

3. Data Processing

Stage

3.1 Data must be

collected

3.2 Computation of

results

3.3 Analysis of

data

3.4 Drafts of

Chapters 4 and 5

must be finished

4. Writing Stage

4.1 Final Chapter 1

(The Problem and its

Background)

4.2 Chapter 2

( Review of Related

Literature)

4.3 Chapter 3

( Methodology)

4.4 Chapter

4( Results and

Discussion)

4.5 Chapter 5

( Summary,

Conclusions and

Recommendations)

4.6 Bibliography

and Appendix

4.7 Final copy

5. Oral Examination

Stage

5.1Preparation for

Oral

Examination/Defense

5.2 Oral

examination and

revision of thesis

G. Evaluation Process

In watts produced, the watts will be measures by a voltmeter and the researchers

will get the mean score of the watts and in the duration of electricity, the researchers will

get the time of how long was the electricity produced. Also, they will get the mean score

for the duration of electricity.

H. Statistics to be used

The statistics to be used is measures of central tendency since the researchers are

comparing two or more groups of values; the measures of central tendency are values that

can represent a set of data or group of values. (Helen E. Caintic Ph.D. Juanita M. Cruz

Ph.D. Research Manual, pp. 56)