anaerobic digester workforce training curriculum development
DESCRIPTION
Proceedings available at: http://www.extension.org/67679 The Cornell University PRO-DAIRY Anaerobic Digester Workforce Development Project is a project funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, aimed at developing and delivering high quality educational programs targeted to a range of workforces within the dairy farm-based anaerobic digestion (AD) sector of the clean energy field. One of the barriers to growth of the AD industry in New York State, as identified by current AD operators, is the lack of a trained, skilled workforce to service and maintain different aspects related to the AD and biogas systems. These courses are aimed at developing a workforce to support this need, and to eliminate this barrier to growth.TRANSCRIPT
Anaerobic Digester Workforce Training Curriculum Development
Jennifer ProntoWaste to Worth conference
Denver, CO April 5, 2013
The Anaerobic Digester Workforce Development Project is a NYSERDA funded project aimed at developing and delivering
high quality educational programs targeted to a range of workforces within the dairy farm-based anaerobic digestion
sector of the clean energy field in NYS
Project components
• On-farm AD diagnostic lab development
Project components
• On-farm AD diagnostic lab development
• Virtual discussion group
Hey Bob, my hydrogen sulfide
levels are so high!
I’m really interested in building a new
digester at my farm!
Dirk, how do you find the performance of the
microturbines?
Kathy Barrett – talk at 8:40
Project components
• On-farm AD diagnostic lab development• Virtual discussion group
• Resource library
Project components
• On-farm AD diagnostic lab development• Virtual discussion group• Resource library
• Educational curriculums
Six technical short-courses were developed, intending to provide
educational training to persons who are involved in the planning and
implementation of dairy farm-based anaerobic digestion systems and to
those currently or who would soon be managing an operating system.
Project components
• On-farm AD diagnostic lab development• Virtual discussion group• Resource library• Educational curriculums
• Public relations short-course
One of the barriers to growth of the AD industry in New York State, as identified by current AD
operators, is the lack of a trained, skilled workforce to service and maintain different
aspects related to the AD and biogas systems. These courses are aimed at developing a
workforce to support this need, and to eliminate this barrier to growth.
On-farm Renewable Energy Generation WorkshopIs this the right workshop for you?
1) Do you want to know more about on-farm anaerobic digestion (AD)?
2) Do you get contacted by producers interested in pursuing on-farm anaerobic digestion?
3) Do you find yourself in the position of being interviewed about anaerobic digestion, and not knowing what to say?
… DID YOU ANSWER YES? THEN COME TO THE RENEWABLE ENERGY WORKSHOP AND AD SYSTEM TOUR!
The morning session will provide a basic overview of on-farm AD in order to help you to: - better interact with interested producers - create legislation that directly supports on-farm AD, and/or - provide current and accurate information to the public and to the media.
A tour of the AD system in the afternoon will also give participants a chance to view the newly installed on-farm AD diagnostic lab. The first of its kind in the U.S. for use on a production dairy, this lab is intended to facilitate co-digestion of manure and food waste, and to prevent operational failures.
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
On-farm Renewable Energy Generation Workshop
Course overview:
Introduction and course objectivesAD system overviewNYS current AD statusBenefits of on-farm ADOn-farm AD system feedstocksOn-farm AD system componentsRenewable energy generation and utilization AD EconomicsChallenges of on-farm ADResources for reliable AD/biogas Related further information (other sources)Educating others
Common terminologyReliable estimates and values for AD systems
On-farm Renewable Energy Generation WorkshopPublic relations short course
Morning media tours 9:00am – 9:30am: Welcome and refreshments9:30am – 11:30am: Farm tour 11:30am – 12:30am: Lunch12:30am – 1:00pm: A farmer’s perspective of owning and operating
an AD 1:00pm – 2:00pm: Workshop via Powerpoint presentation2:00pm: Questions/discussion and workshop wrap-up
Technical Feasibility of on-farm Anaerobic Digestion short course
This course will provide participants with the tools they need to:• understand basic anaerobic digester (AD) system components• evaluate the technical feasibility of a dairy farm AD system • explore funding options • understand the time-frame and effort required of an AD project
The symbols on the map represent on-farm digesters that are in the following stages:
Technical Feasibility of on-farm Anaerobic Digestion short course
Course overview:Introduction and course objectivesAnaerobic digestion in New York StateBasics of anaerobic digestion (microbiology, chemistry, physics)FundingLaws, regulations, agreements, permits, and codesFeasibility parametersFeasibility studies (who, what, when, why, how)Sensitivity analysis on key assumptions (inputs, revenue, contracts)
Introduction to Financial and Economic Evaluations of Biogas Systems
This 1-day course will offer a balance between lecture-style instruction and hands-on experience using the Economic Assessment Model.
This course will provide participants with the tools they need to:• quantify assumptions and risks,• predict costs and revenues of an AD system, • conduct an economic analysis,• utilize the Economic Assessment Model
Short course includes an Economic Assessment Model Instruction Guide
Brent Gloy is an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University. He teaches and conducts research and Extension programs in the areas of agricultural finance and agribusiness management.
Introduction to Financial and Economic Evaluations of Biogas Systems
Course overview:Introduction and course objectivesIntroduction to the economics of AD systems
The key components of the economic analysisCapital investmentsOperating revenues and/or cost savings Operating costsSummary
Introduction to the financial concepts and principles required to evaluate AD systems
The time value of money principleThe role of the discount rate and the planning horizon Determining the economic profitability of an AD project
Introduction to a spreadsheet based decision tool for AD systemsThe inputs required Interpretation of the spreadsheet results
An AD case study
This course will provide participants with the tools they need to:• Plan and implement a farm-based AD system• Consider design options to best suit farm needs• Perform basic operation and maintenance tasks
This intermediate-level course will be most helpful for technicians, farmers, managers, etc. from farms who have made the decision to install an anaerobic digester and who have a working knowledge on the subject. Audiences that may also find this course useful are ag consultants, engineers, and contractors and service providers.
Practical Considerations and Implementation of Anaerobic Digestion Systems short course
Practical Considerations and Implementation of Anaerobic Digestion Systems short course
Course overview:Introduction and course objectivesPractical ConsiderationsDesign Considerations: What producers should knowSafetyConstruction/Contracting ManagementConsiderations of AD process performanceValue added venturesAdditional resources
Biogas Clean-up and Utilization short course
This intermediate-level course will be most helpful for the person in
charge of operating and maintaining a farm digester.
A number of different audiences may be interested in attending, including:
• extension professionals• service contractors• equipment suppliers• safety professionals
• wastewater facility operators• dairy cooperative representatives
This course will provide participants with the tools they need to:• Effectively utilize biogas • Consider different biogas clean-up technologies
Biogas Clean-up and Utilization short course
Course overview:Introduction and course objectivesBiogas basicsBiogas utilizationBiogas clean-up technologies
Moisture removalHydrogen sulfide removal from biogas: physical/chemicalHydrogen sulfide removal from biogas: microbial biological fixationHydrogen sulfide removal from biogas: AD influent additivesCarbon dioxide removalEquipment options and vendors
AD Technician’s Start-up and Operation short course
This advanced-level course covers AD system design considerations, AD biological and chemical processes, daily operation, preventative and corrective maintenance of mechanical, gas, and electric components, troubleshooting digester performance issues, record keeping, and safety. It will be most helpful for technicians, farmers, and AD managers from farms that have an anaerobic digester and who have a working knowledge on the subject. Audiences that may also find this course useful are ag consultants, engineers and contractors, and service providers.
Is this the right workshop for you?
1) Are you hoping to prepare yourself or someone else to operate an on-farm AD?
2) Are you interested in using an on-farm lab to monitor the impacts of co-digestion?
3) Do you need assistance with troubleshooting AD performance issues?
… DID YOU ANSWER YES? THEN COME TO THE TECHNICIAN’S START-UP AND OPERATION COURSE!
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
AD Technician’s Start-up and Operation short course
Course overview:Introduction and course objectivesStandard performance indices SafetyMonitoring AD system parameters Operation Start-up AD System OperationsTroubleshooting digester symptomsMaintenanceAdvanced management of digester chemical and biological processesPublic relations/Media outreach
Course curriculums available
• Introduction to Farm-based Anaerobic Digestion• Technical Feasibility of On-farm Anaerobic Digestion • Economic Feasibility of On-farm Anaerobic Digestion
and Economic Assessment Model Instruction Guide • Practical Considerations and Implementation of
Anaerobic Digestion System from Planning and Design to Construction
• Technician’s Start-Up and Operation • Biogas Clean-up and Utilization Systems Selection,
Operation and Maintenance
Considerations
• Length of course and timing• Expertise – train the trainer needs• Which comes first – the market or the
knowledge?• Certification demands/value• What does it mean that the most basic
courses are our most popular?
Thank you
Jenny Pronto: [email protected]
Curt Gooch: [email protected]
www.manuremanagement.cornell.edu
http://www.boston.com/business/blog/filter/2006/07/business_filter_38.html