An assessment of a solar PV-powered IoT monitoring system for small-scale biogas digesters

Abstract

Small-scale biogas digesters have the potential to be a sustainable solution for clean cooking fuels and waste management, yet its adoption in developing countries remains hindered by frequent failures and maintenance challenges. This study designed and built a solar PV-powered IoT monitoring system tailored for small-scale biogas digesters to provide real-time data on biogas concentration in percentage (methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide), temperature, pressure, and gas flow. The monitoring system was built with affordable components using Arduino-based technology, ensuring on-site and remote monitoring through an integrated IoT Thingspeak platform. Key findings indicate that the system achieves acceptable accuracy in gas concentration measurements, with deviations of ± 2.3% for methane and ± 1.5% for temperature readings. However, discrepancies in carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide readings were observed. The system’s practical implications are significant as real-time monitoring of operating parameters could enhance performance tracking, reliability, and boost adoption rates. Additionally, the monitoring system enables innovative business models such as pay-as-you-go biogas services and participation in carbon credit markets while promoting sustainable organic waste management and clean energy access.