6–10 Jul 2026
University of the Western Cape
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
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Effect of Methane Concentration on Biogas Thermodynamics

9 Jul 2026, 14:40
20m
Lecture Hall DL3 (University of the Western Cape)

Lecture Hall DL3

University of the Western Cape

Oral Presentation Track F - Applied Physics Applied Physics

Speakers

Mr Thando Khedzi (University of venda) VHUTSHILO NEKHUBVI (University of venda)

Description

The impact of the nature of the biogas on its thermodynamic behavior is studied. Methane and carbon dioxide store energy and their contribution to the molecular degrees of freedom is different. The main aim here is to show how varying concentrations of methane affect the thermal energy needed to raise the temperature of biogas under controlled conditions. This will be done based on the first law of thermodynamics and using an ideal gas law. Measurements were made inside a gas vessel, whereby heat was supplied to the vessel in short intervals. Changes in pressure and volume were monitored for calculating molar heat capacities at constant volume (Cv) and at constant pressure (Cp). The heat capacities for different compositions of biogas mixtures were measured at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) equal to 20 days. It is expected that changes in methane concentration will change the effective heat capacity of the biogas mixture. Results can help understand thermal properties, more specifically combustion-related ones, energy conversion, process design, etc., while also explaining how enrichment with methane changes heating behavior practically applied to biogas.

Author

VHUTSHILO NEKHUBVI (University of venda)

Co-author

Mr Thando Khedzi (University of venda)

Presentation materials

There are no materials yet.