Enhancing Plant Efficiency: HZI’s DPM AI System Transforms Green Gas Production

TL;DR:

  • HZI’s DPM AI system enhances efficiency in Kompogas® dry anaerobic digestion (AD) technology.
  • It increases plant productivity by up to 15% and can be retrofitted to existing AD plants.
  • Traditional AD plant monitoring is time-consuming and can lead to months of decreased biogas production.
  • DPM AI offers real-time monitoring, identifying process disruptions promptly.
  • The system interprets data beyond threshold values, providing actionable insights.
  • Its success is demonstrated in the Kompogas® plant in Sweden.
  • The DPM AI system is compatible with various AD plants and regions.

Main AI News:

In the world of green gas production, Zurich-based Hitachi Zosen Inova AG (HZI) stands as a beacon of innovation. Specializing in cutting-edge plant technology, HZI has taken a giant leap forward with its latest creation, the Digester Performance Monitoring (DPM AI) system. This artificial intelligence-powered marvel is set to transform the landscape of in-house Kompogas® dry anaerobic digestion (AD) technology, making operations more efficient than ever before.

The DPM AI system is poised to redefine the boundaries of dry AD plants. By pushing these facilities closer to their biological limits, it promises an astonishing increase in plant productivity, with gains of up to 15 percent. What’s more, this groundbreaking technology will not only be a standard feature in HZI’s newly constructed plants but can also be retrofitted into existing facilities with continuous dry AD operations within the mesophilic or thermophilic temperature range.

A Breakthrough in Real-Time Monitoring

The challenges of maintaining optimal performance in anaerobic digestion plants are well-documented. Factors like the overfeeding of biogas-producing microorganisms and the presence of ammonia can disrupt the delicate balance of the process, leading to reduced biogas production and operational hiccups.

Traditionally, operators have relied on digestate samples sent to laboratories for analysis to gauge the status of the process biology. However, this method is far from efficient, as it often takes several days to obtain results. In the realm of AD plants, days can spell the difference between addressing a problem promptly or enduring months of decreased biogas production.

Enter the DPM AI system, a game-changer developed by HZI’s Technology & Digitalisation division. This system utilizes a sophisticated algorithm that evaluates various factors, identifies potential issues in the dry digestion process, and sends real-time warning messages. Whether it’s detecting an increase in hydrogen content or a drop in methane levels in the biogas, the AI system provides rapid and accurate assessments. Unlike conventional software that merely triggers alarms based on threshold values, DPM AI interprets these values in the context of potential process disruptions.

Streamlined Operations for Sustainability

Dr. Benoît Boulinguiez, Director of Product & Marketing Management at HZI, emphasizes the significance of these innovative solutions. He notes, “Our plant technology, combined with our expanding portfolio of operational plants, contributes to circularity, decarbonization, and a secure supply of renewable energy. Simultaneously, we strive to maximize the gas yield and optimize the use of input materials.”

Advancing Sustainability in Sweden

The DPM AI system has already made its mark in Jönköping, Sweden, where the Kompogas® plant is leading the way. This facility, which transforms food waste and green waste into biogas, plays a vital role in producing renewable natural gas fuel for urban vehicle fleets and private cars, contributing significantly to regional decarbonization efforts. The DPM AI system’s ability to swiftly identify disruptions is particularly advantageous in managing the variable composition of feedstocks delivered for biogas production.

The Future of Green Gas

The DPM AI system isn’t just limited to HZI’s own plants. It’s compatible with all Kompogas® facilities and can be retrofitted into dry digestion plants from various manufacturers across Europe and North America. The cost of implementation is tailored to the specific needs of each facility, making this innovation accessible to a wide range of operations.

Conclusion:

The introduction of HZI’s DPM AI system is a significant leap in the green gas production market. By enhancing efficiency, reducing downtime, and promoting sustainability, this technology is set to drive innovation and competitiveness in the renewable energy sector. As industries increasingly prioritize environmental responsibility, solutions like DPM AI will play a crucial role in shaping the future of green gas production.

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