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Anaerobic Digestion at McNamara Dairy

Team: Hannah Murnen '06 B.E.'07, Ian Stebinger '06 B.E.'07, Erica Wygonik '99 B.E.'07
Advisor: Lee Rybeck Lynd
Sponsor: Pat McNamara, McNamara Dairy, Plainfield, N.H.

There was an analysis of an anaerobic digestion system at McNamara Dairy of converting manure into biogas for running a generator. The initial goal of developing a prototype, which would remove trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide, was determined to be beyond the scope of the course. Heat analysis identified the available wasted heat, which resulted in cost savings from both the offset of electricity and heating. The project however, still requires significant funding in order to meet the sponsor's payback period of 3-6 years. A guidebook including the component, funding, and advisory information was provided to the sponsor.

project sponsor and team members
(L to R) Ian Stebinger, Hannah Murnen, Erica Wygonik, sponsor McNamara

Erica Wygonik received the 2007 Faculty Award for Academic Excellence for obtaining the highest academic record in coursework required for the B.E. degree.