Solution
Traditional Biogas Systems
An anaerobic digester system is a large tank where microorganisms feed on a mixture of water and bacteria found in organic waste, breaking down the waste and producing two byproducts: methane, a renewable natural gas, and a pathogen-reduced effluent. Anaerobic biogas digester technology is neither new nor unique, however standard biogas technology typically operates at low elevations and in warm climes — where bacteria can easily grow — and with a wide range of fuel including food scraps, animal and human waste.
Ubiquitous in many parts of Asia, digesters have been broadly constructed as a sustainable waste solution throughout Nepal, China, India and other developing countries. China alone has an estimated 10 million anaerobic digesters in operation. In Nepal, the Biogas Sector Partnership (with funding from numerous foreign governments) is responsible for implementation of biogas technology in Nepal, including more than 260,000 biogas digesters constructed in Nepal (at low elevation) to-date.
Our Modified and Customized Technology
What is unique about the Mount Everest Biogas Project is twofold. First, it is a creative adaptation of existing biogas digester technology, re-engineered with customized modifications for operation in the harsh environment of high altitude, extremely cold conditions.
Second, it uses only human waste as the input fuel, a waste type that produces less methane gas than produced using typical animal waste or kitchen waste products. With these two scientific challenges to overcome, the team initiated substantial research and design and has subsequently reached a deployable solution.Since 2010, Mount Everest Biogas Project has undertaken scientific study and design evolution involving:
- biogas research
- performance modeling of critical factors such as: digester internal temperature, human waste as the feed stock
- atmospheric conditions at Gorak Shep (air and ground temperatures, solar incidence)
- heat loss modeling
- iterative design concepts
external peer review of designs
In 2016, mini-digester lab testing was performed using human waste sample specimens from Everest Base Camp at anticipated temperatures. Performed at Kathmandu University in association with Seattle University, the design proved successful.
Mount Everest Biogas Project’s design concept was originally presented to members of the Gorak Shep Teahouse Owners Association and Biogas Sector Partnership in June 2013. Based on their inputs, the design was modified and the “Basis of Design” document was released in April 2015, a document subsequently vetted by the outside Seattle technical community. Once implemented successfully at Gorak Shep, the design can be replicated in other high-altitude locations.
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