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How to Convert Methane Gas to Electricity

Many alternatives to fossil fuels are gaining popularity. Using biogas or methane recovered from animal manure has the ability to supply the power needs of many consumers. Special gas engines burn the methane and turn the chemical energy of methane into mechanical energy. The application of the mechanical energy to electrical generators results in the production of electricity.

Things You'll Need

Methane source
Bio-gas engine
Alternating current generator
Step up transformer

Instructions

- 1
  Pipe the methane source into the fuel input of the bio-gas engine. The specially designed bio-gas engine is based on internal combustion technology and converts the chemical energy of methane into mechanical energy.
- 2
  Connect the drive shaft of the engine to the shaft of an alternating current generator that outputs electrical power.
- 3
  Wire the output of the alternating current generator to a step-up transformer to condition the electricity into a form that is acceptable to the local utilities company.
- 4
  Connect the conditioned electrical lines to the local power grid to make the electricity available to other consumers in your region.

Animals & Science