leXsolar-BioEnergy Ready-to-go

Instructions Manual
Layout3diagram3leXsolar-BioEnergy3Ready-to-go
Item-No.1710
Bestückungsplan3leXsolar-BioEnergy3Ready-to-go
Art.-Nr.1710
N C G W 5 6 7 8 9

5 9
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N CWxLCsv6sN99fStopperfredf 7 LCsv6sN86fPump
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CxLCsvNsNCvfTöpfchenhalterfBioEnergy N7vvsv6fDünger
G CxLCsv6sN85fTimer 9 N7vvsNGfBoxf6fL
CxLCsv6sN85fZeitschaltuhr N7vvsNGfBoxf6fL
W N7vvsN7fIDfTags Nv LCsv6sN9NfWeight
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6 N7vvsNCfSproutfBoxf NC 5vxLCsv6sN88fNetfCupfPlanter
N7vvsNCfKeimbox 5vxLCsv6sN88fGitternetztopf

Version3number
Versionsnummer

III-01.24_L3-03-274_01.02.2016
2
LayoutAdiagramAleXsolar-BioEnergyAReady-to-go
Item-No.1710
BestückungsplanAleXsolar-BioEnergyAReady-to-go
Art.-Nr.1710
ZK ZC ZM ZH Z7 Z8

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GN
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Z9 GN GZ GG GK

ZK Z7NNkZMfSeedfset Z9 GxLKkNZkNZGfPlasticfboxfGratnellsf7Mfmmfdeep
Z7NNkZMfSamenkSet GxLKkNZkNZGfKunststoffboxfGratnellsf7Mfmmftief
ZC GxZ7NNkNMfExpandedfclayfpebbles GN LGkNHkZ89fECfmeter
GxZ7NNkNMfBlähtonkugeln LGkNHkZ89fECkMessgerät
ZM GxLGkNCkZ9CfPlantflight GZ LGkNMkZCZfHosefclamp
GxLGkNCkZ9CfPflanzenlampe LGkNMkZCZfSchlauchklemme
ZH LGkNHkZ9GfTweezers GG LGkNGkN8KfYkswitchfCfmm
LGkNHkZ9GfPinzette LGkNGkN8KfYkVerteilerfCfmm
Z7 Z7NNkZZfTripodfplantflightingfwithfZZ
ZZ GK LGkNHkGNNfNebulizer
Z7NNkZZfStativfPflanzenbeleuchtungfmitfZZ
ZZ LGkNHkGNNfZerstäuber
Z8 GxLGkNHkZ87fAerationfstone
GxLGkNHkZ87fBelüfungsstein

2
LayoutAdiagramAleXsolar-BioEnergyAReady-to-go
Item-No.1710
BestückungsplanAleXsolar-BioEnergyAReady-to-go
Art.-Nr.1710
EF E5 E6 E7

EF E5 E6 E7

E9 RP
RR
R5
Rx RF

R5
Rx
RE
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E8 E9 Rx RP RE RR RF R5

EF P7xxMx9pGaspcollectingpcontainer RP PPxxME7pMotorpmodulepwithoutpgearpwithpLEMxEMxP7pPropeller
P7xxMx9pGasauffanggefäß PPxxME7pMotormodulpohnepGetriebepmitpLEMxEMxP7pPropeller
E5 P7xxMPxpBurner RE LEMx6Mx75pErlenmeyerpflaskpPxxxpmL
P7xxMPxpBrenner LEMx6Mx75pErlenmeyerkolbenpPxxxpmL
E6 P7xxMPFpTripod RR P7xxMP6pRubberpstopperpwithptube
P7xxMPFpDreibein P7xxMP6pGummistopfenpmitpSchlauch
E7 P7xxMx7pCompostpcatalyst RF LEMx6MxPEpTestpleadpE5cmkpblack
P7xxMx7pKompostbeschleuniger LEMx6MxPEpMessleitungpE5cmkpschwarz
E8 P6xEMxPpleXsolarMBasepunitpsmall LEMx6MxPRpTestpleadpE5cmkpred
P6xEMxPpleXsolarMGrundeinheitpSmall LEMx6MxPRpMessleitungpE5cmkprot
ExLEMx6MxRRpShortMciruitpplug
E9 LEMx6MP9xpTemperatureplogger ExLEMx6MxRRpKurzschlussstecker
LEMx6MP9xpTemperaturlogger
R5 P7xxMx8pComposter
Rx PEP8MxEpPEMMFuelpcellpmodule P7xxMx8pKomposter
PEP8MxEpPEMMBrennstoffzellenmodul

VersionAnumber
Versionsnummer

III-01.24_L3-03-274_01.02.2016
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Student’s manual

I. General information about the experimental system ................................................................ 6

II. Student’s experiments .............................................................................................................. 23

1. Germination of plant seeds ........................................................................................................... 23

2. Plant growth in hydroponic culture ................................................................................................ 25
3. Nutrient and water consumption.................................................................................................... 29
4. Aerobic decomposition .................................................................................................................. 31
5 Anaerobic decomposition to hydrogen ........................................................................................... 33
6. Anaerobic decomposition to methane ........................................................................................... 36

5
L3-03-269_28.06.2016
I. General information about the experimental system
Components and handling

The following list shows all the items included in the leXsolar BioEnergy Ready-to-go. For each component
you will find a short description with an item number, an illustration, the pictogram in the test set-ups and
information about the operation. With the help of the item number you can order each item separately.

Small base unit (1602-01) with safety short-circuit plug (L2-06-033)

The small base unit is a plug-in board which can accommodate up to two modules. The electricity flows
through the cables attached to the bottom sides. To connect the modules on the base unit with others, there
are four connections on two opposite sides. Two short-circuit connectors also are available for connecting
modules to the base unit.
PEM-fuel cell module (1218-02)

High powered-PEM-fuel cell

Converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and water
Dimensions of fuel cell: 32x32x32 mm
Dimensions of bracket: 85x85 mm
Output voltage: 0.6 V (DC)
Output current: 0.45 A
Power: 270 mW

6
Motor module (1100-27) with propeller (L2-02-017)

Plug-in module with DC motor

Starting current: approx. 20 mA
Starting voltage: approx. 0.35 V
Equipped with automatic overvoltage protection
Version: plug-in module with 4 mm sockets
Pitch of the sockets: 70 mm
Module size 85 mm x 85 mm

Germination box (1700-12)

The germination box is used to germinate the plant seeds.

In 49 individual compartments, the plant seeds can be inserted and the germination process can be
controlled and observed.
Holes in the compartments guarantee the drainage of water and thus prevent mold growth of the seeds and
seedlings.

7
Expanded clay pebbles (1700-05)

The expended clay pebbles (Exclay) act as a substrate in the BioEnergy hydroponic culture. The exclay can
be washed an reused
Fertilizer (1700-06)

Plant nutrients for BioEnergy hydroponics:

Total Nitrogen (N) 18%, Phosphate (P2O5) 11%, Potassium Oxide (K2O) 18%, Magnesium Oxide (MgO)
2.5%, Sulfur Trioxide (SO3) 8%, Iron (Fe) 0.1%, Manganese (Mn) 0.04%, Boron (B) 0.01%, Copper (Cu)
0.01%, Molybdenum (Mo) 0.001%, Zinc (Zn) 0.01%

 For more information see the link below:

https://icl-sf.com//global-en/products/ornamental_horticulture/2041-universol-blue/
Everris International BV, Nijverheidsweg 1-5; 6422 PD Heerlen (NL);

8
Compost Accelerator (1700-07)

Bio-active composting agent

starts and optimizes the heat fermentation
pure natural substances

 For more information see the link below:

https://www.dehner.de/produkte/dehner-bio-kompostbeschleuniger-5-kg-X000141887/
Dehner GmbH & Co. KG, Donauwörther Str. 3-5, D-86641 Rain

Composter (1700-08)

2-piece stick together compost container

The transparent cover makes it possible to visually observe all processes and changes.

The base plate with feet and holes allows the drainage of excess fluid and sufficient ventilation of the
compost.

Should be placed on an appropriate plate.

9
Gas collecting vessel (1700-09)

The gas container allows the collection of the methane and hydrogen gases converted by biogas processing.
Via a silicone hose the gas can be distributed to the burner
Using the printed scale, the rate of gas formation can be observed depending on different parameters.

Bunsen burner (1700-10)

The burner is used for the controlled burning of gases from the biogas processes.
The gas collected in the gas receiver is fed to the burner via a silicone pipe and a ball valve.

10
Tripod plant lighting (1700-11) and Plant lamp (L2-04-194)

On the tripod, the plant lamps are installed to illuminate the hydroponic plants.

Box 6 L (1700-13)

Together with the germ box and the atomizer, the box is used for the first step in biomass production: the
germination of plant seeds.
Holes in the lid of the box ensure adequate ventilation of the plant seeds and seedlings.

Tripod (1700-14)

The tripod acts as a holder for the gas collecting vessel.

11
Seed set (1700-15)

The seed-set contains the plant seeds for growing the biomass.
It contains corn, wheat, sugar beet, radish and salad seeds.

Rubber plug with tube (1700-16)

The rubber plug guarantees the airtight sealing of the Erlenmeyer flasks.

The formed biogas is fed into the gas collecting vessel through the hose.

ID tags (1700-17)

For numbering the plants

12
Box 75mm (L3-01-012) and pot holder (L2-01-120)

The pot holder keeps the net pots in hydroponic culture and can accommodate 24 pots.
Outlet timer (L2-06-185)

The timer is used for the individual time settings of switching on and off of the connected electronic devices.
minimum selectable time interval: 30 min
1. Adjust the current time
2. Set up the individual time interval by pressing the black buttons
3. Switch from continuous mode to interval mode

Air pump (L2-06-186), tube inside 4mm (L2-02-046) and air stone (L2-06-187)

The pump introduces the air into the hydroponic space through the tube and aeration stone to prevent algae
growth in the water.

13
Net pot planter (L2-06-188) and stopper red (L2-06-199)

Using the expanded clay pebbles, seedlings and plants can be grafted in the net pots.
The plugs are used for sealing the free spots in the hydroculture, if no net cup planters are applied, to
prevent the entering of light in order of algae growth.

EC meter (L2-06-189)

The meter measures the electrical conductivity of liquids. (Unit µS/cm)

This physical scale indicates a material's ability to conduct an electric flow.

Temperature logger (L2-06-190)

The device records temperature values in individually selectable time intervals.

The recorded data can be read via a USB interface and the associated software on the PC

14
Programming the temperature logger:
I. Install the software on your PC.
You can download the software via: http://www.elitechlog.com/softwares/
II. Insert the coin cell into the logger as shown in the short description.
III. Connect the logger via USB to your PC.
IV. Date and time should synchronize automatically as soon as you click on “connection” (1.)
(It can also be synchronized by klicking “Set Clock Of Data Logger”)

15
 V. Via “Parameter Set” (2.) you can program different parameters for temperature recordings
VI. Via “”Parameter Interval” (3.) u can set the time between the unique points of measurements
VII. You can also choose between °C and °F
VIII. Via “Save Parameter” (4.) you can save your experiment data
Please note that all collected date will be erased, if u set new parameters
IX. Start the logging procedure by pressing the “►” button for 4 seconds. The symbol ”►” also should
appear on the screen of the temperature logger.

16
 X. For evaluation you can use the program provided and export your data by clicking
“Upload Data” (5.) or save the data as Excel, PDF, Word or TXT file. (6.)

Scale (L2-06-191)

Using the scale, the weight of the plants and thus the biomass growth is determined.
Effective range of measurement: up to 5 kg, tolerance: 1 g

17
Tweezers (L2-06-192)

Tool for gripping small objects, such as seedlings

made of plastic
Hose clamp (L2-05-141)

To restrict or close the air hoses

Erlenmeyer flask (L2-06-075)

Erlenmeyer flask 1000 ml with grinding NS 29/32

Borosilicate glass

18
Atomizer (L2-06-200)

The atomizer is used to moisten the plant seeds in the germination box to germinate them.
Hight (d*H): 4,6*2,5 cm
Sprayed Volume: 350 ml/h
Depth of the water: 5-7 cm
Output: 24 V/ 1 A
Input: AC 100-240 V/ 50/60 Hz

19
Safety instructions

Operators should wear protective clothing during handling of dangerous liquids.

Laboratory equipment and glassware should be inspected prior to each use to ensure that cracks, chips or
other defects are not present.

Repaired equipment has to be cleaned and decontaminated.

Fertilizer (Universol Blue 323 18-11-18+2.5MgO+TE)

H318 Causes serious eye damage

H272 May intensify fire; oxidizer

P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection

P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. — No smoking.

P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if
present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

P310 Immediately call a poison center or doctor/physician

Do not dispose the fertilizer directly into the sewage system, earth or water.

Compost accelerator

If on Skin: Wash your skin carefully with a lot of water

If in the eye: Flush the eye carefully and call a doctor

If swallowed: Rinse your mouth with water and drink a lot. Do not force regurgitation and call a doctor.

Do not dispose the accelerator directly into the sewage system, earth or water.

Carbon Dioxide

P403 Store in a well ventilated place.

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Methane and Hydrogen

H220 Extremely flammable gas.

P220 Keep away from clothing/ other combustible materials.

P377 Leaking gas fire: Do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely.
P381 In case of leakage, eliminate all ignition sources if safe to do so.

P403 Store in a well-ventilated place.

Glass equipment

Before experimentation search the glass equipment for damaged parts to avoid cuts and other injuries.
Broken glass can be a huge health threat and can lead to further laceration and chemical burn.

Please avoid fast variation in temperature. This can lead to tensions in the glass structure and to breakage of
the glass.

Please avoid fast variation in pressure. This can also lead to breakage of the glass

Glassware can lead to deep cuts if handled incorrectly. Keep bandages and tweezers ready to remove any
small pieces. For larger glass fragments near the arteries, immediately seek medical advice and do not
remove chips on your own.

Operation of the PEM fuel cell

Specifications:

- Output power: 270 mW

- Output voltage: 0,6 V (DC)
- Output current: 0,45 A

Important handling guidelines:

- Whenever not in use, the fuel cell should be stored in an air-tight plastic bag, to keep it from drying
out.

21
User instructions:

1. To operate the fuel cell, hydrogen gas is needed.

2. If the hydrogen is taken from the gas tank, the tube must be clamped to avoid hydrogen gas to leak.

3. The tube of the H2 tank must be connected to the lower port of the fuel cell. The O2 supply for this model is
ensured by the ambient air.

4. The upper port of the fuel cell must be sealed, using a short piece of tube and a pin.

5. The fuel cell can now be placed onto the module plate and be connected to it using the respective cables
(red for O2, black for H2).

6. Now, the unit can be connected to an electrical load by playing it onto the small base unit. (Mind the
polarity!).

7. By opening the tube clamp the experiment can be started.

NOTE: For quantitative experiments like taking a characteristic curve, we recommend flushing the fuel cell
with hydrogen gas by initiation the gas supply (opening the tube clamp on the tank or opening the valve on
the H2 storage) and removing the pin on the short tube for only 1-2 seconds.

22
II. Student’s experiments
1. Germination of plant seeds

Get the seeds in the box to sprout.

Observe their behavior and note the germination time.

- Germination box
- Box 6 L
- Seed-Set
- Atomizer
- Outlet timer
- Fertilizer
- EC-Meter
- ID-Tag

Additionally:
- Water

Build-up the germination box:

1. Put the germ box and atomizer in the 6 L box, as shown in the figure above.
2. Make a solution of fertilizer and water with an EC value of 900 µS/cm and fill the box so that the atomizer
is completely covered. Make sure that the germination box is not in the water.
3. Putt one seed from the seed set into the slots of the germination box and mark the compartments with
the ID tags.
4. Close the 6 L box with its lid so that the atomizer cable is passed through the recess and the ventilation
slots are above the setting box.
5. Plug in the atomizer to a power outlet using the outlet timer. Program the timer that the atomizer is active
every two hours for half an hour. Adjust every third switch of the clock down, all others upwards.
(Check page 13 for more information)

Addition of fertilizer and water:

Because the seeds and seedlings always have the same environmental conditions, it is important to supply
feed water and fertilizer regularly.
1. Measure every 2-3 days the EC value of the water in the germination box.
2. Add water and fertilizer (if necessary) until the EC value to be reached 900 µS/cm.
3. Make sure the atomizer is completely covered with the solution and the germination box is not in the
water.
4. After about 2-3 weeks, you should completely change the water in the germination box. Clean all
materials with a little detergent and rebuild the germination box as described above.

BioEnergy Ready-to-go Student’s manual 23

Germination:

1. Write down in the table for each seed the associated ID number and the date on which you put it in the
germination box.
2. Observe the seeds every day and record the date of germination.
3. After germination, you can measure the size of the seedlings daily and enter them in the database.
4. If the seedlings are big enough, you can put them into a net pot as described in Exercise 1.2.
(Tipp: Generally seedlings are big enough to be transferred in hydroculture, if they reach over the edges of the
germination box)

Plant Starting date Date of Size 1.day Size 2.day Size 3. day …
species germination

Evaluation

1. Which seeds germinate quickly? Which ones slower?

Plant
species
Germ time

2. Which seedlings are growing fast?

BioEnergy Ready-to-go Student’s manual 24

 2. Plant growth in hydroponic culture

Let your seedlings in hydroponic culture grow to plants under artificial lighting. Record your observations.

- Box 75 mm
- Pot holder tray
- Net pot
- Expanded clay pebbles
- Stopper red
- Air stones
- Hoses
- Y- switch
- Air pump
- Plant lamps
- Tripod plant lighting
- Time switch
- EC-meter
- Scale
- Tweezer
- Fertilizer

Additionally:
- Water
- Ruler or tape measure

Build-up the hydroponic culture:

1. Connect one tube through each of the small holes in the pot holder and attach one air stone at the end of
the tubes, which is later paced into the hydroponic box. Connect the free ends of the tube to the Y-
distributor and connect it to the air pump through the main tube.
2. Lock the pot holder on the 75 mm box.
3. Take the label on the edge of the two boxes (1 and 2) using a waterproof pen or sticker.
4. Put a net pot in each hole of the pot holder.
5. Make a solution of fertilizer and water with an EC value of 1100 µS/cm. Fill the box with the solution till all
net pots are dunked in about 0.5 cm.
6. Plug in the air pump into a power outlet and set the wheel to "max." Make sure the air is discharged into
the water through both air stones.
7. The tube clamp can be used to equally adjust the supply of oxygen through the air stones. To do so,
select the ventilation block from which most of the air diffuses and attach the clamp to the associated
tube. Turn the tube clamp until the same amount of air bubbles comes out of both diffusers.
8. Control regularly, whether the same quantity of air bubbles diffuse from both diffusers and adjust the tube
clamp if necessary.

BioEnergy Ready-to-go Student’s manual 25

Build-up the lighting:

1. Set up the tripod for the lights. (Number 17 in the layout diagram)
2. Connect the light bulb holder to the tripod. (Number 11 in the layout diagram). Put the light bulbs into the
holder.
3. Plug in the plant lighting through the outlet timer to a power outlet.
4. Set up the correct time; Program the timer that the light is active between 06:00 and 20:00.
Adjust the current time with the small arrow in the middle of the clock and push all buttons between 06:00
and 20:00 down. (See page 13)
5. Put the tripod between both hydroponics and align the plant lamps so that both boxes are well lit.

Transfer the seedlings to hydroculture:

1. Once the height of the seedlings is higher than the walls of the germination box, they can be transferred
into the hydroponic culture.
2. Prepare net cups and clay pebbles.
3. Use the tweezers to take a seedling from the germination box and hold it in the center of a net pot.
4. Fill the net pot with clay pebbles carefully so that the seedling can stand stably in it.
5. Put the corresponded ID number of the seedling in the potty.
6. Place the planted net pot in the hydroponic box.
7. You can cover the vacant places in the hydroponic culture with red plastic plugs.

Hint:
Small sprouts, like lettuce seedlings, need to be
transfered although they are still very small. Fill the net
pots only with so many expanded clay pebbles that they
just poke out from the water. Lay the seedlings onto the
excaly pebbles, that the roots can reach the water and
the leaves are out of the water.
Be patient, this procedure can take some time.

Addition of fertilizer and water:

To ensure that the plants always have the same environmental conditions, it is important to feed water and
fertilizer regularly.

1. Every 2-3 days, check the EC value of the water in your hydroponic culture.
2. Add water and fertilizer if necessary until the EC value reaches to 1100 µd/cm.
3. Note in the data table with the corresponding date for both hydroponics that how much water you have
added and if you have re-fertilized.

After about 3 weeks, you should completely change the water in the hydroponic cultures. Clean all materials
with a little detergent and reassemble the hydroponic culture as described above. You can carefully remove
the net pots with the plants. Make sure that the roots do not break off.

BioEnergy Ready-to-go Student’s manual 26

Observation of plant growth:

Note the weight and size of your plants every 2-3 days.

1. Use the scale for specification of the weight.

2. Take a net pot with a plant from the hydroponic culture and drain the water well.
3. Weigh the net pot using the scale and note the weight and the plant ID in your data table.
4. By determining the weight in two different days, you can calculate how fast the plants gain weight.
5. If you add exclay to stabilize the plant, record the weight of the added pebbles so that you can
recalculate this value the next time.
 Example:
o Day 1: 13,5 g
o Day 2: 14,1 g
 After weighing, 3.4 g of expanded clay pebbles are added
o Day 3: 18,3 g

o Increased weight Day 1-2: 14,1 g – 13,5 g = 0,6 g

o Increased weight Day 2-3: 18,3 g – 14,1 g – 3,4 g = 0,8 g

9. You can measure the size of the plants with a ruler or tape measure.
10. Start with measuring at the top of the pot and measure it to the highest tip of the leaf.
11. Note also any other changes that you can observe in the plants, such as yellowish or dry leaves, flower
and bud formation or fruit and turnip formation.

The experiment shows good results after 2-3 weeks. You can also continue it for several months.

BioEnergy Ready-to-go Student’s manual 27

Record your measurement by specifying the corresponding plant ID in the data table in the section "Plant
growth". Record the weight, size and other observations or deficiency symptoms.

1. Which colors of the light spectrum does the plant LED send out and why?

2. Display the growth of your plants graphically with a diagram of the hight and the weight as a
function of the number of days of your experimentations

3. Which plants grow up quickly?

4. Which plants make the biomass quickly?

BioEnergy Ready-to-go Student’s manual 28

 3. Nutrient and water consumption

Observe the nutrient and water consumption of your plants in the hydroponic culture as a function of the
biomass.

- EC-meter

The observation of the nutrient and water consumption can be carried out parallel to experiment 1.2.

EC-value observation

1. Note the EC value of your hydroponics every 2-3 days, like you do when you measure the size and
weight of your plants.
2. Also note when you have re-fertilized and how the values have changed. Write down the measured value
in the data table before and after fertilization.

Water consumption

1. Check every 2-3 days how much water the plants have used in your hydroponic culture.
2. Fill the water with a measuring beaker to the mark in your hydroponic culture and note the added amount
of water. This amount of water corresponds to the water consumed since the last filling.
3. Note when you completely change the water.

The consumption of fertilizer and water depends on the size and the growth phase of the plants. Use the
measurements from experiment 1.2 to calculate the total biomass of the plants in your hydroponic culture
and enter them into the data table.
Also note in the column "Observations" all changes to your plants, as in Experiment 1.2.
.

BioEnergy Ready-to-go Student’s manual 29

Record your measurements in a data table under the headings "EC Basin 1" and "EC Basin 2".

5. What do you notice?

Draw the EC value graph as a function of time.

Plot the decrease of the EC values as a function of the biomass.

BioEnergy Ready-to-go Student’s manual 30

 4. Aerobic decomposition

Build-up the compost and observe the change in temperature, volume and appearance.

- Compost
- Compost accelerator
- Temperature logger

Additional:
- Organic waste
- Tree branches
- Animal waste
- Leaves, grass

How to build-up the composter:

1. Close the plastic composter by forming a cylinder and putting the plastic hooks into the openings on the
other side.
2. Connect the ground plate to the cylinder. Hook the cylinder to the plate by inserting the clamps into the
holes. The composter should now stand on the rubber pads.

Filling the composter:

1. To fill the composter you need the organic waste like small branches, grass, leaves and animal waste
(e.g.: from your guinea pig). Please be aware that you don’t use citrus fruits or already molding
components.
2. Mix everything in a bucket.
3. Add a teaspoon of compost accelerator and some water and mix it again in the bucket
4. Now fill the organic waste into the composter. Don’t compress the compost.
5. Insert the temperature logger from top into the middle of the compost.

BioEnergy Ready-to-go Student’s manual 31

Recording with the temperature logger:

1. Connect the temperature logger via USB to your PC:

(A short instruction can be found in the abstract handling or at www.elitechlog.com/softwares/)
a. Current date and time should synchronize automatically
b. Set the interval of measuring to 15 min
c. Set the minimum and maximum of the logging process to 20 °C and 60 °C (70 °F and 140 °F)
2. Note the room temperature
3. Activate the temperature logger by pressing the play „►“ button for four seconds and start collecting data
for at least two weeks

Observe the filling height and the appearance

Note the room temperature every day and every 2- 3 days the filling height - or at least two weeks!

Room
Date Filling height [cm] Appearance
temperature

1. Attach the temperature logger via USB to the PC and read out the collected data. You can also print
them and discuss them in class.

2. Make a diagram oft he filling hight over the time.

3. Describe the visual changes of your compost over time and explain them.

BioEnergy Ready-to-go Student’s manual 32

 5 Anaerobic decomposition to hydrogen

Generate hydrogen from biomass. Prove the production via oxyhydrogen torch or by converting chemical
into electrical energy with the help of the PEM fuel cell.

- Erlenmeyer flask
- Rubber plug
- Gas collecting vessel
- PEM Fuel cell
- Motor module with propeller
- Cable
- Compost accelerator

Additional:
- Glucose
- Boiling water
- Matches or lighter
- Test tube

Build-up the Experiment:

1. Fill the Erlenmeyer flask with 30 g glucose and 10 g compost accelerator.

2. Add 1 liter of boiling water and close the flask with the rubber plug
3. Put the whole collecting system together and close it to the biomass in the Erlenmeyer flask:
a. The collecting system contains two vessels: one small for collecting the gas and the bigger one
with a scale and 2 connections in the top and bottom as a balancing container
b. The collecting container should be screwed into the balancing container
c. Put the collecting system onto the tripod and connect the hose of the Erlenmeyer flask to the
bottom
d. Fill the pressure balancing container with water. The gas collecting container should also fill with
water
e. Fill it with water till it reaches the zero mark
f. Pull the hose off the top of the inner gas collecting container through the hole in the top cover of
the balancing container. Connect it to the valve and close the valve.
g. There is one hose left. Connect one end to the valve and the other to the fuel cell.

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 Functioning: The bacteria in the Erlenmeyer flask will produce gas. This gets into the gas
collecting container and pushes the water out into the balancing container. With the scale you
can observe this procedure. If the valve gets opened the gas pours out of the collecting vessel
and water pours in again.

4. After 1- 2 days of waiting you should observe that there is some gas collected.

Oxyhydrogen torch

5. If the gas collecting vessel is half-full use the test tube upside down and let some of the produced gas
flow into it. Then hold a flame to the opening of the test tube and note your observations.
Please be careful and wear gloves

Gas production – with and without heating

6. Open the valve and let the gas out. How much gas (see the volume scale) was produced after one hour?
7. Repeat the experiment but warm the Erlenmeyer flask up by putting it on a heating unit. How much gas
was produced after an hour in comparison to the previous experiment?

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Fuel cell

8. Put the hose of the gas collecting vessel to the fuel cell and open the valve
9. Connect the motor module and the fuel cell to the base unit and connect them with the short circuit plugs
10. Wait approximately 15 to 30 minutes. When does the motor start spinning?

1. Oxyhydrogen torch
Observations:

2. Collecting gas
Hydrogen volume without heating
Hydrogen volume with heating

3. Fuel cell
Observations:

1. Why does the gas explode?

2. Explain the different gas volume, with and without heating?

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 6. Anaerobic decomposition to methane

Convert biomass to methane and prove its production by burning it.

- Erlenmeyer flask
- Rubber plug
- Gas collecting vessel
- Bunsen burner

Additional:
- Cow dung
- Water

1. Get some cow dung from a farm or a field. (pig dung or guinea pig dung also works)
2. Fill the Erlenmeyer flask up to 2/3 with cow dung and add 1/3 of water.
3. Put on the rubber plug and shake it a bit.
4. Put the whole collecting system together and close it to the biomass in the Erlenmeyer flask:
a. The collecting system contains two vessels: one small for collecting the gas and the bigger one
with a scale and 2 connections in the top and bottom as balancing container
b. The collecting container should be screwed into the balancing container
c. Put the collecting system onto the tripod and connect the hose of the Erlenmeyer flask to the
bottom
d. Fill the pressure balancing container with water. The gas collecting container should also fill
with water
e. Fill it with water till it reaches the zero mark
f. Pull the hose of the top of the inner gas collecting container through the hole in the top cover of
the balancing container. Connect it to the valve and close the valve.
g. There is one hose left. Connect one end with the valve and the other with the Bunsen burner.

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 Functioning: The bacteria in the Erlenmeyer flask will produce gas. This gets into the gas
collecting container and pushes the water out into the balancing container. With the scale you
can observe this procedure. If the valve gets opened the gas pours out of the collecting vessel
and water pours in again.

5. After two weeks you should observe some gas production.

6. If the gas collecting container is filled up by more than 25% you can try to burn it.
a. Open the valve and try to set the Bunsen burner on fire. Please be careful!
b. A blue flame should be visible. It is the best seen in the dark or against a dark background so
you can switch the light off.
c. If the gas is not burning in the beginning, let out all gas and try to test it again after a couple of
days
d. As soon as u can see a flame you can continue with further experiments.

Gas production with and without heating

7. Empty the gas collecting container.
8. Note down how much gas is produced during a day or half a day.
9. Empty the gas collecting container
10. Note down how much gas is produced during a day or half a day if you heat up the Erlenmeyer flask.

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Methane production

start test 1 test 2 test 3 …

Date, time
Flammability ---

Gas production with and without heating

With heating Without heating

Date, time volume (ml) Date, time volume (ml)

Start
After half a day
After one day

How long does it take to produce flammable gas? Explain your observations?

How much gas can be produced during one day, using heating and without? Why is there a
difference?

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