Abstract:

This work presents the content and results from an interdisciplinary project devoted to the analysis of the potential of biogas production from wastes generated in installations within the different University Campuses that comprise the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). The work has been designed to enhance collaborative work and transdisciplinarity, connecting professors of different fields of knowledge, students doing their Final Bachelor Degree Project as well as technicians and administrative personal. Several disciplines have been applied to cover topics such as statistics, data processing, bio-energy, organic chemistry, engineering, sustainability, as well as build team‐based project collaboration skills.

Initially, once the points of organic waste generation were identified, a survey was designed and sent to the managers of these sites in order to evaluate the type, quantity and quality and some information about previous waste management of the generated residues such as if the waste was separated by types of waste, storage, etc. In parallel, the potential of the mentioned residues to generate bio-methane was evaluated based on the available bibliography and a simulation was developed to evaluate the suitability of the different sites. Once the information was received, in order to concentrate the research, some sites were selected as the most suitable ones, based on the amount of biogas that could be obtained and the potential applications of the generated biogas. Finally, with all this information, the design of a prototype of a plant was made, to be proposed to be installed in the university.

The students´ work was big enough to be evaluated as their final Bachelor Degree Project. Result were very positive in terms of helping to contribute another type of renewable energy to the University mix, to insert sustainable development goals in the curriculum of the engineering students and to enhance collaborative work between different statements of the institution.

Keywords:

Biogas obtaining, practical case study based, transdisciplinary learning, Final Bachelor Degree Project.