Methane Energy Generation Project Phase 4

This project aims to build off the previous design (WA-RD 901.1) to create an energy recapture and generation system applicable to the Safety Rest Area’s (SRA) or other public facilities operated by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). This system uses methane generated in the wastewater conveyance process to create electrical energy to run the SRA with the possibility to send excess electricity to the grid. This project revolves around two high-priority problems: (1) reduce greenhouse and prevent harmful gas release into the atmosphere, and (2) quell operational and capital costs at SRA’s while fulfilling regulatory requirements. Currently, methane, as well as other environmentally impactful gasses such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), escape into the atmosphere without treatment at the sewer facilities located at Safety Rest Area’s (SRA) that are operated by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Utilizing sewer system gases at SRA’s could potentially allow for significant operational cost reductions for WSDOT, as they maintain and operate numerous facilities, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $50000
• Sponsor Organizations:

  Washington State Department of Transportation

  Research Office
  P.O. Box 47372
  Olympia, WA  United States  98504
• Project Managers:

  Brodin, Doug

  Rodgers, Jim

• Start Date: 20220201
• Expected Completion Date: 20220831
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: Transportation, Planning, Research, and Development

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Capital costs; Electric power generation; Energy transfer; Greenhouse gases; Methane; Operating costs; Roadside rest areas; Wastewater
• Identifier Terms: Washington State Department of Transportation
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Highways; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01834527
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Washington State Department of Transportation
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jan 26 2022 11:49AM