Energy integration research at University of Huddersfield with MyGug digester technology
The Challenge
Sustainability and impact are priorities for the University of Huddersfield. Three quarters of the University’s research was classed as world leading and internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) including world-leading research groups in Biomedical Sciences, Engineering and Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, and Arts and Humanities. The University has implemented a ten-point action plan for the planet.
The School of Computing and Engineering at University of Huddersfield, specifically the Energy Integration Lab is conducting research on the challenges in scaling up biofuel technologies and waste-to-energy solutions from lab research to industrial application. MyGug’s small digester technology is supporting this research.
The Solution
MyGug, a small, compact digester that converts food waste to renewable energy, arrived at University of Huddersfield in 2023 to support research in Energy Integration technologies. MyGug uses the natural process of anaerobic digestion to turn food waste to biogas, in addition to a valuable liquid plant food for growing,
Jack Edwards, Research Technician at the Energy Integration Lab at the School of Computing and Engineering in University of Huddersfield refers to the organisation’s drive to move quickly in this area of research and dedicate the required resources. He says: “As part of the team, we have two PHD students working with the MyGug digester on analysis of biogas generated and research on the economics of the system.”
He continues: “In relation to sustainability and the overall concept of energy integration, we are taking biogas and pressurising it to be used at a later point. The team plans to work towards refining the biogas produced and to explore the use of it with a micro gas turbine, where it could be used to generate electricity. The digestate is used for growing on campus grounds. We’re very happy with the system. MyGug supports our research into the great potential for use of enriched biogas in new technologies where existing systems are integrated to work efficiently with each other.”
The urgency around sustainable energy solutions requires this Higher Education research response and application. Research fellow Gina Javanbakht comments: “Cutting-edge research in biofuel from waste technologies enables the development of sustainable energy solutions. Collaboration with industrial partners ensures practical implementation and scalability, while mentoring PhD and master’s students fosters innovation and knowledge transfer.”
Key benefits and research value:
Measurable Outcomes
The MyGug unit at University of Huddersfield can treat 2 tonnes of food waste per year (5.5kg of food waste per day) which produces up to 1000L of biogas per day.
