Enhancing Biogas Production and Use by Remote Data Acquisition and Analysis-Household Biogas Use in Rwanda as Case for the Study

Paper in proceeding, 2024

Access to clean cooking energy carriers remains a challenge in developing countries, particularly in the subSaharan Africa (SSA). This has implications on public health, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development.Biogas production for household and institutional use (e.g. schools) has been suggested as one of candidate technologies to anchor the clean cooking transitioning as global agenda. However, its resource potentials have not been realised due to a number of barriers. Among these barriers, literature cites untimely technical interventions due to limited information on biodigester functionality and health. This work presents a designed system to remotely collect data by using data sensor networks (DSNs) and smart meters. The system collects data from biodigesters installed in Rwanda’s rural dwellings.Evidence from a case study indicated that using remote data
collection can help to monitor biodigester health, and biogas production to enhance timely technical interventions as well as demand-side management. Challenges and opportunities are also discussed.