Title:
Advanced Composting with Heat Recovery: From Lab-scale Experiments to Process Modeling
Author(s):
Santoni, C., Cascioli, A., Benedetti, V., Patuzzi, F., Diana, T., Baratieri, M.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
This study investigates the composting of lignocellulosic agro-industrial residues within the framework of the CompostDiVino project, with the dual objective of producing high-quality compost and recovering thermal energy. Four laboratory-scale reactors (430.L each) were operated over a 90-day period using a mixture of apple wood chips and grape stalks (70:30 w/w), with varying additions of digestate (0–30 %). The process was monitored through temperature measurements and periodic sampling, followed by physicochemical characterization including moisture, ash content, pH, electrical conductivity, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). A mathematical-kinetic model based on Monod and Arrhenius equations was developed to describe microbial activity, substrate degradation, and heat generation during composting. The model also integrates the process energy balance accounting for heat losses and potential heat recovery. Calibration was performed against experimental temperature data, showing good agreement (RMSE ˜ 2.5.°C for optimized cases). The model is able of reproducing temperature dynamics and represents an useful tool for process optimization and integration with heat recovery systems. These findings contribute to the development of decentralized composting systems as sustainable solutions for agro-industrial waste valorization.
Keywords:
agricultural residues, biomass, composting, modelling, process heat
Topic:
Biomass Conversion for Bioenergy
Subtopic:
Anaerobic digestion for biogas and biomethane production
Event:
34th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
4CV.1.15
Pages:
679 - 682
ISBN:
978-88-89407-27-1
Paper DOI:
10.5071/34thEUBCE2026-4CV.1.15
Price:
FREE
