The use of methane from mine demethanation in cogeneration and trigeneration systems is an innovative and environmentally friendly approach to managing energy resources. Methane, which is a harmful greenhouse gas, is a natural product of the coal mining process. Instead of letting it escape into the atmosphere, it can be captured and used to produce energy. Cogeneration plants, also known as cogeneration systems, are used to produce heat and electricity simultaneously, while trigeneration, in addition to the above, also allows for the production of coolth. The use of methane as an energy source in such systems is efficient and sustainable. This process allows for maximum utilisation of the energy contained in methane by recovering the heat that is normally lost in conventional energy production systems. Not only does it affect the energy efficiency, but it also contributes to reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions. This approach is an example of how technology can serve the environment while bringing economic benefits to the coal mining sector. Of course, implementing such a strategy requires investing in infrastructure and technology, but the potential benefits of sustainable and efficient use of energy resources are enormous.

After a thorough analysis of the amount of gas captured and supplied to cogeneration systems, EXME Berger Group selects a unit with specific power, usually from 0.5 MW to 4.0 MW. The unique systems proposed by EXME Berger Group make it possible to produce electricity to power demethanation stations, for the own needs of a mine, or for the needs of a local community. Such a solution does not consume electricity supplied from an external provider for the needs of operating the demethanation station, which reduces the entire demethanation process significantly. An additional advantage is the generation of thermal energy from cogeneration systems and its use for the plant’s own needs.

A cogeneration system is made from containers which are prefabricated and delivered to the customer’s construction site.

A methane-fuelled engine generates medium-voltage electricity through an alternator, and it produces:

• electricity that can be used for one’s own needs or transmitted to an external grid,
• thermal energy recovered by a plate heat exchanger, which allows for producing high-temperature water, and from exhaust gases, from which hot water is produced.

In highly efficient systems, the heat energy can be used to produce cold water (tri-generation) and further to build e.g. central air conditioning systems.

Advantages:

• our proposed systems of demethanation stations cooperating with cogeneration mean minimising the impact of greenhouse gases on the atmosphere, as well as producing clean electricity and heat,
• the use of a modular solution of combining a demethanation station with a cogeneration system means the possibility to gain energy independence from an external electricity supplier, which significantly affects the operating costs of a demethanation station,
• the supplied modular systems allow the ordering party to perform the assembly after prior training with the supplier,
• remote monitoring of the operation of demethanation stations and cogeneration systems provides continuous technical support by EXME Berger Group,
• the proposed systems allow for automated operation.