The diagram illustrates a self-sufficient system for producing home energy from compost, outlining the process in two main stages: the creation of methane gas and its subsequent conversion into electricity.
Overall, the process is a cyclical one that begins with organic waste and ends with usable electricity and stored energy. The system is entirely self-contained, relying on natural fermentation and mechanical processes to generate power.
The first stage of the process involves a large steel tank, which is filled three-quarters of the way with compostable materials such as leaves, food scraps, and water. As the compost ferments, it naturally produces methane gas. This gas is then siphoned out of the tank and stored in a separate methane gas container.
In the second stage, the stored methane gas is compressed and then fed into a combustion engine. This engine is mechanically linked to a generator. The combustion of the gas within the engine powers the generator, which in turn produces electrical energy. This electricity can be used directly for home consumption or can be sent to a battery for electrical energy storage. The battery offers a reserve of power for times when the system is not actively generating electricity.