Tec Inc. is excited to highlight our electrical engineering design work on the Dairy Anaerobic Digester & Gas Upgrades, a series of innovative projects transforming cow manure into renewable natural gas. This ongoing initiative, which began in 2022 with three initial sites and expanded to seven more in 2023, is helping Dairy BC, in partnership with IGS Energy, create sustainable energy solutions for farms across Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.

The primary goal of this project was to design electrical systems to support the anaerobic digestion process, where manure is converted into methane gas. This renewable gas is then processed and injected into the natural gas grid, providing a clean energy source. With livestock numbers ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 cows at each farm, these systems are designed to handle large volumes of waste, turning it into a valuable resource.

A significant challenge of this project was designing specialized electrical systems for various components, including sensors, pumps, blowers, fans, probes, and controls. These components are critical for the anaerobic digestion process. Ensuring accurate wiring connections and control identification was essential for system reliability and safety.

To meet these demands, Tec Inc. designed each plant's main electrical service, power and control wiring, and grounding systems. Our electrical engineers also worked to ensure that hazardous locations were addressed correctly and that all components would function safely within the unique environment of the digester and gas processing systems.

The design work also involved collaboration with IGS Energy, which is constructing the plants, and Dairy BC, the owner of the farms. The plants, each with a construction cost of approximately $3,000,000, are part of a larger effort to reduce waste and produce renewable energy on dairy farms. Each plant’s electrical engineering design fee is $58,000, reflecting the complexity of these systems.

By supporting the development of these anaerobic digesters, Tec Inc. has helped Dairy BC and IGS Energy take significant steps toward a more sustainable future. The project not only reduces waste but also provides a renewable energy source that can be used to power communities. As the plants continue to expand, Tec Inc. remains dedicated to providing the electrical engineering expertise needed to power this important initiative.