Quarter 1 of the Smart Biogas System Project started on April 1st. The project seeks to incorporate an IoT (Internet of Things) and sensors running on a computer programme into local biogas plants in Ghana. Output from the system in real-time would provide biogas plant users with vital information on the critical parameters under which the biogas plant is running. If the critical parameters are off-board, an alarm would be triggered with possible reasons for the cause to enable the biogas user to resolve it.

Moreover, through real-time monitoring, data analysis, and optimization, the research project intends to incorporate Internet of Things (IoT) technology into a biogas plant and revolutionize its operations. The project has a huge potential to increase the plant's production, sustainability, and overall efficiency. The students can open up new opportunities for maximizing resource use, minimize waste, and enhance energy generation with IoT integration. Their initiative aims to develop a greener, more sustainable biogas production system that is in line with their global commitment to environmental preservation and energy efficiency by utilizing the power of data-driven insights and intelligent automation.

The first quarter was focused on literature review, procurement of components for building the Smart System, and field trips which included engagement with biogas owners.

During the literature review the students looked at the origins of biogas technology in Ghana and the advancements that have been made till date. They read through research papers, articles from reputable organizations and governmental institutions. This helped them realise how highly developed all the digital tools to ensure successful operation of the plants are and also realized the challenges the biogas industry in Ghana has been facing.

They also procured some necessary IoT components and equipment required for the Biogas Plant IoT implementation. These include sensors, communication devices, and data acquisition systems. The acquisition of these components was critical in ensuring compatibility, reliability, and scalability within the project framework. Not all the components were procured during the quarter, however the ones obtained were enough for the team to start building the system while they obtain other necessary components in the second quarter.

The team also went on field trips. They generated three (3) questionnaires for biogas plant installers, owners and operators and reached out to biogas plant installers, one being an executive of the Biogas Association of Ghana (BAG). They were able to visit 5 sites in the Ashanti Region. The implementation of the first quarter was overall very successful. Except for some minor difficulties the quarter ended well. In the second quarter, the students will be focused on comprehensive data analysis and system optimization.

We are in constant communication with them to provide the necessary support. There will be more progress made in this area as they move into the next quarter. The students are filled with enthusiasm and anticipation for the remarkable progress that lies ahead.