Application of the FLERT (fuel - linked energy resources and tasks) approach to rural household and community anaerobic digestion systems

The Fuel-Linked Energy Resources and Tasks (FLERT) approach presented here provides a well-defined and replicative framework for examining the physical, social, and environmental resources used and the products generated by anaerobic digesters and for predicting whether digesters will or will not be appropriate in specific situations. With limited data derived from literature review, the anaerobic digestion system is analyzed in terms of construction, operations and maintenance, management of feedstock raw materials and of residues, and energy distribution and use. Three types of digesters are included in the analysis - floating-dome, fixed-dome, and bag-type digesters. Tasks that might be promoted in rural areas by the energy and other products provided by digesters are appraised and some implications of using these products are discussed, based on actual experiences. A model for comparing condensed sets of data from alternative energy technologies is presented. A five-page bibliography (1956-80) is included.