Feasibility Study Projects

General Projects

Growing Power, Inc
Hope Finkelstein, Co-Director
Milwaukee, WI
Date of award: 9/11/2002
Award amount: $7,500

Growing Green Power
Growing Power wants to perform a technical feasibility study to evaluate the energy use and identify opportunities to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels at its model demonstration facility, the Growing Power Community Food Center. This would be done by developing and implementing a sustainable energy initiative - Growing Green Power. The project compliments our commitment to sustaining and developing community food systems, which provide high quality, safe, healthy, affordable food for all residents. Growing Green Power is part of a larger evaluation and movement towards sustainability in all of Growing Power's processes and systems.

Sun & Daughters
Mark Yeager
Eagle River, WI
Date of award: 9/7/2002
Award amount: $1,477.58

Keyes Peak Ski Lodge
The main goal of this grant is to make valuable use of renewable energy at Keyes Peak and to showcase a working system to the public. Sun & Daughters hopes to help Keyes Peak reduce energy usage and educate its visitors on renewable energy applications.

Solar Thermal Projects

Solar Mining Company
Clarence Wickham
Green Bay, WI
Date of award: 10/17/2005
Award amount: $10,000

Solar District Heating for St. Norbert's College
Solar Mining Company conducted a feasibility study for the installation of a solar hot water system at St. Norbert's College. Solar Mining analyzed the current hot water distribution network and concluded that the purpose and use were well suited for solar hot water technologies.
Solar Mining Company Feasibility Study St. Norbert

Biogas Projects

City of Manitowoc WWTF
Brian Helminger
Manitowoc, WI
Awarded Amount: $6,000
The City of Manitowoc Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) retained Earth Tech to review digester gas production, review existing boiler efficiency, review existing sludge heating controls, investigate siloxane fouling and to investigate co-generation options. This study was supported through a Feasibility Grant from Wisconsin Focus on Energy.
     Manitowoc Wastewater Treatment Facility Bioenergy Feasibility Project

Cooperative Developer Services
Mary Meyers
Madison, WI
Awarded Amount: $7,000
Developing a Community Manure Digester Model for Wisconsin This feasibility study sought to develop business models for jointly owned manure digesters that are applicable to areas of Wisconsin served by the Focus on Energy program. Such development of the model is critical to ensure its applicability throughout the state.
     Developing a Community Manure Digester for Wisconsin
     Developing a Community Manure Digester for WI Financials
     Developing a Community Manure Digester for WI Return on Investment Analysis

Walworth County Metropolitan Sewerage District
Delevan, WI
Date Awarded: 04/06/05
Awarded Amount: $4,665 The Walworth County Metropolitan Sewerage District (WalCoMet) Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) retained Earth Tech to conduct a digester gas utilization study to determine the most beneficial use of the digester gas generated during the anaerobic digestion process. This study was partially funded through a grant from Wisconsin Focus on Energy.
     WalCoMet WWTF Digester Gas Utilization Study

Foremost Farms USA
Patrick E. Merrick
Baraboo, WI
Date of Award: 3/16/2005
Award Amount: $4,930

Anaerobic Digestion of High Strength Waste Stream as an Alternative to Land Spreading of Waste
The objective of this study is to develop and analyze information to assist Foremost Farms USA in assessing alternatives for managing its high strength wastewater and potentially improving the operation of the WWTFs at its Rothschild and Plover sites.
     Foremost Farms Feasibility Study

Crave Brothers Farm
Charles Crave
Waterloo, WI 53594
Date of award: 5/11/05
Award amount: $8,000

Crave Brothers Farm Anaerobic Digester Feasibility Project
Crave Brothers Farm is evaluating the feasibility of installing an anaerobic digester on the farmstead. The digester would take the manure waste from the dairy operation and the whey from the cheese plant located across the road from the farm. The energy produced by the digester could be used for electrical generation or to fuel the boiler in the cheese factory. This project consisted of evaluating the location of a manure/whey staging pit to account for future farm expansion.
     Crave Brothers Farm Anaerobic Digester Feasibility Project

Resource Strategies
Joseph Kramer
Madison, WI
Date of award: 3/13/2004
Award amount: $7,500

2004 Updated Great Lakes States Agricultural Biogas Casebook
This casebook presents profiles of farms using anaerobic digesters for animal manures in the Great Lakes States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.
     Ag Biogas Casebook Sept 2002 Case Study
     Ag Biogas Casebook 2004 Update

Marquette University
Daniel Zitomer
Milwaukee, WI
Date of award: 1/24/2003
Award amount: $20,000

Municipal Anaerobic Digesters as Regional Renewable Energy Facilities
Wisconsin's Wastewater facilities typically use one-tank digesters to bioconvert sludge to methane for energy generation. Facilities are often connected to the grid. Recent improvememnts to one-tank digestion could lead to 20% more methane production and more renewable energy. Therefore, the project will develop and evaluate the novel anaerobic digestion elutriated phased treatment (ADEPT) and temperature phased anaerobic digestion (TPAD) to produce more renewable energy. A large-scale demonstration will be performed at the Janesville treatment plant after laboratory work. If Brookfield, Racine, Janesville, and Milwaukee (Wisconsin) alone converted to a novel process, then the potential methane would power 170 houses.
     Marquette University Municipal Anaerobic Digesters Feasibility Study

GHD, Inc
Stephen W. Dvorak
Chilton, WI
Date of award: 9/11/2002
Award amount: $15,000

Evaluation of Existing Anaerobic Digester Projects
GHD, Inc. along with UW-Platteville would like to evaluate the operation of three anaerobic digesters located in Wisconsin. Analysis will include PH, TSS, VS, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Pathogens. Analysis will be performed on influent manure and digester by-products (both liquid and solid). Physical qualities of liquids, solids, and biogas will be measured. Waste heat utilized by the dairy will also be monitored. Utilizing this analysis, GHD will be able to provide the agricultural community with real information to make decisions on the value of anaerobic digestion.
     Gordondale Farm Feas Study Report

CNPK and Power LLC
Dillon McMullen, Project Manager
Irma, WI
Date of award: 7/9/2002
Award amount: $15,000

Dairy Pollution Control and Power
A study will be conducted for processing dairy wastes in to kW, gas, biodiesel, heat, hot water and pelletized fertilizer on a 4,000-acre/3,000-cow farm in Marathon County.

McMahon Associates, Inc
Thomas E. Vik, P.E., DEE - Vice President
Neenah, WI
Date of award: 4/24/2002
Award amount: $15,000

Anaerobic Digester Methane to Electricity -- A Statewide Assessment
The purpose of this study is to determine the technical and economic feasibility of generating electricity from the methane using a packaged generation system that includes an engine, generator, gas treatment system and heat recovery system. The study would determine which size communities and treatment plants this technology makes economic and practical sense and would develop a priority list and an implementation plan for those communities.
     McMahon Anaerobic Digester Assessment

Glacierland Resource and Development Council Inc.
Jim Costello
Green Bay, WI
Award amount: $14,800

Cooperative Anaerobic Digestion as a Manure Management Alternative in Northeastern Wisconsin
A Study will be conducted to determine the feasibility of locating methane producing plants in the nine county Glacierland RC&D area. These plants would use cow manure from multiple dairy farms.
     Glacierland Research Study Summary
     Glacierland Results Presentation

Biomass Projects

Northwest Regional Planning Commission
Richard Barber
Spooner, WI
Date of award: 10/15/2002
Award amount: $10,000

Biomass Byproduct GIS Database for Wisconsin
This project will provide a GIS-linked database describing the availability of biomass byproducts, thus allowing renewable energy producers to determine optimum plant locations relative to biomass procurement costs. Computer models will allow for inexpensive updates, and information will be provided to existing publications to enhance Wisconsin's renewable energy database. You can download their final report below:
     Biomass GIS Database Report

Fraser Papers
Brian Rusch
Park Falls, WI
Date of award: 9/24/2004
Award amount: $7,500

Engineering Evaluation for the Control of Biomass Fuel Losses
Fraser operates boiler systems to convert wood waste biomass fuel into thermal energy for use in pulp and paper making applications. Losses of wood dust/fines from fuel processing equates to fuel loss and nuisance airborne dust.
The purpose of the project is to characterize sources and potential control options for biomass fuel losses within the fuel processing and handling systems.
     Fraser Paper Feasibility Study
     Fraser Paper Action Plan

Geothermal Projects

Wildlife Acres Subdivision
Joel Clary PE, MBA
Fond du Lac, WI
Award amount: $2,500
This is a Feasibility Study for Wildlife Acres, a 38 acre Sub-Division located on the corner of Rinehart Road and County Trunk V in Fond du Lac, WI . This Sub-Division is looking at using the first community-based geothermal pond of its kind in the state of Wisconsin. This 4-acre pond would be great for demonstrating the geothermal concept in a sub-division format.
Wildlife Acres Feasibility Study


Feasibility Study Projects \| Demonstration Projects \| Demonstration and Equipment Projects \| \| Curriculum and Educational Scholarships \| Feasibility Study Projects \| \| Implementation Projects \| Research and Development Projects \| General Projects Growing Power, Inc Hope Finkelstein, Co-Director Milwaukee, WI Date of award: 9/11/2002 Award amount: $7,500 Growing Green Power Growing Power wants to perform a technical feasibility study to evaluate the energy use and identify opportunities to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels at its model demonstration facility, the Growing Power Community Food Center. This would be done by developing and implementing a sustainable energy initiative - Growing Green Power. The project compliments our commitment to sustaining and developing community food systems, which provide high quality, safe, healthy, affordable food for all residents. Growing Green Power is part of a larger evaluation and movement towards sustainability in all of Growing Power's processes and systems. Sun & Daughters Mark Yeager Eagle River, WI Date of award: 9/7/2002 Award amount: $1,477.58 Keyes Peak Ski Lodge The main goal of this grant is to make valuable use of renewable energy at Keyes Peak and to showcase a working system to the public. Sun & Daughters hopes to help Keyes Peak reduce energy usage and educate its visitors on renewable energy applications. Solar Thermal Projects Solar Mining Company Clarence Wickham Green Bay, WI Date of award: 10/17/2005 Award amount: $10,000 Solar District Heating for St. Norbert's College Solar Mining Company conducted a feasibility study for the installation of a solar hot water system at St. Norbert's College. Solar Mining analyzed the current hot water distribution network and concluded that the purpose and use were well suited for solar hot water technologies. Solar Mining Company Feasibility Study St. Norbert Biogas Projects City of Manitowoc WWTF Brian Helminger Manitowoc, WI Awarded Amount: $6,000 The City of Manitowoc Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) retained Earth Tech to review digester gas production, review existing boiler efficiency, review existing sludge heating controls, investigate siloxane fouling and to investigate co-generation options. This study was supported through a Feasibility Grant from Wisconsin Focus on Energy. Manitowoc Wastewater Treatment Facility Bioenergy Feasibility Project Cooperative Developer Services Mary Meyers Madison, WI Awarded Amount: $7,000 Developing a Community Manure Digester Model for Wisconsin This feasibility study sought to develop business models for jointly owned manure digesters that are applicable to areas of Wisconsin served by the Focus on Energy program. Such development of the model is critical to ensure its applicability throughout the state. Developing a Community Manure Digester for Wisconsin Developing a Community Manure Digester for WI Financials Developing a Community Manure Digester for WI Return on Investment Analysis Walworth County Metropolitan Sewerage District Delevan, WI Date Awarded: 04/06/05 Awarded Amount: $4,665 The Walworth County Metropolitan Sewerage District (WalCoMet) Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) retained Earth Tech to conduct a digester gas utilization study to determine the most beneficial use of the digester gas generated during the anaerobic digestion process. This study was partially funded through a grant from Wisconsin Focus on Energy. WalCoMet WWTF Digester Gas Utilization Study Foremost Farms USA Patrick E. Merrick Baraboo, WI Date of Award: 3/16/2005 Award Amount: $4,930 Anaerobic Digestion of High Strength Waste Stream as an Alternative to Land Spreading of Waste The objective of this study is to develop and analyze information to assist Foremost Farms USA in assessing alternatives for managing its high strength wastewater and potentially improving the operation of the WWTFs at its Rothschild and Plover sites. Foremost Farms Feasibility Study Crave Brothers Farm Charles Crave Waterloo, WI 53594 Date of award: 5/11/05 Award amount: $8,000 Crave Brothers Farm Anaerobic Digester Feasibility Project Crave Brothers Farm is evaluating the feasibility of installing an anaerobic digester on the farmstead. The digester would take the manure waste from the dairy operation and the whey from the cheese plant located across the road from the farm. The energy produced by the digester could be used for electrical generation or to fuel the boiler in the cheese factory. This project consisted of evaluating the location of a manure/whey staging pit to account for future farm expansion. Crave Brothers Farm Anaerobic Digester Feasibility Project Resource Strategies Joseph Kramer Madison, WI Date of award: 3/13/2004 Award amount: $7,500 2004 Updated Great Lakes States Agricultural Biogas Casebook This casebook presents profiles of farms using anaerobic digesters for animal manures in the Great Lakes States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. Ag Biogas Casebook Sept 2002 Case Study Ag Biogas Casebook 2004 Update Marquette University Daniel Zitomer Milwaukee, WI Date of award: 1/24/2003 Award amount: $20,000 Municipal Anaerobic Digesters as Regional Renewable Energy Facilities Wisconsin's Wastewater facilities typically use one-tank digesters to bioconvert sludge to methane for energy generation. Facilities are often connected to the grid. Recent improvememnts to one-tank digestion could lead to 20% more methane production and more renewable energy. Therefore, the project will develop and evaluate the novel anaerobic digestion elutriated phased treatment (ADEPT) and temperature phased anaerobic digestion (TPAD) to produce more renewable energy. A large-scale demonstration will be performed at the Janesville treatment plant after laboratory work. If Brookfield, Racine, Janesville, and Milwaukee (Wisconsin) alone converted to a novel process, then the potential methane would power 170 houses. Marquette University Municipal Anaerobic Digesters Feasibility Study GHD, Inc Stephen W. Dvorak Chilton, WI Date of award: 9/11/2002 Award amount: $15,000 Evaluation of Existing Anaerobic Digester Projects GHD, Inc. along with UW-Platteville would like to evaluate the operation of three anaerobic digesters located in Wisconsin. Analysis will include PH, TSS, VS, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Pathogens. Analysis will be performed on influent manure and digester by-products (both liquid and solid). Physical qualities of liquids, solids, and biogas will be measured. Waste heat utilized by the dairy will also be monitored. Utilizing this analysis, GHD will be able to provide the agricultural community with real information to make decisions on the value of anaerobic digestion. Gordondale Farm Feas Study Report CNPK and Power LLC Dillon McMullen, Project Manager Irma, WI Date of award: 7/9/2002 Award amount: $15,000 Dairy Pollution Control and Power A study will be conducted for processing dairy wastes in to kW, gas, biodiesel, heat, hot water and pelletized fertilizer on a 4,000-acre/3,000-cow farm in Marathon County. McMahon Associates, Inc Thomas E. Vik, P.E., DEE - Vice President Neenah, WI Date of award: 4/24/2002 Award amount: $15,000 Anaerobic Digester Methane to Electricity -- A Statewide Assessment The purpose of this study is to determine the technical and economic feasibility of generating electricity from the methane using a packaged generation system that includes an engine, generator, gas treatment system and heat recovery system. The study would determine which size communities and treatment plants this technology makes economic and practical sense and would develop a priority list and an implementation plan for those communities. McMahon Anaerobic Digester Assessment Glacierland Resource and Development Council Inc. Jim Costello Green Bay, WI Award amount: $14,800 Cooperative Anaerobic Digestion as a Manure Management Alternative in Northeastern Wisconsin A Study will be conducted to determine the feasibility of locating methane producing plants in the nine county Glacierland RC&D area. These plants would use cow manure from multiple dairy farms. Glacierland Research Study Summary Glacierland Results Presentation Biomass Projects Northwest Regional Planning Commission Richard Barber Spooner, WI Date of award: 10/15/2002 Award amount: $10,000 Biomass Byproduct GIS Database for Wisconsin This project will provide a GIS-linked database describing the availability of biomass byproducts, thus allowing renewable energy producers to determine optimum plant locations relative to biomass procurement costs. Computer models will allow for inexpensive updates, and information will be provided to existing publications to enhance Wisconsin's renewable energy database. You can download their final report below: Biomass GIS Database Report Fraser Papers Brian Rusch Park Falls, WI Date of award: 9/24/2004 Award amount: $7,500 Engineering Evaluation for the Control of Biomass Fuel Losses Fraser operates boiler systems to convert wood waste biomass fuel into thermal energy for use in pulp and paper making applications. Losses of wood dust/fines from fuel processing equates to fuel loss and nuisance airborne dust. The purpose of the project is to characterize sources and potential control options for biomass fuel losses within the fuel processing and handling systems. Fraser Paper Feasibility Study Fraser Paper Action Plan Geothermal Projects Wildlife Acres Subdivision Joel Clary PE, MBA Fond du Lac, WI Award amount: $2,500 This is a Feasibility Study for Wildlife Acres, a 38 acre Sub-Division located on the corner of Rinehart Road and County Trunk V in Fond du Lac, WI . This Sub-Division is looking at using the first community-based geothermal pond of its kind in the state of Wisconsin. This 4-acre pond would be great for demonstrating the geothermal concept in a sub-division format. Wildlife Acres Feasibility Study
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