TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY
ITility’s renewable energy technology is based on Anaerobic Digestion (AD), which uses processes where microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen. When integrated into a waste management system, AD reduces operational carbon footprint and the emission of greenhouse gas into the atmosphere normally associated with decaying organic waste. Two outputs from this process are nutrient rich digestate usable as fertilizer and methane rich gas, commonly known as biogas. More than half of biogas is methane (natural gas) which is usable as a renewable energy source. The digestate can be land applied, composted and used as a soil amendment, or processed into fertilizer types. Biogas can be combusted in an engine to power a generator for creating electricity. In addition to the electricity, a large amount of heat energy is also produced which can support system processes or diverted to other onsite power functions. While AD technology is not new, ITility’s processes that create efficiencies, scalability and flexibility for the warfighter are transformational in the renewable energy domain. The impact of ITility’s renewable technology processes make it both economically viable as green energy and operationally advantageous in expeditionary environments to extract energy from organic waste.
AREA/MATURITY/AWARDS
Primary Application Area: Energy, Efficiency, Environmental
Technology Development Status: Proven Manufacturability
Technology Readiness Level: TRL 5
Vetted Programs/Awards: ITility’s was selected as a 2018 TechConnect Defense Innovation Awardee at the Fall Summit and Expo. Our current waste to energy projects include a vetted program award through the Maryland Energy Administration’s Animal Waste to Energy grant program to install and demonstrate our AD system technical solution.
GOVT/EXTERNAL FUNDING SOURCES
External Funding to Date: As a mature small business, ITility has used its own internal corporate funding to reinvest in itself and new technology.