ABSTRACT Covered lagoon biodigesters are widely used in Brazil for treatment of agro-industrial effluents; however, under natural conditions, they operate at temperatures below the ideal. Thus, external sources for heating the effluent can enhance reactor performance and optimize thermal exchanges between the biodigester and the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the thermal exchanges in the internal and external environments of a covered lagoon biodigester from the influence of effluent heating through solar energy. Mathematical modeling (EnergyPlus software) was used as a tool to simulate thermal exchanges and obtain heat transfer rates. To do so, two scenarios were considered: with and without heated effluent. The results showed that solar radiation is the primary source of heating for anaerobic reactors and that the high thermal inertia of the soil contributes to a small variation in temperature of the resident biomass over the course of the day, even in the scenario with heated effluent. The temperature of the resident biomass reached and stabilized at 30°C, even after thermal exchanges with biogas and soil, in both hot and cold periods when heating was applied.

Os programas de simulação são importantes ferramentas para análise de diferentes alternativas energéticas, incluindo o uso de energias renováveis. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma análise comparativa das diferentes ferramentas computacionais disponíveis para modelagem de aquecedores solares de água. Entre os principais programas de simulação de sistemas solares térmicos estão: RETScreen International, EnergyPlus, TRNSYS, SolDesigner, SolarPro e T*SOL. Entre as ferramentas citadas, apenas o EnergyPlus e o RETScreen International são livres, mas permitem a obtenção de resultados interessantes quando aplicadas em conjunto. O primeiro possui um módulo de análise energética detalhado de aquecedores solares de água, enquanto o segundo possibilita um estudo detalhado de viabilidade econômica e uma avaliação de emissões de gases de efeito estufa. Os programas EnergyPlus e RETScreen International são destinados a um público-alvo diverso, incluindo projetistas, pesquisadores e planejadores energéticos.

The simulation programs are important tools to analyze the different energetic alternatives, including the use of renewable energy. The objective of this study was to analyze comparatively the different computer tools available for modeling of solar water heaters. Among the main simulation software of solar thermal systems, there are: RETScreen International, EnergyPlus, TRNSYS, SolDesigner, SolarPro, e T*SOL. Among the tools mentioned, only EnergyPlus and RETScreen International are free, but they allow obtaining interesting results when applied together. The first one has a detailed module of energy analysis of solar water heaters, while the second one provides an detailed economic feasibility study and an assessment of emissions of greenhouse gases. RETScreen International and EnergyPlus programs are aimed at a diverse audience, including designers, researchers and energy planners.