Simulation and optimization of the anaerobic digestion process for the production of renewable energy and valuable compounds from biodegradable wastes

These projects are open to students worldwide, but have no funding attached. Therefore, the successful applicant will be expected to fund tuition fees at the relevant level (home or international) and any applicable additional research costs. Please consider this before applying. 

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a biological process in which organic matter is decomposed by an assortment of microbes in oxygen-free or oxygen-lean conditions to produce various chemicals such as volatile fatty acids, acetic acid, hydrogen and biogas (about 40–70 percent CH₄ and 30–60 percent CO₂). Since the 1990s, increased energy prices, concerns of global warming, as well as the decreasing capacity of landfills have stimulated development of AD technology to produce renewable energy from various organic wastes, such as food waste and the organic fraction of municipal solid waste etc. Moreover, AD can be considered as a promising alternative for hydrogen production which is typically done by adopting techniques that involve inhibiting the microorganisms that convert hydrogen into methane (methanogenesis). AD could also be used to produce the liquid-phase intermediates, which are mainly short-chain organic acids (e.g., acetic, propionic, lactic acid) used for a wide range of purposes. Extensive efforts have been dedicated to developing mathematical models of various degree of complexity for understanding AD mechanisms, predicting its performance, and improving process control. One of the widely used detailed models of this biodegradation process is the ADM1 model (Chen et al., 2020) that is developed by including multiple steps describing the biochemical (e.g., hydrolysis, acetogenesis, acidogenesis) and physicochemical (e.g., dissociation and gas-liquid transfer) processes. In this project, the ADM1 model will be utilised for the simulation of the AD process. Moreover, the different assumptions, structures, applications, and limitations of the model will be explored. Further, model-based optimization of the process will be carried out using computational software such as MATLAB to identify the optimum operating conditions to ensure maximum productivity of preferred product such as hydrogen and acetic acid, by manipulating feed concentrations, hydraulic residence time, solid residence time etc.

Essential Background:

Decisions will be based on academic merit. The successful applicant should have, or expect to obtain, a UK Honours Degree at 2.1 (or equivalent) in MEng/BEng in Chemical Engineering or similar disciplines.

Desirable knowledge:

Knowledge and interest in process design, simulation and

experience in computer programming (e.g., MATLAB/Python/C++) are highly desired.

Application Procedure:

Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php

You should apply for Engineering (PhD) to ensure your application is passed to the correct team for processing.

Please clearly note the name of the lead supervisor and project title on the application form. If you do not include these details, it may not be considered for the studentship.

Your application must include: A personal statement, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, and clear copies of your educational certificates and transcripts.

Please note: you DO NOT need to provide a research proposal with this application.

If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us at pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk