Simulation and optimization of the dark fermentation and hydrodeoxygenation processes for the production of renewable fuel and valuable compounds from biomass

About the Project

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.

This project aims to conduct a simulation-based study on the production of renewable fuel and valuable chemicals from biodegradable wastes and algae through biological and thermochemical processes. Biohydrogen obtained from dark fermentation (DF) has a potential to be a promising source of renewable fuel. In DF, various organic wastes, such as food waste and the organic fraction of municipal solid waste are 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. Additionally, CO2 obtained from DF can be used to grow algae in a bioreactor from which lipids can be extracted and subsequently used in a hydrodeoxygenation reactor (with hydrogen obtained from DF stage) to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Mathematical models will be developed for the prediction of dynamic process behaviour for DF and hydrodeoxygenation processes. These requires consideration of multiple steps describing the biochemical (e.g., Monod type kinetics for acetogenesis, acidogenesis) and physicochemical (e.g., dissociation and gas-liquid transfer) processes in DF and Langmuir–Hinshelwood type kinetics for hydrodeoxygenation process. The experimental data from literature will be used for model parameter estimation and model validation. The different assumptions, structures, applications, and limitations of the model will be explored. Moreover, 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 SAF, by manipulating feed concentrations, solid residence time, temperature etc. Furthermore, various process configurations will be explored such as sequential batch reactor, continuous reactor, dark-photo co-fermentation and their performance will be analysed.

Candidates must have a strong academic background in Chemical Engineering or similar disciplines. 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 PhD in Engineering to ensure your application is passed to the correct team for processing.

Please clearly note the name of the lead supervisor and project titleon 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.

Informal enquiries can be made by contacting Dr A Majumder at a.majumder@abdn.ac.uk. 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 researchadmissions@abdn.ac.uk

Funding Notes

This is a self-funding project open to students worldwide. Our typical start dates for this programme are February or October.

Fees for this programme can be found here Finance and Funding | Study Here | The University of Aberdeen

Additional research costs of £1,200 will be required, in addition to tuition fees and living expenses