Anaerobic co-digestion: a critical review of mathematical modelling for performance optimization

Authors

Sihuang Xie, University of WollongongFollow
Faisal I. Hai, University of WollongongFollow
Xinmin Zhan, National University of Ireland
Wenshan Guo, University of Technology SydneyFollow
Hao H. Ngo, University of Technology SydneyFollow
William E. Price, University of WollongongFollow
Long D. Nghiem, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

110342

Publication Details

Xie, S., Hai, F. I., Zhan, X., Guo, W., Ngo, H. H., Price, W. E. & Nghiem, L. D. (2016). Anaerobic co-digestion: a critical review of mathematical modelling for performance optimization. Bioresource Technology, 222 498-512.

Abstract

Anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) is a pragmatic approach to simultaneously manage organic wastes and produce renewable energy. This review demonstrates the need for improving AcoD modelling capacities to simulate the complex physicochemical and biochemical processes. Compared to mono-digestion, AcoD is more susceptible to process instability, as it operates at a higher organic loading and significant variation in substrate composition. Data corroborated here reveal that it is essential to model the transient variation in pH and inhibitory intermediates (e.g. ammonia and organic acids) for AcoD optimization. Mechanistic models (based on the ADM1 framework) have become the norm for AcoD modelling. However, key features in current AcoD models, especially relationships between system performance and co-substrates¿ properties, organic loading, and inhibition mechanisms, remain underdeveloped. It is also necessary to predict biogas quantity and composition as well as biosolids quality by considering the conversion and distribution of sulfur, phosphorus, and nitrogen during AcoD.

Grant Number

ARC/LP150100304