This book is a novel attempt at describing the fundamental aspects of and advancements in the field of biohythane production. The comprehensive collection of chapters is based on the fundamentals of heterotrophic hydrogen production and consequent methane production technologies. Emphasis is on the integration of two stages of a hybrid system for maximum gaseous energy generation from organic wastes, thus making the overall process economically viable. Readers get insight into the technological advancements made in the field of biohydrogen and biomethane production and the challenges involved in integrating these two technologies. The book also includes details of the microbiological, biochemical, and bioprocess aspects related to biohythane production, in addition to the applicability of this process, its socioeconomic concerns, and cost energy analysis, supplemented with illustrative diagrams, flowcharts, and comprehensive tables. It will be an ideal vade mecum for advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level students of biotechnology, microbiology, biochemical engineering, chemical engineering, and energy engineering; teachers and researchers in bioenergy, the environment, and biofuel production; and policy makers.
Introduction
Background
Necessity of CO2-Neutral Energy Sources
Energizing the Future with Alternative Nonconventional/Renewable Energy Sources
Role of Biomass and Biotechnological Processes for Renewable Energy Production
Biofuels from Organic Wastes
Comparative Studies with the Conventional Process
Biohythane: Potential as a Future Fuel
Conclusion
References
Microbiology of the Biohythane Production Process
Introduction
Hydrogen Production by Dark Fermentation
Microbial Basis of Methanogenesis
Microbial Interactions
Conclusions
References
Biochemistry of the Biohythane Production Process
Introduction
Biochemistry behind Dark-Fermentative Hydrogen Production
Biochemistry behind Biomethane Production
Challenges and Opportunities toward Commercialization of Biohythane Technology
Conclusions
References
Mathematical Modeling and Simulation of Biohydrogen Production Processes
Introduction
Development of Mathematical Models to Correlate Substrate and Biomass
Concentration with Time
Substrate Inhibition Model
Determination of Cell Growth Kinetic Parameters
Cumulative Hydrogen Production by the Modified Gompertz Equation
Development of Mathematical Models for Cell Growth Kinetics in a Packed-Bed Reactor
Conclusion
References
Modeling and Simulation of the Biomethanation Process Using Organic Wastes
Introduction
Microbiology
Biochemistry
Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Biography
Dr. Debabrata Das is a senior professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India. He has made significant contributions to bioenergy production processes by applying fermentation technology. He has published more than 132 research papers in peer-reviewed journals, written 1 textbook and 1 reference book, and contributed more than 22 chapters in books.
Dr. Shantonu Roy is an assistant professor at the National Institute of Technology, Arunachal Pradesh, India. His PhD research work deals with biohydrogen production using extremophiles.
"This book is a comprehensive text on the use of biohythane for sustainable energy production, covering all the aspects of the topic, from simple but fundamental concepts to a detailed description of the scientific, technological, and economic issues of biohythane production and the most relevant theoretical aspects of the processes described. This book is very useful for both students approaching the topic for the first time and researchers already working in the field."
—Prof. Roberto De Philippis, University of Florence, Italy
"This timely book provides a comprehensive account of the scientific and technological advancements in biohydrogen and biomethane production processes and highlights the challenges involved in integrating the two. It also presents details of the microbiology, biochemistry, and bioprocess aspects of biohythane production. It will be an excellent reference book for faculty, students, and researchers in biochemical and energy engineering, as well as practicing engineers and policy makers concerned with biofuel production and formulation of policies for promoting biofuels. It is a must for the bookshelves of all those interested in R&D in the area of biofuels."
—Dr. S. N. Upadayay (Professor Emeritus), Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), India