Degree
Master of Engineering Science
Program
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Supervisor
Dr. Dimitre Karamanev
Abstract
The BioGenerator is a promising energy storage solution that can be integrated with renewable power sources (i.e. wind and solar) to compensate the intermittent shortage of the renewable power sources and deliver a comprehensive power package. A trickling-bed bioreactor was considered to be used in the BioGenerator as an alternative to the initially studied ”air-lift” type bioreactor. Trickling-bed bioreactor is well known for its low power consumption for oxygen transfer. Dynamic study was conducted on lab scale trickling-bed bioreactor to investigate the effect of the ferrous iron feed interruption on the iron biooxidation rate. The study showed that the iron biooxidation rate was temporary reduced by around 6% when the stoppage period was between 16 and 72 hours.
Also, a detailed cost analysis study was conducted to for 1 MW BioGenerator showing that its cost is very competitive option of energy storage, and can be used as an economical alternative to rechargeable batteries usually used with renewable power generation sources. The annualized capital cost of the BioGenerator is $209,000/year, the capital cost per kW is $3,000/kW, and the cost of electricity due to the BioGenerator is 6.2 cents per kWh.
Recommended Citation
Abou Jarboua, Tariq, "Study of the Dynamics and Cost Analysis of the Biogenerator" (2017). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 4491.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/4491