Perspectives on using pulsed electric field to enhance biogas yield in anaerobic digestion

Abstract

Perspectives on using pulsed electric fi eld to enhance biogas yield in anaerobic digestion Uwe PliquettControlling large-scale biogas fermenters needs a deep understanding of the interaction between process parameters and microbiology. Therefore, monitoring of not only critical metabolic states of the microbial community, but also relationships between sub-processes is required. Once the process is understood, manipulation, for instance, by application of a brief, intense electric fi eld in a controlled way can increase the methane yield. The electric treatment protocols depend not only on the location within the process, but also on the composition of the raw substrate and the process temperature. Besides the direct action of the electric fi eld, side effects like shockwaves, Joule heating, electrowetting or the generation of reactive electrode byproducts can infl uence the effectiveness of the treatment.

Application of Pulsed Electric Energy for Lignocellulosic Biorefinery

“…For intermediate treatment the PEE protocol has to be tuned in dependence on the location within the process. Optimization of PEE protocols is not an easy task, and it requires accounting for the many side effects such as shockwaves, ohmic heating, electrowetting, change in protein pattern of cells, generation of reactive electrode byproducts, and composition of a treated raw substrate (Pliquett 2015). Consequently, further investigations should be carried out for thorough adaptation of PEE protocols accounting for the target products, types of lignocellulosic biomass, and location of PEE within the biorecovery process.…”