BIBER

Bioelectrochemical system for flexible biogas production

Flexible biogas supply through regulation via the anode of a microbial electrolysis cell. The biomass is fermented in the biogas reactor and converted to methane and carbon dioxide. By applying a potential to the anode, electrons can be transferred to the electrode with the help of so-called exoelectrogenic bacteria. This reduces the concentration of organic acids. The electrons flow to the cathode and the protons can enter the electrolysis chamber via a proton exchange membrane (PEM). There, hydrogen is produced from electrons and protons at the cathode via electrolysis. Hydrogen and the raw biogas are fed into the production chamber. Here microorganisms can generate a valuable substance (e.g. butanediol) from hydrogen and carbon dioxide. This also partially removes the carbon dioxide from the biogas mixture, which makes biogas processing easier.

Collaborative project together with Prof. Dr. Johannes Gescher (Karlsruhe Institut of Technologie KIT, coordinator of the project), Prof. Dr. An-Ping Zeng (Technical University  Hamburg) und Dr. Zuberbühler (Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg ZSW)

Awarding agency: Federal Ministry of Food Agriculture and (BMEL)/ FNR - central coordinating agency in the area of renewable resources in Germany, (FKZ 2219NR379),
2020 – 2023