Advances in the use of CFD to characterize, design and optimize bioenergy systems

► CFD development of six major bioreactors is documented. ► Opportunities and challenges for CFD developing bioenergy are presented. ► Comments on model physical and biological processes in bioreactors are made. This article is a critical review of the state-of-the-art of computational fluid dynamic...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Computers and electronics in agriculture 2013-04, Vol.93, p.195-208
Main Author: Wu, Binxin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions
biocompatible materials
bioenergy
Biofuel production
biohydrogen
Biological and medical sciences
Bioreactor
Bioreactors
Biotechnology
Computational fluid dynamics
Computer simulation
Digesters
Dynamical systems
Energy
fermenters
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Heat transfer
Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects
Light transfer
Mass transfer
Mathematical models
Methods. Procedures. Technologies
Mixing
Multiphase flow
Renewable energy
Rheology
turbulent flow
Various methods and equipments
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Summary:► CFD development of six major bioreactors is documented. ► Opportunities and challenges for CFD developing bioenergy are presented. ► Comments on model physical and biological processes in bioreactors are made. This article is a critical review of the state-of-the-art of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) used to investigate bioreactors that produce biomethane and biohydrogen by means of biochemical conversion technology. First, the issue on rheology of biomaterials is addressed. Second, the CFD development in six major bioreactors is documented. The bioreactors studied are: (1) anaerobic lagoon, (2) plug-flow digester, (3) complete-mix digester, (4) anaerobic biohydrogen fermenter, (5) anaerobic biofilm reactor, and (6) photobioreactor. Third, the CFD simulation strategy that includes pre-processing and solver as well as post-processing is summarized. Fourth, opportunities and challenges for CFD applications in bioenergy are presented. Finally, specific comments and suggestions are made on: rheology, heat transfer, mass transfer, light transfer, turbulence, and multiphase flow. The primary goal of CFD research in biorenewable energy to develop a comprehensive model that integrates physical and biological processes is highlighted.
ISSN:0168-1699
1872-7107
DOI:10.1016/j.compag.2012.05.008