Quantifying and modelling the kinetic activity of Termites for Large-Scale Hydrogen Production
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Birmingham
Department Name: Chemical Engineering
Abstract
Project Aims:
The primary aim of this research is quantify and model the Chemical reaction stoichiometry and kinetics of Termite activity, including data fitting all reaction kinetic parameters and values (which includes the stoichiometric coefficients, Arrhenius constant, activation energy, reaction orders, and the heat of reaction). Such activity to be modelled includes respiration, food consumption, waste excretion, and other notable processes (such as Nitrogen fixation). This will essentially allow Termites to be modelled in process design calculations, to assess the feasibility of their usage for producing Hydrogen.
The secondary aim of this research is for the reproduction rate and population dynamics of Termites will to be modelled similarly as a reaction rate, i.e. a function of conditions (Temperature, gas compositions, etc), as a self-sustaining population is vital for feasibility.
The tertiary objective is to repeat the primary objective(and secondary if completed) with pre-treated Cellulose as feed instead of finely ground wood/sawdust, and compare the results.
Project Summary:
To produce an accurate model quantifying the chemical inputs and outputs of Termite activity, so they can be included in process calculations and simulations, such that their viability as Hydrogen-producing organisms can be fully assessed.
The primary aim of this research is quantify and model the Chemical reaction stoichiometry and kinetics of Termite activity, including data fitting all reaction kinetic parameters and values (which includes the stoichiometric coefficients, Arrhenius constant, activation energy, reaction orders, and the heat of reaction). Such activity to be modelled includes respiration, food consumption, waste excretion, and other notable processes (such as Nitrogen fixation). This will essentially allow Termites to be modelled in process design calculations, to assess the feasibility of their usage for producing Hydrogen.
The secondary aim of this research is for the reproduction rate and population dynamics of Termites will to be modelled similarly as a reaction rate, i.e. a function of conditions (Temperature, gas compositions, etc), as a self-sustaining population is vital for feasibility.
The tertiary objective is to repeat the primary objective(and secondary if completed) with pre-treated Cellulose as feed instead of finely ground wood/sawdust, and compare the results.
Project Summary:
To produce an accurate model quantifying the chemical inputs and outputs of Termite activity, so they can be included in process calculations and simulations, such that their viability as Hydrogen-producing organisms can be fully assessed.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Vinay Patel (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/S023909/1 | 31/03/2019 | 29/09/2031 | |||
| 2890597 | Studentship | EP/S023909/1 | 30/09/2023 | 29/09/2027 | Vinay Patel |