Optimization approaches for the operation of a trickle bed reactor used for biological methanation of CO2 and H2

To ensure a sustainable and secure electricity supply based on a high proportion of volatile renewable energies, long-term, and demand-oriented energy storage technologies are required to stabilize the power grid in times of imbalance between energy production and demand. In Power to Methane PtM technology, electricity from renewable energy sources (in the form of green hydrogen) is converted into methane, which can be made available as short, medium- and long-term storage in the existing natural gas infrastructure. A critical aspect for an efficient use of the PtM technology is the ability to be operated in a demand-oriented (dynamic) manner.
The main goal of the project KomMeth is to advance the translation of the trickle bed reactor (TBR) concept for biological methanation further into commercial application. Next to pilot scale investigations, two existing technical scale TBRs are recommissioned and will be used to evaluate different parameters and operation modes.
First, both reactors will be restarted and operated until a steady state is reached. To assess the current state of the microbiology in the reactor interior, samples of the microbiology were taken. The startup performances will be monitored and can provide insights into the reactor behavior after long standby periods (more than 1.5 years). Afterward, the focus of the investigation in the technical scale reactors will be on different standby-restart procedures as well as the detailed study of necessary nutrients and additives for an efficient operation. Furthermore, a (fed-)batch setup is planned to allow for a better comparison of different carrier materials.