Methanothermobacter Thermautotrophicus Strain for CO2-to-Methane Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The energy industry faces challenges in converting intermittent energy sources like solar and wind into a stable, storable form that can be integrated into existing infrastructure, and there is a need for systems to convert electricity into methane, which can be stored and transported efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The use of Methanothermobacter microorganisms, specifically Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus strain UC 120910, to convert carbon dioxide into methane via methanogenesis, utilizing a biological reactor system with a cathode and anode, enabling the production of methane from carbon dioxide and electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar energy is used as a primary resource, then energy independence is achieved, but intermittency prevents reliable base-load energy supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms intermittent solar energy into stable chemical energy stored in methane molecules. The biological reactor system converts CO2 and H2O into methane using electrical energy from solar sources, creating a stable energy storage form that can be supplied on demand regardless of solar intermittency.
Solution Approach 2:
Methane serves as an intermediary energy carrier between solar energy and the energy consumption infrastructure. The system captures solar energy, converts it to methane through biological methanogenesis, and stores the methane for later use, thereby decoupling the intermittent solar input from the continuous energy demand.
2Stability of the object's composition
If electricity is converted to methane for storage, then energy storage stability is improved, but conversion efficiency must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The biological reactor system uses methanogenic archaea that naturally convert CO2 and H2 into methane through methanogenesis. The system maintains optimal conditions (pH, temperature, substrate concentration) to enable the microorganisms to self-regulate and efficiently convert electrical energy into stable methane storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes operational parameters including pH (neutral to slightly alkaline), temperature (mesophilic range), and substrate ratios to maximize methane production efficiency. These parameter controls ensure high conversion efficiency while maintaining stable methane storage.
3Productivity
If methanogenic microorganisms are exposed to oxygen, then productivity decreases, but rapid recovery capability is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes oxygen scavenging mechanisms and maintains anaerobic conditions through proper reactor design and operation. By preventing oxygen exposure before it can harm the methanogenic archaea, the system maintains continuous high productivity without the need for lengthy recovery periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors redox potential, pH, and other parameters to detect early signs of oxygen contamination or stress. When disturbances occur, the system can quickly adjust operational parameters or add oxygen-scavenging agents to restore optimal conditions and resume high methane production rates.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If CO2 is converted to methane, then carbon cycle closure is achieved, but conversion rate must be sufficiently high
Solution Approach 1:
The biological reactor system operates continuously to convert CO2 into methane without interruption. The methanogenic archaea continuously process CO2 and H2 substrates, ensuring steady-state operation that maximizes the rate of carbon cycle closure while maintaining high conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes substrate concentration, temperature, pH, and residence time to maximize CO2 conversion rate. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves high productivity in converting CO2 to methane, thereby rapidly closing the carbon cycle.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves high methane production efficiency, with up to 96 molecules of methane produced per 100 molecules of carbon dioxide, and the microorganisms can withstand exposure to oxygen and carbon monoxide, maintaining productivity levels quickly upon re-supply of hydrogen or electricity.
Implementation Method 1
The disclosure provides an isolated Methanothermobacter microorganism that produces methane from carbon dioxide via a process called methanogenesis
Implementation Method 2
converting carbon dioxide and electricity into methane
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is an isolated Methanothermobacter microorganism that is (a) a microorganism of Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus strain UC 120910, deposited on Dec. 21, 2010, with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) under ATCC® Patent Deposit Designation No. PTA-11561, (b) a variant of the microorganism of Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus strain UC 120910, or (c) a progeny of the microorganism of Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus strain UC 120910, wherein the variant or progeny retains the phenotypic characteristics of the microorganism of Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus strain UC 120910. Also provided herein is a substantially pure culture or monoculture comprising the Methanothermobacter microorganism of the disclosure. A system for converting electric power into methane, comprising a biological reactor having at least a cathode, an anode, a presently disclosed Methanothermobacter microorganism, water, and carbon dioxide, and method of using the system for converting electricity into methane are further provided herein.