This calculator estimates the biomass specific rate of Gibbs energy consumption for maintenance (mg) based on temperature (T) using an empirical correlation developed by J.J. Heijnen.
The formula is:
mg = 4.5 * exp[ - (69000 / 8.314) * ( (1 / T) - (1 / 298) ) ]
Where:
- mg: Maintenance energy rate (kJ C-mol⁻¹ X h⁻¹).
- T: Temperature (Kelvin).
- 4.5: Pre-exponential factor (kJ C-mol⁻¹ X h⁻¹).
- 69000: Activation energy-like term (J/mol).
- 8.314: Ideal gas constant (J/mol·K).
- 298: Reference temperature (Kelvin).
This correlation is reported to be valid for temperatures between 278 K and 348 K under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. It highlights the significant temperature dependence of maintenance energy requirements, independent of the specific carbon source or electron acceptor/donor.