micro algae production: a renewable, sustainable alternative to produce fuels and fertilizers ganti...
TRANSCRIPT
Micro Algae Production: A Renewable, Sustainable Alternative to
Produce Fuels and Fertilizers
Ganti S. Murthy
Biological and Ecological Engineering Department
Oregon State University
16th, Jan, 2008
Need for Sustainable Biobased Economy
Three important considerations
• Energy resources and their contribution
• Population growth and economy
• Global climate change
World Energy Scenario
Usability is determined by the following characteristics of energy sources.
•High energy density
•Long shelf life
•Safety
•Quality
Energy sources
•Non Renewable: Petroleum, coal, nuclear
•Renewable: Solar, wind, hydro and biomass
Are all forms of energy the same?
kWhr from coal ≠ kWhr from gasoline ≠ kWhr from electricity
World Energy Scenario
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:World_energy_usage_width_chart.svg
Data: Renewables in global energy supply. IEA Report, 2007.
Energy Consumption and Economy
Source: Frank van Mierlo , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Energy_consumption_versus_GDP.png
Energy is the real currency of economies.
Emerging Economies
Newly industrialized countries
Emerging economies
Other developing countriesSource: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:World_population.PNG
Arable Land in the World
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Arable_land_percent_world.png
Data: CIA Factobook
Renewables: Just Fuels?
• Nitrogenous fertilizers
• Production of polymers (polylactic acid and zein)
• Fuels and chemicals from cattle manure
• Alternate uses for lignin: production of value added products, use for heating
• Nutraceuticals
Solar Energy
Biodiesel
Carbon Dioxide
ProcessingAlgae
Sustainable Technologies Laboratory
Power Plants
Transportation
Oil extraction
HydroclonesSieves/Filters
Municipal/Farm Waste Water Photobioreacto
r
Algae Recovery
Direct combustion
Algae oil
Algae cake
Heat/Electricity
Clean WaterOpen Ponds
Integrated Algae Production Technology
Biodiesel Production: Comparison
Crop Biodiesel Potential (gal/acre)
Soybeans 48
Canola 127
Oil Palm 635
Algae819 (Actual)
5000 (Theoretical)
Algae Advantages
Higher productivities as compared to conventional crops (~30 times more yield than soybean per acre/yr)
Lower water consumption for growth (99% less water)
Waste water and flue gases can be used to grow algae
Some strains of algae selectively adsorb heavy metal ions
Algae grow in diverse environmental conditions
Algae Challenges
Theoretical maximum yields have not been achieved in commercial facilities
Open ponds susceptible to contamination, lower productivities
Closed photobioreactors are relatively expensive
Algae harvesting and oil recovery needs innovative solutions
Nucleic acids in some algae reduces productivity of animals
Algae Biomass: Flue Gas Utilization
Oil extraction
Hydroclones Sieves/Filters
Hydrolysis and fermentation
Water, Nutrients and Carbon Dioxide
Photobioreactor
Algae Recovery
Direct combustion
Ethanol
Algae oil
Algae cake
Heat/Electricity
Water Recycle
Light
Assumptions
Light source power consumption (W/ foot) 0.8
Cost for a 200W panel ($) 950
Peak power from panel (W) 200
Eficiency of panel (% peak power) 50
Area of a 200W panel (sq. m) 1.414
Days of operation (per year) 365
Algae produced (% w/v) 0.03/0.06
Oil content of Algae (% w/w) 0.3
oil (30% at 0.729 density) 0.219
Revenue ($/gal) 2
Algae Production in a Solar Powered Photobioreactor: Economic Analysis
Area Ratio (panel area/PBR area)
power consumption per foot
0.96 1.2 2.4 3.6
Area Ratio (panel area/PBR area) 2.33 2.91 5.81 8.72
Payback period (years) 0.06 %w/v 3.61 4.51 9.02 13.53
Payback period (years) 0.03 %w/v 7.21 9.02 18.04 27.06
Algae Production in a Solar Powered Photobioreactor: Economic Analysis
Algae Production Technology Project
Objectives:
Experimental validation of the concepts using prototype photobioreactor systems
Determine efficiencies of algae recovery and processing technologies
Complete economic analysis of the technology alternatives
Preparation of a business plan for algae production technology alternatives
Thank you
Sustainable Technologies Laboratory
Ganti S. Murthy
Biological and Ecological Engineering Department
Oregon State University
541-737-6291