Conversion of solar energy to liquid fuels via algae

Conference · Mon Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 1980 · Alternative Energy Sources; (United States)

OSTI ID:6889331

Patton, J T; Mauldin, G L; Phelan, P F

Conceptual designs for a commercial algae farm and alcohol plant are presented in this paper. The designs envision algae being grown in shallow basins and being harvested continuously. The algae would then be degraded by enzymatic hydrolysis and fermented to produce alcohol which would be concentrated to 190 proof by distillation. Protein from the algae would be a valuable by-product that could be sold as animal feed. An economic analysis is described, and the results are compared with the costs of other common processes for producing energy. The sensitivity of the venture to uncertainties in plant investment, utility costs and other parameters is discussed. The design is based on an annual growth rate of 160 T of algae per acre. This is over 10 times the best yield ever observed experimentally. The calculations and reasons for assuming this extraordinarily high yield are presented in detail. This paper summarizes scientists' present understanding of photosynthesis and photorespiration and explains how culture conditions must be adjusted to achieve high yields.

• Research Organization: Department of Chemical Engineering New Mexico State University Las Cruces, New Mexico
• OSTI ID: 6889331
• Report Number(s): CONF-801210-
• Journal Information: Alternative Energy Sources; (United States), Vol. 3; Conference: 3. Miami international conference on alternative energy sources, Miami Beach, FL, USA, 15 Dec 1980
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
ALGAE
ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS
FERMENTATION
HARVESTING
BIOMASS CONVERSION PLANTS
DESIGN
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
BIOMASS PLANTATIONS
ETHANOL
PRODUCTION
ALCOHOL FUELS
ANIMAL FEEDS
AQUACULTURE
DISTILLATION
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
PLANT GROWTH
PROTEINS
WASTE PRODUCT UTILIZATION
ALCOHOLS
BIOCONVERSION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DECOMPOSITION
ECONOMICS
FOOD
FUELS
GROWTH
HYDROLYSIS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
LYSIS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS
PLANTS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SOLVOLYSIS
SYNTHESIS
SYNTHETIC FUELS
090222* - Alcohol Fuels- Preparation from Wastes or Biomass- (1976-1989)
140504 - Solar Energy Conversion- Biomass Production & Conversion- (-1989)