Design and analysis of microalgal open pond systems for the purpose of producing fuels: A subcontract report
The designs and systems developed include many innovative concepts and experiments, including the design and operation of a low-cost system. Cost-effectiveness is realized by minimizing capital costs of the system and achieving efficient use of inputs. Extensive engineering analysis of carbonation, mixing, and harvesting subsystems has elucidated both the lowest cost, most efficient options and the essential parameters needed to construct, test, and evaluate these subsystems. The use of growth ponds sealed with clay and lined with crushed rock results in construction cost savings of 50% over ponds lined with synthetic membranes. In addition a low-cost but efficient design allows improvements in technology to have maximum impact on final product cost reductions. In addition to the innovations in low-cost construction, the operational efficiency of the design is both higher and more feasible than that attained by any previous system concept of comparable scale. The water analysis has led to operational specifications that minimize water use and virtually eliminate losses of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide injection system is designed for 95% efficiency, but is still low in cost. The construction of a large-scale, covered anaerobic lagoon to recycle carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus has not been attempted at the scale analyzed here. Yet efficient recycling is essential for achieving economic affordability. 23 refs., 21 figs., 53 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Solar Energy Research Inst. (SERI), Golden, CO (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-83CH10093
- OSTI ID:
- 6546458
- Report Number(s):
- SERI/STR-231-2840; ON: DE87001164
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Paper copy only, copy does not permit microfiche production. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
COST ESTIMATION
PONDS
DESIGN
UNICELLULAR ALGAE
CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES
PRODUCTION
AQUACULTURE
CARBON DIOXIDE
COMMERCIALIZATION
PH VALUE
SURFACE WATERS
ALGAE
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
MICROORGANISMS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
BIOMASS
CULTIVATION
PRODUCTIVITY
140504* - Solar Energy Conversion- Biomass Production & Conversion- (-1989)