Getting to low-cost algal biofuels: A monograph on conventional and cutting-edge harvesting and extraction technologies

Journal Article · Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2014 · Algal Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2014.08.005· OSTI ID:1378285

Coons, James E.; Kalb, Daniel M.; Dale, Taraka; Marrone, Babetta L.

Among the most formidable challenges to algal biofuels is the ability to harvest algae and extract intracellular lipids at low cost and with a positive energy balance. Here, we construct two paradigms that contrast energy requirements and costs of conventional and cutting-edge Harvesting and Extraction (H&E) technologies. By application of the parity criterion and the moderate condition reference state, an energy–cost paradigm is created that allows 1st stage harvesting technologies to be compared with easy reference to the National Alliance for Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts (NAABB) target of $0.013/gallon of gasoline equivalent (GGE) and to the U.S. DOE's Bioenergy Technologies Office 2022 cost metrics. Drawing from the moderate condition reference state, a concentration-dependency paradigm is developed for extraction technologies, making easier comparison to the National Algal Biofuels Technology Roadmap (NABTR) target of less than 10% total energy. This monograph identifies cost-bearing factors for a variety of H&E technologies, describes a design basis for ultrasonic harvesters, and provides a framework to measure future technological advancements toward reducing H&E costs. Finally, we show that ultrasonic harvesters and extractors are uniquely capable of meeting both NAABB and NABTR targets. Ultrasonic technologies require further development and scale-up before they can achieve low-cost performance at industrially relevant scales. But, the advancement of this technology would greatly reduce H&E costs and accelerate the commercial viability of algae-based biofuels.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: EE0003046; AC52-06NA25396
• OSTI ID: 1378285
• Alternate ID(s): OSTI ID: 1304699
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-13-29019; S2211926414000678; PII: S2211926414000678
• Journal Information: Algal Research, Journal Name: Algal Research Vol. 6 Journal Issue: PB; ISSN 2211-9264
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
Harvesting
Extraction
Membrane filtration
Electrocoagulation
Centrifugation
Ultrasound