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Title: SERI Aquatic Species Program 1984 annual report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5628508

The purpose of this program is to improve the productivity, conversion to fuels, and cost efficiency of aquatic plant species cultivated for energy. The emphasis of the program is on developing oil-yielding microalgae that will grow in the saline waters of the desert in the American Southwest. During 1984 research was carried out under three tasks: biological, engineering, and analysis. Biological research was aimed at improving photosynthetic efficiencies and lipid yield of species that can be cultivated using mass culture technologies operated in the American Southwest. Emphasis has been placed on screening for productive species, developing culture and management techniques for growing desirable species, and understanding photosynthetic and lipid physiology as it applies to increasing yields. Engineering research focused on the development and analysis of harvesting schemes applicable to species of microalgae that grow in saline waters. Three system designs and analyses were initiated in 1984, and these designs will be completed in 1985. The analysis task is designed to support technology development through the determination of cost goals, assessment of resources, and evaluation of emerging technologies. A comprehensive technical and economic evaluation was completed during 1984. This analysis and assessment provided insights into where program emphasis should be placed for the next ten years. 6 refs., 36 figs., 19 tabs.

Research Organization:
Solar Energy Research Inst., Golden, CO (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-83CH10093
OSTI ID:
5628508
Report Number(s):
SERI/PR-231-2659; ON: DE85008786
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English