Fuels from microalgae

Technical Report · Thu Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1989

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6111157· OSTI ID:6111157

Many species of aquatic plants can provide a source of renewable energy. Some species of microalgae, in particular, produce lipids -- oils that can be extracted and converted to a diesel fuel substitute or to gasoline. Since 1979 the Aquatic Species Program element of the Biofuels Program, has supported fundamental and applied research to develop the technology for using this renewable energy resource. This document, produced by the Solar Technical Information Program, provides an overview of the DOE/SERI Aquatic Species Program element. Chapter 1 is an introduction to the program and to the microalgae. Chapter 2 is an overview of the general principles involved in making fuels from microalgae. It also outlines the technical challenges to producing economic, high-energy transportation fuels. Chapter 3 provides an overview of the Algal Production and Economic Model (APEM). This model was developed by researchers within the program to identify aspects of the process critical to performance with the greatest potential to reduce costs. The analysis using this model has helped direct research sponsored by the program. Finally, Chapter 4 provides an overview of the Aquatic Species Program and describes current research. 28 refs., 17 figs.

• Research Organization: Solar Energy Research Inst. (SERI), Golden, CO (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-83CH10093
• OSTI ID: 6111157
• Report Number(s): SERI/SP-320-3396; ON: DE88001192
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
ALGAE
PRODUCTION
SYNTHETIC FUELS
BIOTECHNOLOGY
AQUACULTURE
CARBON DIOXIDE
COST
CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
GENETIC ENGINEERING
HARVESTING
LIPIDS
NUTRIENTS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
WATER
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
ECONOMICS
FUELS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
AQUATIC SPECIES PROGRAM
MICROALGAE
LIQUID FUELS
GASOLINE
DIESEL
140504* - Solar Energy Conversion- Biomass Production & Conversion- (-1989)