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Comprehensive Evaluation of Algal Biofuel Production: Experimental and Target Results

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  • Colin M. Beal

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, C2200, Austin, TX 78712, USA
    The Center for Electromechanics, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, R7000, Austin, TX 78712, USA)

  • Robert E. Hebner

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, C2200, Austin, TX 78712, USA
    The Center for Electromechanics, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, R7000, Austin, TX 78712, USA)

  • Michael E. Webber

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, C2200, Austin, TX 78712, USA
    Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, C9000, Austin, TX 78712, USA)

  • Rodney S. Ruoff

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, C2200, Austin, TX 78712, USA
    Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, C2201, Austin, TX 78712, USA)

  • A. Frank Seibert

    (Center for Energy and Environmental Resources, Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, R7100, Austin, TX 78712, USA)

  • Carey W. King

    (Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, C9000, Austin, TX 78712, USA)

Abstract

Worldwide, algal biofuel research and development efforts have focused on increasing the competitiveness of algal biofuels by increasing the energy and financial return on investments, reducing water intensity and resource requirements, and increasing algal productivity. In this study, analyses are presented in each of these areas—costs, resource needs, and productivity—for two cases: (1) an Experimental Case , using mostly measured data for a lab-scale system, and (2) a theorized Highly Productive Case that represents an optimized commercial-scale production system, albeit one that relies on full-price water, nutrients, and carbon dioxide. For both cases, the analysis described herein concludes that the energy and financial return on investments are less than 1, the water intensity is greater than that for conventional fuels, and the amounts of required resources at a meaningful scale of production amount to significant fractions of current consumption (e.g., nitrogen). The analysis and presentation of results highlight critical areas for advancement and innovation that must occur for sustainable and profitable algal biofuel production can occur at a scale that yields significant petroleum displacement. To this end, targets for energy consumption, production cost, water consumption, and nutrient consumption are presented that would promote sustainable algal biofuel production. Furthermore, this work demonstrates a procedure and method by which subsequent advances in technology and biotechnology can be framed to track progress.

Suggested Citation

  • Colin M. Beal & Robert E. Hebner & Michael E. Webber & Rodney S. Ruoff & A. Frank Seibert & Carey W. King, 2012. "Comprehensive Evaluation of Algal Biofuel Production: Experimental and Target Results," Energies, MDPI, vol. 5(6), pages 1-39, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:5:y:2012:i:6:p:1943-1981:d:18443
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nwoba, Emeka G. & Parlevliet, David A. & Laird, Damian W. & Alameh, Kamal & Louveau, Julien & Pruvost, Jeremy & Moheimani, Navid R., 2020. "Energy efficiency analysis of outdoor standalone photovoltaic-powered photobioreactors coproducing lipid-rich algal biomass and electricity," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 275(C).
    2. Cai, Ting & Park, Stephen Y. & Li, Yebo, 2013. "Nutrient recovery from wastewater streams by microalgae: Status and prospects," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 19(C), pages 360-369.
    3. Swathi Somaiyan Babu & Rashmi Gondi & Godvin Sharmila Vincent & Godwin Christopher JohnSamuel & Rajesh Banu Jeyakumar, 2022. "Microalgae Biomass and Lipids as Feedstock for Biofuels: Sustainable Biotechnology Strategies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-31, November.
    4. Walsh, Michael J. & Gerber Van Doren, Léda & Shete, Nilam & Prakash, Akshay & Salim, Usama, 2018. "Financial tradeoffs of energy and food uses of algal biomass under stochastic conditions," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 210(C), pages 591-603.
    5. Bradley, Tom & Maga, Daniel & Antón, Sara, 2015. "Unified approach to Life Cycle Assessment between three unique algae biofuel facilities," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 154(C), pages 1052-1061.
    6. Oncel, Suphi S., 2013. "Microalgae for a macroenergy world," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 26(C), pages 241-264.
    7. Alaswad, A. & Dassisti, M. & Prescott, T. & Olabi, A.G., 2015. "Technologies and developments of third generation biofuel production," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 1446-1460.
    8. Maity, Jyoti Prakash & Bundschuh, Jochen & Chen, Chien-Yen & Bhattacharya, Prosun, 2014. "Microalgae for third generation biofuel production, mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and wastewater treatment: Present and future perspectives – A mini review," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 104-113.
    9. Neto, Ana Maria Pereira & Sotana de Souza, Rafael Augusto & Leon-Nino, Amanda Denisse & da Costa, Joana D'arc Aparecida & Tiburcio, Rodolfo Sbrolini & Nunes, Thaís Abreu & Sellare de Mello, Thaís Cris, 2013. "Improvement in microalgae lipid extraction using a sonication-assisted method," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 525-531.
    10. Wang, Songmei & Zhu, Johnny & Dai, Lingmei & Zhao, Xuebing & Liu, Dehua & Du, Wei, 2016. "A novel process on lipid extraction from microalgae for biodiesel production," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 115(P1), pages 963-968.

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