Algae as Biogas resource. Algae as electricity is another resource derived from algal biomass.
Algae feeds on the Hydrogen from the H2O and the Carbon from the CO2 and through the process of photosynthesis produces Hydrocarbon Chains and releases Oxygen. Most strains of the Green and Green-Blue Algae can double their mass every 24hour growing cycle. Different strains of Algae produce Algae Oil with slightly different hydrocarbon chains
Microalgae have much faster growth-rates than terrestrial crops. The per unit area yield of oil from algae is estimated to be from between 2,000 to 20,000 gallons per acre, per year(4.6 to 18.4 l/m2 per year); this is 7 to 30 times greater than the next best crop, Chinese tallow (699 gallons).
Studies show that algae can produce up to 60% of their biomass in the form of oil. Because the cells grow in aqueous suspension where they have more efficient access to water, CO2 and dissolved nutrients, microalgae are capable of producing large amounts of biomass and usable oil in either high rate algal ponds or photobioreactors. This oil can then be turned into biodiesel which could be sold for use in automobiles. The biomass (algae cake) can be used for biogas production into methane to generate electricity. The more efficient this process becomes the larger the profit that is turned by the company. Regional production of microalgae and processing into biofuels will provide economic benefits to rural communities.
Butanol can be made from algae using only a solar powered biorefinery. This fuel has an energy density similar to gasoline, and greater than that of either ethanol or methanol. In most gasoline engines, butanol can be used in place of gasoline with no modifications. In several tests, butanol consumption is similar to that of gasoline, and when blended with gasoline, provides better performance and corrosion resistance than that of ethanol.
The green waste left over from the algae oil extraction can be used to produce butanol.
Jet Fuel is being made from algae oil currently.
“Flare Test”-Establish that fuel combusts, not explodes.
“Can Combustor Test”-Fuel is compatible with basic jet technology.
Algae seems to hold the most promise to meet many needs to include methane gas production for electricity.
Algae Desirable Characteristics:
- Easy to grow
- Grow anywhere
- High yield per acre
- Not used for Human or Animal Consumption
- Environmentally friendly
Algae remove massive amounts of CO2 (Carbon dioxide) from the air. Algae farms are glutton eaters of CO2 gas providing a means for recycling waste carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion. It is possible to sequester as much as one billion tons of CO2 per year from algae farms. The United States has one energy plant that produces 25.3 million tons of CO2 by itself. This technology has attracted companies that need inexpensive CO2 sequestration solutions & renewable energy solutions.
The combination of algae production & methane biogas is a green way to create endless renewable clean energy for many cities and industries.