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Feasibility study of algae-based Carbon Dioxide capture
Citation:
Menetrez, M. Feasibility study of algae-based Carbon Dioxide capture. Presented at AWMA 2015 (Annual Conference), Raleigh, NC, June 22 - 25, 2015.
Impact/Purpose:
Extended Abstract for AWMA 2015 Conference - An understanding of process requirements to apply this technology to existing industries would go far in advancing carbon capture opportunities. Documenting the successful use of this technology could help bring “low-tech”, low-cost, CO2 to algae, carbon capture to multiple size industries and could accelerate the use of “low-tech” carbon capture.
Description:
SUMMARY: The biomass of microalgae contains approximately 50% carbon, which is commonly obtained from the atmosphere, but can also be taken from commercial sources that produce CO2, such as coal-fired power plants. A study of operational demonstration projects is being undertaken to evaluate the benefits of using algae to reduce CO2 emissions from industrial and small-scale utility power boilers. The operations are being studied for the use of CO2 from flue gas for algae growth along with the production of biofuels and other useful products to prepare a comprehensive characterization of the economic feasibility of using algae to capture CO2. Information is being generated for analyses of the potential for these technologies to advance in the market and assist in meeting environmental goals, as well as to examine their associated environmental implications. Three electric power generation plants (coal and fuel oil fired) equipped to send flue-gas emissions to algae culture at demonstration facilities are being studied. Data and process information are being collected and developed to facilitate feasibility and modeling evaluations of the CO2 to algae technology. An understanding of process requirements to apply this technology to existing industries would go far in advancing carbon capture opportunities. Documenting the successful use of this technology could help bring “low-tech”, low-cost, CO2 to algae, carbon capture to multiple size industries and could accelerate the use of “low-tech” carbon capture. References:Adams, D., W. Ormerod, P. Riemer, and A. Smith. 1994. Carbon Dioxide Disposal from Power Stations. Cheltenham, United Kingdom: International Energy Agency Greenhouse Gas, R&D Program.Anderson, S., and Newell, R., 2004. Prospects for Carbon Capture and Storage Technologies, Annual Review Environmental Resources, 29: 109-142.Chisti, Y., 2007. Biodiesel from microalgae, Biotechnology Advances, 25, 294–306.Chisti, Y., 2013. Constraints to commercialization of algae fuels, Journal of Biotechnology, 167, 201-214. CSIRO Introduction to Carbon Capture and Storage. 2013. Carbon storage and ocean acidification activity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) and the Global CCS Institute. Retrieved 2013-07-03.Energy Information Administration. 2001. Annual Energy Review 2000. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Energy, DOE/EIA-03842001.Gibbons, J., Chalmers, H. 2008. Carbon capture and Storage, Energy Policy, 36, 4317-4322.IPCC Special Report Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage Summary for Policymakers, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Retrieved 2011-10-05. Menetrez, Marc Y., “Meeting the U.S. renewable fuel standard: a comparison of biofuel pathways,” Biofuel Research Journal, 2014 (4), 110–122. Menetrez, Marc Y. 2012. An Overview of Algae Biofuel Production and Potential Environmental Impact, Environmental Science and Technology, 46 (13), pp 7073–7085.U.S. Energy Information Administration, Emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the U.S. 2011, http://www.eia.gov/environment/emissions/ghg_report/ghg_carbon.cfm, visited March 2015.