From: mk_thisisit
Research at the West Pomeranian University of Technology focuses on producing fuel from algae, aiming for energy independence [00:00:27], [00:01:54]. Professor Małgorzata Hawrot, a microbiologist, leads a project that explores the full cycle of microalgae biomass production for energy purposes [00:01:16], [00:02:01].
Introduction to Algae Biofuel Research
Algae are capable of producing various types of biofuels, including biodiesel, bioethanol (a petrol substitute), and biogas [00:00:04], [00:00:09], [00:00:13]. In fact, most of Earth’s oxygen is produced by algae, not trees [00:00:43], [00:02:28]. The department of renewable energy engineering is dedicated to this research [00:02:11].
The Algae Cultivation Process
Biofuel production from algae requires biomass, which in this case is microalgae [00:03:53].
Photobioreactors vs. Open Systems
Algae can be produced using two main methods:
- Open systems: These are essentially algae ponds [00:04:06]. While possible, they face challenges such as pollution, evaporation, and require greater adaptation to external environmental conditions, making year-round production difficult in all locations [00:08:02].
- Photobioreactors: These enclosed systems, like those used at the West Pomeranian University of Technology, allow for precise control over growing conditions [00:01:01], [00:04:09].
Optimal Growth Conditions
For biomass production, algae require light, water, carbon dioxide, and nutrients (fertilizers) [00:04:42], [00:04:45], [00:04:46], [00:04:49].
- Lighting: LED lighting, specifically red-blue light, is used because these wavelengths are the most photosynthetically active for algae, maximizing biomass production with minimal energy consumption [00:04:57], [00:05:06], [00:05:19]. A small percentage (about 10%) of white light is also added [00:05:41].
- Temperature: While algae can develop in a wide range, the most beneficial temperature is 20-30 degrees Celsius [00:05:56], [00:05:59]. Algae can develop up to 40-45 degrees Celsius depending on the species [00:06:42].
- Water: Research shows that algae can grow more intensively on sewage than on synthetic media, offering a solution for water deficit countries [00:21:42], [00:22:28].
- Carbon Dioxide: Algae require carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, making it possible to inject industrial CO2 emissions into the bioreactors [00:22:53], [00:23:00].
Continuous Harvest
One significant advantage of algae over traditional biomass for energy is the lack of a growing season [00:07:26]. Algae can be harvested every 7-10 days, all year round, either periodically or continuously by collecting a portion and supplementing the substrate and water [00:07:01], [00:07:12], [00:07:37].
From Algae to Fuel: The Production Cycle
Dehydration and Biomass Separation
After cultivation, the first crucial step is dehydration, as the density of algae in the tank is not high [00:08:41], [00:08:54]. Various methods are employed to separate the biomass from the culture medium:
- Sedimentation: Simple physical methods [00:09:11].
- Flocculation: Adding natural or synthetic reagents to group tiny algae cells (4-6 micrometers) into larger formations that settle [00:09:15].
- Filtration: Using a filter cap with a mesh size smaller than the algae to retain the cells while the culture substrate flows through [00:09:49].
- Centrifugation: For larger quantities (thousands of liters), centrifugation is used to separate the biomass from the substrate, resulting in an algae paste [00:10:06].
This paste, which is a form of “green energy storage,” can be used wet or dried for longer storage without losing quality or energy stability [00:10:29], [00:11:03], [00:14:31].
Diverse Biofuel Outputs
From the algae biomass, various energy forms can be obtained through physicochemical and thermochemical processes:
- Oil pressing: To extract oil from algae [00:10:42].
- Biodiesel: Fatty acid esters, a replacement for conventional diesel [00:11:49].
- Bioethanol: A substitute for petroleum gasoline [00:12:00].
- Biogas: Small quantities are prepared with students due to storage challenges [00:02:35], [00:12:00].
- Hydrogen: Can be produced from the biomass [00:12:04].
- Biolase: Produced through the pyrolysis process [00:12:08].
- Synthesis gas: Produced through the gasification process [00:12:11].
Algae Beyond Fuel: Multifaceted Applications
The project aims to demonstrate that algae biomass can be used in various ways, not just for fuel [00:16:53]. After oil extraction for biofuel, the remaining biomass, rich in carbohydrates and proteins, can be utilized [00:17:10].
Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, and Fertilizers
Algae biomass can be used for:
- Pharmaceuticals [00:17:15]
- Cosmetics [00:17:18]
- Biofertilizers and Biopesticides: Algae can be encapsulated, often using alginate (produced from algae), for slow release into the environment [00:17:18], [00:17:40], [00:18:15]. This method is highly ecological as it introduces no dangerous external substances and helps mitigate eutrophication by releasing nutrients slowly, adapted to plant needs, unlike traditional fertilizers that can overuse and leak into water bodies [00:18:12], [00:18:30].
Environmental Benefits
Algae offer significant environmental benefits:
- Waste Utilization: They can be grown on sewage, turning waste into a resource by providing both water and nutrients [00:21:42], [00:22:36].
- Carbon Sequestration: Algae consume carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, providing a method to inject and utilize industrial CO2 emissions [00:22:44], [00:22:53].
- Efficiency: Algae convert light into chemical components (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins) more intensively and effectively than plants, yielding much larger biomass amounts per surface area [00:14:00], [00:23:44], [00:24:07]. While energy plants might yield 19-20 tons per hectare, algae can achieve 40-80 tons, with theoretical potential exceeding 280 tons [00:24:15].
Achieving Energy Independence
The “Oz 2.0 technology laboratory” aims to demonstrate a house that can function entirely independently of the power grid using algae biomass and photovoltaic panels [00:00:27], [00:01:48], [00:12:31]. This setup uses algae bioreactors as an energy storage solution, replacing traditional, flammable, and expensive energy storage methods [00:13:07]. Bioreactors can be placed on a building’s facade to maximize light absorption and conversion of solar energy into chemical components stored in biomass [00:13:48], [00:14:00].
Commercialization and Future Outlook
While algae fuel has been successfully used to power cars and airplanes (e.g., a passenger plane’s first flight entirely on algae fuel in 2011, and earlier helicopter attempts with 50/50 blend) in the United States, widespread commercialization has been challenging [00:00:33], [00:15:22], [00:15:35], [00:15:54].
Challenges and Innovations
Historically, the economic viability of producing biofuels from algae was not competitive with traditional fuel prices [00:16:30]. However, the current approach focuses on the multi-faceted utility of algae biomass, diversifying its uses beyond just fuel to include pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biofertilizers [00:16:50], [00:17:13]. This broader application strategy aims to make the technology more economically viable and attract investment [00:17:20], [00:19:17].
The project at West Pomeranian University of Technology showcases a fully closed production line and is preparing for patent protection [00:19:11]. The team hopes that showcasing the entire production process will encourage wider adoption and investment, contributing to a Polish community promoting innovative thought [00:19:51], [00:25:03].