From: mk_thisisit
Researchers at the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Poland, are exploring diverse applications for algae, extending beyond traditional biofuel production to include agriculture and other industries [00:54:00] [01:16:00]. The Oz 2.0 technology laboratory at the Department of Renewable Energy Engineering was created to demonstrate the entire cycle of microalgae biomass production [01:48:00] [02:11:00].
Algae as a Biofuel Source
Professor Małgorzata Hawrot-Paw, a microbiologist and the project’s creator, leads research into transforming algae into various types of biofuels [01:16:00] [03:01:00]. There is no fuel that cannot be produced from algal biomass, including liquid and gaseous forms [00:17:00] [01:21:00] [01:11:00].
Types of Biofuels Produced
The laboratory’s production line is adapted to prepare:
- Biodiesel (fatty acid esters) – a substitute for conventional diesel [00:06:00] [01:08:00] [01:49:00].
- Bioethanol – a substitute for petroleum gasoline [00:09:00] [02:30:00] [01:59:00].
- Biogas [00:13:00] [02:35:00].
- Hydrogen [01:59:00].
- Biolase (from pyrolysis) [02:04:00].
- Synthesis gas (from gasification) [02:08:00].
Production Process
Photobioreactors are used to cultivate algae, requiring light, water, carbon dioxide, and nutrient-rich ingredients (fertilizers) [01:01:00] [04:12:00] [04:40:00] [04:45:00]. Specifically, red-blue LED lighting is employed as it utilizes the most photosynthetically active spectrum for algae, minimizing energy consumption [05:00:00] [05:06:00] [05:19:00]. The ideal temperature range for algae development is 20-30 degrees Celsius, with a maximum of 40-45 degrees depending on the species [05:59:00] [06:42:00].
Harvesting can be periodic (7-10 days) or continuous, allowing for year-round production, unlike traditional biomass plants [06:58:00] [07:37:00]. After harvesting, algae must be dehydrated, which can be achieved through methods like flocculation (grouping cells with reagents), filtration, or centrifugation to obtain a concentrated paste [08:38:00] [09:11:00] [10:13:00]. This paste can then be pressed for oil or processed thermochemically [10:38:00] [10:46:00].
Energy Independence and Commercialization
The project demonstrates how algae, in conjunction with photovoltaic panels, can help achieve energy independence for a house [01:27:00] [01:40:00] [01:43:00]. The biomass acts as an energy storage, replacing traditional, often flammable and expensive, storage methods [01:12:00] [01:17:00]. Bioreactors can be placed on a building’s facade to capture solar energy and convert it into chemical components like carbohydrates, lipids (ideal for applications), and proteins [01:48:00] [01:55:00]. This stored biomass can be kept for extended periods without losing quality or energy stability [02:20:00] [02:22:00].
While biofuel production from algae has faced commercialization challenges due to economic factors and the historical price of traditional fuels [01:27:00] [01:41:00] [01:44:00], there have been successful commercial ventures. Cars in the United States have been driven on fuel from algae, and the first flight of a passenger plane entirely on algae fuel occurred in 2011 [01:53:00] [01:54:00].
Algae in Agriculture
Beyond fuel, researchers are exploring multi-faceted uses for algal biomass. After oil extraction for biofuel, the remaining biomass, rich in carbohydrates and protein, can be utilized [01:07:00] [01:10:00].
Biofertilizers and Biopesticides
Algae can be processed into slow-release biofertilizer capsules made from alginate, a substance derived from algae itself [01:40:00] [01:43:00] [01:45:00]. These capsules decompose slowly in the soil, releasing valuable ingredients that support plant growth [01:47:00] [01:58:00]. This slow release is crucial as it prevents the issue of traditional fertilizers being applied in excess, which can lead to eutrophication of water bodies [01:48:00] [01:50:00]. Algae can also function as biopesticides [01:54:00].
Other Industrial Applications
The versatility of algal biomass extends to other sectors:
- Pharmaceuticals: The protein and carbohydrate content makes algae suitable for pharmaceutical applications [01:13:00] [01:15:00].
- Cosmetics: Algae can also be used in cosmetic products [01:18:00].
Environmental Benefits and Unique Properties of Algae
Algae offer significant environmental benefits and possess unique characteristics that make them highly efficient:
- Oxygen Production: Algae produce the majority of Earth’s oxygen, not trees [00:43:00] [02:26:00].
- High Efficiency: Algae convert light into chemical components more intensively and effectively than plants, accumulating significant amounts of valuable ingredients in a short time [02:39:00] [02:52:00].
- Higher Yields: On smaller surfaces, algae can achieve much larger yields. While energy plants might yield 19-20 tons per hectare, algae can yield 40-80 tons, with theoretical potential exceeding 280 tons, and currently achieving 120 tons per hectare [02:10:00] [02:12:00] [02:15:00].
- Wastewater Treatment and Nutrient Recycling: Algae can be grown on sewage, effectively utilizing wastewater and its nutrients. This process not only provides water but also nutrients, eliminating the need to purchase additional materials for cultivation [00:38:00] [02:53:00] [02:36:00] [02:39:00]. Growing on sewage can even lead to more intensive biomass multiplication than on synthetic media [02:28:00] [02:30:00].
- Carbon Dioxide Capture: Algae require carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, making them capable of utilizing industrial CO2 emissions [02:44:00] [02:53:00] [02:56:00].
Technological Innovations in Poland
The research at the West Pomeranian University of Technology represents a significant step in Polish innovation, demonstrating a fully closed production line for algae-based products [01:13:00] [01:55:00]. Efforts are underway to secure patent protection for these advancements [01:13:00] [01:23:00].