Economic Analysis of a Vertical Sheet Algal Photobioreactor for Biodiesel Production

Author(s):  
Peter E. Zemke ◽  
Byard D. Wood ◽  
Daniel J. Dye ◽  
David J. Bayless ◽  
Jeff D. Muhs

The combination of a 100% increase in diesel fuel prices since 2002 and a new photobioreactor technology has renewed interest in producing biodiesel, a direct petroleum diesel fuel substitute, from microalgae. A new photobioreactor technology in which the microalgae are grown on vertically suspended membranes promises to increase algal productivity per acre ten-fold compared to microalgae ponds, and 400-fold compared to soybeans. This paper describes the general photobioreactor concept and assesses the economic viability of such technology given the current crude oil prospects. The majority of the data necessary for assessment are obtained from published articles, with experimental results providing the remaining necessary information. Analysis results indicate that the photobioreactor would need to be constructed and operate on the order of dollars per square foot per year.

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. 3400-3414
Author(s):  
Hannah Leflay ◽  
Katarzyna Okurowska ◽  
Jagroop Pandhal ◽  
Solomon Brown

A microalgal–bacterial consortium was used for pilot scale bioremediation of landfill leachate. A techno-economic analysis was conducted using experimental results to provide a pathway for economic viability.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-109
Author(s):  
E. S. Dremicheva

This paper presents a method of sorption using peat for elimination of emergency spills of crude oil and petroleum products and the possibility of energy use of oil-saturated peat. The results of assessment of the sorbent capacity of peat are presented, with waste motor oil and diesel fuel chosen as petroleum products. Natural peat has been found to possess sorption properties in relation to petroleum products. The sorbent capacity of peat can be observed from the first minutes of contact with motor oil and diesel fuel, and significantly depends on their viscosity. For the evaluation of thermal properties of peat saturated with petroleum products, experimental studies have been conducted on determination of moisture and ash content of as-fired fuel. It is shown that adsorbed oil increases the moisture and ash content of peat in comparison with the initial sample. Therefore, when intended for energy use, peat saturated with petroleum products is to be subjected to additional drying. Simulation of net calorific value has been performed based on the calorific values of peat and petroleum products with different ratios of petroleum product content in peat and for a saturated peat sample. The obtained results are compared with those of experiments conducted in a calorimetric bomb and recalculated for net calorific value. A satisfactory discrepancy is obtained, which amounts to about 12%. Options have been considered providing for combustion of saturated peat as fuel (burnt per se and combined with a solid fuel) and processing it to produce liquid, gaseous and solid fuels. Peat can be used to solve environmental problems of elimination of emergency spills of crude oil and petroleum products and as an additional resource in solving the problem of finding affordable energy.


2020 ◽  
pp. 22-30
Author(s):  
SERGEY N. DEVYANIN ◽  
◽  
VLADIMIR A. MARKOV ◽  
ALEKSANDR G. LEVSHIN ◽  
TAMARA P. KOBOZEVA ◽  
...  

The paper presents the results of long-term research on the oil productivity and chemical composition of soybean oil of the Northern ecotype varieties in the Central Non-Black Earth Region. The authors consider its possible use for biodiesel production. Experiments on growing soybeans were carried out on the experimental fi eld of Russian State Agrarian University –Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy (2008-2019) on recognized ultra-early ripening varieties of the Northern ecotype Mageva, Svetlaya, Okskaya (ripeness group 000). Tests were set and the research results were analyzed using standard approved methods. It has been shown that in conditions of high latitudes (57°N), limited thermal resources of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia (the sum of active temperatures of the growing season not exceeding 2000°С), the yield and productivity of soybeans depend on the variety and moisture supply. Over the years, the average yield of soybeans amounted to 1.94 … 2.62 t/ha, oil productivity – 388 … 544 kg/ha, oil content – 19…20%, the content of oleic and linoleic fatty acids in oil – 60%, and their output from seeds harvested – 300 kg/ha. It has been established that as soybean oil and diesel fuel have similar properties,they can be mixed by conventional methods in any proportions and form stable blends that can be stored for a long time. Experimental studies on the use of soybean oil for biodiesel production were carried out on a D-245 diesel engine (4 ChN11/12.5). The concentrations of toxic components (CO, CHx, and NOx) in the diesel exhaust gases were determined using the SAE-7532 gas analyzer. The smoke content of the exhaust gases was measured with an MK-3 Hartridge opacimeter. It has been experimentally established that the transfer of a diesel engine from diesel fuel to a blend of 80% diesel fuel and 20% lubrication oil leads to a change in the integral emissions per test cycle: nitrogen oxides in 0.81 times, carbon monoxide in 0.89 times and unburned hydrocarbons in 0.91 times, i.e. when biodiesel as used as a motor fuel in a serial diesel engine, emissions of all gaseous toxic components are reduced. The study has confi rmed the expediency of using soybeans of the Northern ecotype for biofuel production.


2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 1563-1573 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Olivieri ◽  
Teresa Guida ◽  
Piero Salatino ◽  
Antonio Marzocchella

2014 ◽  
Vol 660 ◽  
pp. 386-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norazwan Azman ◽  
Mirnah Suardi ◽  
Amir Khalid

The use of fossil fuels as energy sources has grown to significantly be likely to have a major environmental impact. Reduction of world oil reserves and increasing environmental concerns have prompted alternative is found and renewable source of energy called biodiesel. Biodiesel fuel from vegetable oil is considered as the best candidates for diesel fuel replacement in diesel engines because of its closer. Fuel prices are going up day by day in the world. Thus, the means and methods have been trying for years to get fuel alternative outcomes. This study investigated the effects of different storage periods used in quality biodiesel blends (B5, B10, B15) of waste cooking oil and diesel fuel under low temperature and the temperature of the environment. Biodiesel samples were stored in glass containers under indoor conditions, and outdoor conditions for 10 weeks in total. These samples were monitored on a weekly basis through the test properties. The experimental density, viscosity, acid value, water content and flash point discussed in detail. Biodiesel storage at low temperatures is suitable and more advantageous because the impact on the physical properties is minimal and beneficial to slow down the degradation of biodiesel and storage.


Author(s):  
R. Yadav ◽  
Priyesh Srivastava ◽  
Samir Saraswati

The paper presents a thermo-economic analysis of gas/steam combined cycle. The stated objective is achieved by optimizing thermo-economic parameters for simple combined cycle (large and medium range) and to apply this to economic model of these cycles. The economic parameters evaluated in the present study include discount cash flow rate of return (DCRR) and gross payout period (GPO), two terms commonly employed in engineering economic analysis. DCRR and GPO are calculated for various electric sale and fuel prices. It has been found that maximum value of DCRR and minimum value of GPO are found with large size plant.


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