Fuels from microalgae [electronic resource] : Technology status, potential, and research requirements

Published: Oak Ridge, Tenn. : Distributed by the Office of Scientific and Technical Information, U.S. Dept. of Energy, 1986.
Physical Description: Pages: 171 : digital, PDF file
Additional Creators: United States. Department of Energy. Office of Scientific and Technical Information

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Summary

Although numerous options for the production of fuels from microalgae have been proposed, our analysis indicates that only two qualify for extensive development - gasoline and ester fuel. In developing the comparisons that support this conclusion, we have identified the major areas of microalgae production and processing that require extensive development. Technology success requires developing and testing processes that fully utilize the polar and nonpolar lipids produced by microalgae. Process designs used in these analyses were derived from fragmented, preliminary laboratory data. These results must be substantiated and integrated processes proposed, tested, and refined to be able to evaluate the commercial feasibility from microalgae. The production of algal feedstocks for processing to gasoline or ester fuel requires algae of high productivity and high lipid content that efficiently utilize saline waters. Species screening and development suggest that algae can achieve required standards taken individually, but algae that can meet the integrated requirements still elude researchers. Effective development of fuels from microalgae technology requires that R and D be directed toward meeting the integrated standards set out in the analysis. As technology analysts, it is inappropriate for us to dictate how the R and D effort should proceed to meet these standards. We end our role by noting that alternative approaches to meeting the feasibility targets have been identified, and it is now the task of program managers and scientists to choose the appropriate approach to assure the greatest likelihood of realizing a commercially viable technology. 70 refs., 39 figs., 35 tabs.

Report Numbers

E 1.99:seri/sp-231-2550
seri/sp-231-2550

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Note

Published through SciTech Connect.
08/01/1986.
"seri/sp-231-2550"
"DE86010739"
Hill, A.; McIntosh, R.; Feinberg, D.; Neenan, B.; Terry, K.
Solar Energy Research Inst., Golden, CO (USA)

Funding Information

AC02-83CH10093

View MARC record | catkey: 13819855