Stabilization of Stored Microalgae and Co-product Formation
- 技术优势
- Significantlyless expensive than storage through drying (65% drying cost on a $/liter dieselproduced basis) Decreasedmicroalgae loss (demonstrated 5-15% after 30 days of storage compared to typical wetstorage losses of 8-37%) Organicacid production, particularly succinic acid, a valuable bioproduct andintermediate. Highest demonstrated yield was 0.34 g/g sugar in the algae[internal report]Usefulgas production, including hydrogen4.8to 11% increased diesel production (based on theoretical cost analyses)
- 技术应用
- Microalgaebiomass production and storageBio-Succinicacid production
- 详细技术说明
- Researchers at INL havedeveloped methods for storing concentrations of microalgae-derived biomass withmuch lower dry matter loss than under previously explored ensilage techniques. Thismethod has also demonstrated production of significant volumes of bio-succinicacid and hydrogen, which would enhance the value of the stored algae and can resultin secondary revenue streams for producers. This minimal dry matter loss,combined with the co-product formation, helps offset storage costs and enables economicallyviable, short- or long-term storage (1-6 months) of microalgae for laterconversion.
- *Abstract
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TECHNOLOGYMARKETING SUMMARY:
Many valuable products, such as energy-dense fuels, can be synthesized frommicroalgae-derived biomass. However, microalgae are extremely sensitive andsusceptible to degradation after harvesting. This generally creates a narrowwindow of opportunity to process the harvested microalgae into marketableproducts. This challenge is further complicated by seasonal variability in microalgaeproduction rates due to changes in temperature, sunlight, etc. Peak microalgae production commonly occurs duringsummer months. Microalgae produced in thesummer that is in excess of processing capacity must be stored for later use.A number of microalgaestorage options have been explored, but each presents serious problems. Dryingpreserves most of the biomass, but is an energy intensive option that significantlyincreases the cost of biofuel production. Ensilage of microalgae avoids the highenergy cost of drying, but the biomass degrades under storage conditions, resultingin significantly reduced biofuel yields.
- 其他
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LICENSINGOPPORTUNITY:
INLis currently looking for commercialization partner(s) interested to enteringinto a license agreement for the purpose of commercializing the technologydescribed below.INTELLECTUALPROPERTY STATUS:
This invention has associated intellectual propertyPatent Application No. 15/495,625: “Methods of Preserving a Microalgae Biomassand a Preserved Microalgae Biomass,” filed 24 April 2017; BEA Docket Nos.BA-914, BA-915
DEVELOPMENTSTATUS:
This technology has been tested and validated at thebench scale. Additional development will be required to demonstrate a pilotscale process.Publications:
- Report: “Evaluation of ahigh-moisture stabilization strategy for harvested microalgae blended withherbaceous biomass: Part I—Storage performance,”INL quarterly report, 2014
- Paper: “Evaluation of ahigh-moisture stabilization strategy for harvested microalgae blended withherbaceous biomass: Part II — Techno-economic assessment,” AlgalResearch, 2017
- Paper: “Managingvariability in algal biomass production through drying and stabilization offeedstock blends,” Algal Research, Vol 24, Part A, June 2017, pp9-18
- 国家/地区
- 美国
