The national algal biofuels technology roadmap workshop, held december 910, 2008, was convened by doeeeres biomass program. See if green algae can be tricked into producing h2 via photosynthesis and the optimal conditions for maximum production. A byproduct of the algae biofuel production can even be used as a proteinrich source of animal feed. Biofuel is a fuel made from living things, or the waste of a living thing, also known as biomass. While the basic concept of using algae as an alternative and renewable source of biomass feedstock for biofuels has been explored previously, a scalable, sustainable and commercially viable system has yet to emerge. Biofuels emerging in the middle east sciencedirect. The close proximity of the site to the north sea 500m also offers a great opportunity as a source of water for the algal cultivation. A blanket of algae covering a pond or lake often spells trouble for. The algae residue that will be produce after the oil extraction can also be utilised as a feedstock for the power plant or as valuable byproduct. This lesson plan was designed for a high school ap environmental science class in san diego ca. Algae offer a realistic potential to provide the world with a sustainable source of energy. Biofuels are combustible fuels created from biomass 1. Macroalgae that contain a high amount of sugar are used in the production of bioethanol. Also, algae fuels are an alternative to commonly known biofuel sources, such as corn and sugarcane.
School of aerospace, mechanical and manufacturing engineering, rmit university. These algaes are mainly classified into micro and macro algae groups and these groups combiningly have more than 2,00,000 species. Viability studies of biofuels university of maryland. Pdf fossil fuel energy resources are depleting rapidly and most importantly the liquid fossil fuel will be diminished by the middle of this century find. The process is a completely sustainable and enriching cycle. Algae are sometimes grown to make algae biofuels, which make up the third generation of biofuels. Algal blendstocks to replace middledistillate petroleum products 9. Students learn that breaking apart algal cell walls enables access to oil, starch, and cell wall sugars. Algal biomass can be transformed into a diverse array of fuels such as ethanol, hydrogen, jet fuel and biodiesel. Each student group, acting as independent biofuel companies created a testable hypothesis table 1. Since such feedstock material can be replenished readily, biofuel is considered to be a source of renewable energy, unlike fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas. Biofuel and biomass energy science fair projects and. Researchers this guide will enable you to communicate and engage young people with the.
The use of algae for biofuel production is expected to play an important role in securing an alternative energy source in the near future, particularly in light of depleting fossil fuel reserves. Wwsupported biofuel is small compared to need but 520 billion gallons is still a lot and we need to make use of every feedstock. Determine if the energy in a biofuel is equivalent to the energy in the same amount of nonrenewable fuel. Home algaeforbiofuels algae coloring the future green. Lootah biofuels, a leading biofuel producer in the middle east, is coming up with a much larger biofuel plant with the capacity of around 100,000 litres a day. Mobile algae lab the mobile algae lab is a true innovation in learning. With save that stuff and mit sea grant, nnhs has the opportunity to be a part of the next step in science, engineering, and environmental stewardship. However, we need to consider the pros and cons of algae biodiesel before investing in this technology. When made from seaweed macroalgae it can be known as seaweed fuel or seaweed oil. Pdf as the world hunts eagerly for alternative fuel sources, microalgae are attracting. Curriculum links 3c pdf 435kb algae chromatography pptx 6. While industrial processes are under development for largescale biofuel production, a then16yearold student, evie sobczak, won the 20. Even the byproducts produced when algae is pressed to make biofuel are useful. Materials paper markers generations of biofuels worksheet.
Apr 11, 2014 commercialize second and future third generation biofuels from cellulose and algae nonfood source cellulose biofuel technologies can use agricultural waste or biomass algae biofuel technologies no exploitation of land, 30 times more energy yield. Students are introduced to biofuels, biological engineers, algae and how they. As the price of crude oil skyrockets and the worlds reserves are steadily depleted, biofuels are on the horizon as a possible solution to a looming energy crisis. Primary school science resources about natures hidden energy store biomara the sustainable fuels from marine biomass project is a research project that aims to demonstrate whether biofuels can be produced from marine biomass algae. Through this lesson, plantsand specifically algae are presented as an energy solution. The models use sodium alginate, which forms a gel matrix when in contact with calcium or moderate acid, to represent the complexcarbohydrate. Algae tofuels video below to learn more about algal. Biofuel is commonly advocated as a costeffective and. Other plants, like corn and palm, require much more space. Scc gk12 lesson plan biomass energy and algae biofuels.
Current status and potential for algal biofuels production. Lootah biofuels has also recently signed a contract with the dubai driving center, the first driving school in the uae to use biofuels for its fleet. Lesson 1 grass seed germination and plant growth study. The practical biofuel activities for school engagement and outreach provides a range of activities that can be used to engage young people with the science and issues surrounding bioenergy and biofuels access keys. John kyndt and aecio dsilva is intended for scientists, entrepreneurs, students, engineers, algae growers and investors that are interested in the potential algae have for fuel production, as well as, manufacture of high value chemicals, cosmetics and. Generations of biofuels objective oregon state university. The term biofuel is usually used to reference liquid fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel that are used as replacements for transportation fuels like. Cal poly is fast becoming a leading institution for the applied research and development of controlledenvironment algae production systems. The revised and applied 2nd edition of ebook algae coloring the future green of drs. Many types of algae can be used and processed to become a biofuel. Feasibility study of algae biodiesel production in the. Algae as a source of biofuel environmental sciences essay. Goal statement project goal to support sustainable development of algal biofuels by conducting research that defines and addresses potential environmental, socioeconomic, and production hurdles to conduct sustainability.
Current status and potential for algal biofuels production executive summary this iea bioenergy report. Aug 04, 2019 algae biofuels have the potential to become a renewable, costeffective alternative for fossil fuels with reduced impact on the environment. Algae can be grown in openpond systems or in closedtank bioreactors. Through this lesson, plantsand specifically algaeare presented as an energy solution. Algal biofuels activity 3a culturing algae activity 3b algal. Find out whether microalgae can produce biooil which can be turned into biodiesel. Algae fuel, algal biofuel, or algal oil is an alternative to liquid fossil fuels that uses algae as its source of energyrich oils. You will be part of a working group that will design and create an ebook on a preapproved topic that illustrates and explains the processes by which the alternative energy source is produced and utilized. Biofuels are made mostly from plants that have just been harvested.
The molecular gastronomy techniques used in this activity blend chemistry, biology and food for a memorable student experience. Introduce students to the 3 generations of biofuels and the vocabulary and ideas behind biofuels. Wastewater reclamation and biofuel production using algae. Mar 26, 20 advantages of biodiesel fromalgae oil rapid growth rates a high peracre yield 7 to 31 times greater than the next best crop palm oil certain species of algae can be harvested daily algae biofuel contains no sulphur algae biofuel is nontoxic algae biofuel is highly biodegradable 10.
Advantages of biodiesel fromalgae oil rapid growth rates a high peracre yield 7 to 31 times greater than the next best crop palm oil certain species of algae can be harvested daily algae biofuel contains no sulphur algae biofuel is nontoxic algae biofuel is highly biodegradable 10. High oilproducing algae strains, harvested daily by environmentally friendly methods, may liberate us from fossil fuel dependency. Practical biofuel activities for school engagement and outreach. Achieving high productivity in realworld systems is a key challenge to realizing the promise of sustainable and affordable algal biofuels. The algae have the slower growth rate and hence it takes longer time for the biomass production. Biofuel and biomass energy science fair projects and experiments. The practical biofuel activities for school engagement and outreach provides a range of activities that can be used to engage young people with the science and issues surrounding bioenergy and biofuels. Algae biofuels have the potential to become a renewable, costeffective alternative for fossil fuels with reduced impact on the environment. This project aims to catch algae up to other bioenergy feedstocks with respect to sustainability and resource analysis objectives identify sustainability indicators and targets that apply to algal biofuel systems to move toward best management practices. Algae efficiently use co 2, and are responsible for more than 40% of the global carbon fixation, with the majority of this productivity coming from marine microalgae 14,15. The algae lab is a 53 tractor trailer on the outside, with an absolute state of the art algal research lab on the inside. So are algaes high peracre productivity and its ability in thriving in areas not. Biodiesel from algae is a potential renewable, alternative to petroleum fuels. A lot of research on algae biofuel is still going on.
Historical overview of algal biofuel technoeconomic. Biofuel, any fuel that is derived from biomass that is, plant or algae material or animal waste. The unit is focused on biomass energy with a particular emphasis on algae biofuels and is intended to teach students what biomass energy is, what the tradeoff are for using biomass energy and what the current state of the art is for using biomass for energy. Biofuels are combustible fuels created from biomass. When made from seaweed macroalgae it can be known as seaweed fuel or seaweed oil several companies and government agencies are funding efforts to reduce capital. Students are introduced to biofuels, biological engineers, algae and how they grow photosynthesis, and what parts of algae can be used for biofuel biomass from oils, starches, cell wall sugars. Viability studies of biofuels though biofuels like ethanol promise renewable green energy, these alternatives to fossil fuels are far from commercial and environmental viability. Algae are microscopic, plantlike, singlecelled organisms sometimes forming colonies of seaweed that can be used to make biofuel, which is fuel derived from living things. In this activity you will explore the world of automobile alternative energy sources through the study of biofuels. Part 2 redesigning crops for biofuel and bioproducts play video energy 101 algaetofuels. Algae hold tremendous potential to provide a nonfood, highyield, nonarable land use source of renewable fuels like biodiesel, bioethanol, hydrogen etc.
Algae have all the right ingredients for turning carbon dioxide into biofuel, but the precise recipe still needs to be created. Algae can produce biomass very rapidly, with some species doubling in as few as 6 h, and many exhibiting two doublings per day 16,17. The term biofuel is usually used to reference liquid fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel that are used as replacements. Once harvested, algae can be readily processed into the raw material to make fuels for cars, trucks, trains, and planes. The location of 4 rivers biofuel at the west sleekburn, who are. Despite the extensive research and investments in the last decade, no largescale, commercial algae to biofuels facilities had been implemented by the end of 2015.
Practical biofuel activities for school engagement and. Research partner mark white, a professor at the mcintire school of commerce, will help the team quantify the bigpicture environmental and economic benefits of. Historical overview of algal biofuel technoeconomic analyses. Students make edible models of algal cells as a way to tangibly understand the parts of algae that are used to make biofuels.
Commercialize second and future third generation biofuels from cellulose and algae nonfood source cellulose biofuel technologies can use agricultural waste or biomass algae biofuel technologies no exploitation of land, 30 times more energy yield. Prospects of algae biofuels in middle east bioenergy consult. Cal poly is fast becoming a leading institution for the applied research and development of controlledenvironment algaeproduction systems. The algae oils can be converted to biodiesel and the remaining material can be used to create bioethanol. While industrial processes are under development for largescale biofuel production, a. Biofuel, microalgae, biodiesel, bioethanol, renewable energy. Currently research into biofuel technology is spread across a broad spectrum of possible sources and refinement methods. These algae s are mainly classified into micro and macro algae groups and these groups combiningly have more than 2,00,000 species. Microalgae are considered as a potential oleofeedstock, as they produce lipids through.
801 1228 1532 1608 1150 255 725 1243 117 20 1271 403 1162 493 403 680 847 1338 1144 423 428 1225 1450 1084 833 750 89 241 1031 1002 577 46 228 303 1046 1551 546 631 587 1173 910 122 271 1402