Paper details

Title:

Capturing Atmospheric CO2 for Microalgae Cultivation

Author(s):

Brilman, W., Garcia-Alba, L., Vos, M., Veneman, R.

Document(s):

Abstract:

In this work, we propose and demonstrate the concept of atmospheric CO2 capture for algae cultivation (and horticulture) as alternative to flue gas derived CO2. A supported amine sorbent was prepared and found able to capture CO2 at atmospheric conditions (around 400 ppm, 2-2.5 mole CO2/kg sorbent) and releasing it at higher pressures and purity. Adsorption capacities were determined for CO2 concentrations from 200 ppm to 10 vol% and temperatures up to 55°C. Regeneration was done by thermal swing, producing high purity CO2 at elevated pressure and temperatures. However, this purity is not required for microalgae cultivation. Regeneration to lower purity allows for lowering the regeneration temperature (60-80°C), enabling the use of waste-heat. Moreover, it leads to higher working capacities.. In labscale cultivation experiments the effect of CO2 dosing on the growth rate of Desmodesmus sp. was investigated, showing an optimum at 1.5 vol% CO2. For demonstration, CO2 was adsorbed from atmospheric air and a CO2 enriched gas was produced and used in the cultivation of Desmodesmus sp., thereby successfully demonstrating the concept. Finally, the concept is compared with CO2 dosing using fossil fuel derive flue gas, showing that atmospheric CO2 capture is a competitive, sustainable option for Algae Biorefineries.

Keywords:

algae, biorefinery, CO₂ capture, cultivation, recycling

Topic:

Biomass Resources

Subtopic:

Algae production systems

Event:

20th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

1BO.2.1

Pages:

77 - 84

ISBN:

978-88-89407-54-7

Paper DOI:

10.5071/20thEUBCE2012-1BO.2.1

Price:

FREE