[Digestion] Energy from Algae (was RE: the chicken coupe)

[Katahdin Energy Works]

Algae...burning, NO!  growing and expressing oil or collecting hydrogen, SI!

Here's what Burt Cutts, now in the University of S. Carolina's technology
incubator program has to say:
[img]http://incubator.research.sc.edu/images/company/synfratech.jpg[/img]

Frank,
I think you're on the right track with that idea. I would suggest that you
try to situate the compost so that the runoff enters the pond or lagoon at
the "top" (flow-wise). Then the algae will have access to the nutrients
right from the start. As the flow moves through the pond/lagoon, the
nutrients get used and start to deplete. Towards the end of the flow, where
your outlet or overflow is located, the nutrients will be at their lowest
level, which should correspond to more lipid accumulation in the algal
cells. This is all based on observations (in the DOE ASP) of algae
metabolism in nitrogen and silicon depleted conditions. While the available
nutrients at the start encourage rapid cell division, the depleted nutrients
near the end encourage lipid accumulation in those cells present (and a
reduction in cell division). The overall lipid productivity isn't higher
(because of the reduced cellular division near the outlet), but the lipid %
in individual cells is much higher, which should translate to an easier time
extracting the oils.

All of this is assuming that you want lipids and not cellulose or
carbohydrates. If you're going to try making biodiesel, of course you want
the lipids. If you're just going to burn the biomass, or try fermenting and
making ethanol, then you would probably approach it differently.

Do you have any notion of what species of algae are present?

..I have more if you want it...suggest you contact him directly at the
program.

Frank.



Frank J. Heller, MPA
KATAHDIN ENERGY WORKS
12 Belmont St.
Brunswick, ME 04011-3004
207.729.6090
http://mysite.verizon.net/fjheller/