Paper details

Title:

Conversion of the Coal Fired Power Plant CO2 Emissions into Algae: Israeli Experience

Author(s):

Jinjikhashvily, G., Meir, R., Izhak, D., Ben-Amotz, A., Weiss, H., Ivry, E.

Document(s):

Abstract:

Growth of microalgae under intensive CO2 enrichment by flue gases is an efficient way of the CO2 mitigation. The produced biomass can be a source of valuable chemicals and nutrients; it is the best potential stock for the biofuels production. Various species of marine microalgae were cultivated for the last six years at Seambiotic Ltd pilot farm in the Rutenberg Coal Power Plant. Flue gases, extracted between FGD absorber and stack, were supplied to the algae ponds. Experience shows that Nannochloropsis sp. can be manipulated by N, P, temperature, salinity, chemicals and light to produce different quality and quantity lipids with controllable length chain of fatty acids. The average yearly productivity is about 6 g lipid mass per m2 /day, about 5 times higher than the best terrestrial plants. Nannochloropsis sp. biomass high conversion efficiency to bio­diesel with surprising high quality of fuel specifications was obtained. Heavy (sinking) algae specie is very promising as a feedstock for biofuels. They are rich in carbon hydrates, mainly sugars. Their main advantage is ability to settle out by gravity, reducing dramatically energy consumption for separation. The algae are processed in pyrolizer; received oil (up to 50 % of the dry algae biomass) can be converted into few kinds of fuels. Remaining char can be used for fertilization of soils or co­fired with coal in the same power station. Heat value of the algae is 4200 kcal/kg, of the biochar 3484 kcal/kg. For cultivation of this alga a novel patented technique of water mixing which has been developed, as well as a novel pond shape. Now a 4,5 hectare pilot industrial plant is planned in the same power station.

Keywords:

algae, biodiesel, carbon dioxide (CO2), charcoal, CO2 emission, CO2 reduction, cultivation, European Union (EU), harvesting, high calorific value, microalgae, pyrolysis, coal co-firing, waves, nano-membranes

Topic:

Biomass Resources

Subtopic:

Microalgae production and conversion

Event:

19th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

OB7.2

Pages:

94 - 100

ISBN-13:

978-88-89407-55-4

ISBN-10:

88-89407-55-7

Paper DOI:

10.5071/19thEUBCE2011-OB7.2

Price:

FREE