Algae Algae

The gooey green goodness

BiofuelsBiofuels

Other natural fuels and why they receive Other natural fuels and why they receive less hype?less hype? EthanolEthanol SoybeanSoybean PeanutPeanut Switch grassSwitch grass MethaneMethane

Some Spec’s on other biofuels Some Spec’s on other biofuels out thereout there

Current and prospective yielding of Bio Current and prospective yielding of Bio energy supplying resourcesenergy supplying resources

Why Algae?Why Algae?

Incredible space-efficiency (far more space-efficiency (far more fuel can be produced per unit area) fuel can be produced per unit area)

No soil requirements No soil requirements No fresh water requirements No fresh water requirements Certain algal technologies have even Certain algal technologies have even

been designed to been designed to absorb CO2 from CO2 from smokestacks! smokestacks!

Simple naturally reoccurring Simple naturally reoccurring solution solution

Simple in theory, yet Simple in theory, yet complex in practice complex in practice

Methods of producingMethods of producing

Expeller/PressExpeller/Press

Hexane Solvent Method Hexane Solvent Method

Supercritical Fluid Extraction Supercritical Fluid Extraction

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction Ultrasonic-assisted extraction

Expeller/PressExpeller/Press

a tried and tested method of a tried and tested method of extraction. By letting the algae extraction. By letting the algae dry out and then pressed to dry out and then pressed to extract the oilextract the oil

Hexane Solvent MethodHexane Solvent Method

this makes use of a chemical hexane that this makes use of a chemical hexane that can be mixed with the algae. Then using can be mixed with the algae. Then using the expeller is pressed to extract the oils the expeller is pressed to extract the oils from the algae then it can undergo from the algae then it can undergo another extraction because of the another extraction because of the hexane. Hexane are then separated hexane. Hexane are then separated through distillation. Much yield could be through distillation. Much yield could be produce in this method. What’s more produce in this method. What’s more hexane is inexpensive.hexane is inexpensive.

Supercritical Fluid Supercritical Fluid ExtractionExtraction

this is the most viable way of extracting this is the most viable way of extracting 100% oil from the algae the only 100% oil from the algae the only downside of this process is the need for a downside of this process is the need for a special machinery and equipment for special machinery and equipment for extraction. It liquefies the carbon dioxide extraction. It liquefies the carbon dioxide under pressure and heated until that both under pressure and heated until that both elements are in its liquid state and gas. elements are in its liquid state and gas. These liquids acts as a solvent to extract These liquids acts as a solvent to extract the oils from the algae’s. the oils from the algae’s.

Ultrasonic-assisted Ultrasonic-assisted extractionextraction

as the name implies it makes use of as the name implies it makes use of ultrasonic devices to extract oils from ultrasonic devices to extract oils from algae’s. In this process ultrasonic waves algae’s. In this process ultrasonic waves are being sent around the algae’s are being sent around the algae’s sending shock signals on to the organism sending shock signals on to the organism as a reaction to the wave they release oil as a reaction to the wave they release oil substances onto the solvent that can now substances onto the solvent that can now be easily extracted.be easily extracted.

Effect Effect

On earth – It could greatly reduce the On earth – It could greatly reduce the amount of pollution in our seas and skyamount of pollution in our seas and sky Some strands can be created to digest Some strands can be created to digest

carbon emissions carbon emissions Open source algae such as that found Open source algae such as that found

in ponds, oceans naturally consume in ponds, oceans naturally consume nitrogen in order to produce lipidsnitrogen in order to produce lipids

Dead Zone Reduction Dead Zone Reduction

Carbon Emission ReductionCarbon Emission Reduction

Where When How and Where When How and What if?What if?

Who and what will it Who and what will it supply?supply?

Airplanes-Airplanes- Automobiles-Automobiles- Ships-Ships- Homes and business-Homes and business- People and Live stock?!?People and Live stock?!?

fundingfunding

U.S. Department of Energy pledged to U.S. Department of Energy pledged to invest up to $24 million in three research invest up to $24 million in three research groups looking at ways to commercialize groups looking at ways to commercialize algae-based biofuels algae-based biofuels [source: [source: U.S. Department of Energy].].

OMG!

Other sources of incomeOther sources of income

Other possible energy Other possible energy sourcessources

Solar: below $1 per wattSolar: below $1 per watt

Nanotube-Enhanced CapacitorsNanotube-Enhanced Capacitors

Methane GasMethane Gas

Expected outcome? Fate of Expected outcome? Fate of AlgaeAlgae

Close race between going completely Close race between going completely electrical electrical

Supposed new petroleum pockets found Supposed new petroleum pockets found that could supply the U.S. for an that could supply the U.S. for an extended amount of time.extended amount of time.

MutationMutation

Where else could money go?Where else could money go?

Age Distribution of Homeless Children, HUD HMIS Annual Data

Approximately 1.5million homeless children in America: 770,000 enrolled in public schools

Just a thoughtJust a thought