Biofuels derived from algae offer a promising avenue for sustainable energy production. These microscopic organisms possess high lipid content, making them ideal candidates for biodiesel production. Unlike conventional biofuel crops, algae can be cultivated in a variety of environments, including wastewater ponds and saline waters, minimizing competition with food crops and freshwater resources. Additionally, algae can absorb carbon dioxide during growth, helping mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The production process involves harvesting and extracting lipids from the algae, which are then converted into biodiesel through transesterification. With further research and technological advancements, algae-based biofuels have the potential to play a significant role in transitioning towards a cleaner and more renewable energy future.
3. Introduction
Chlorella vulgaris (a type of algae) can be
used to generate biofuel using various
processes.
โ To generate clean energy (pollution free)
โ Having calorific value.
โ High yield.
And the most important thing: Sustainable
energy generation & co-existencial with
current industrial model (4.0)
4. From natural resources
like lake,ponds,farms
Algae Extraction
By washing,rinsing &
centrifugation,
sedimentation
Cleansing & Sun-Drying
Procedure
Prepare a mixture of diethyl ether
and methanol. The exact ratio can
vary, but a common ratio is 2:1
(v/v)
Chemical Treatment
6. Add a saline solution (0.73%
NaCl water solution) to the
mixture. This will help in the
separation of the lipid-
containing layer from the rest
of the solution.
Separation
Add the solvent mixture to
the dried algae. The
mixture should be enough
to fully submerge the
algae. Shake the mixture
vigorously for a few
seconds.
Lipid extraction
Centrifuge the mixture to
separate the layers. The
lower layer will contain
the lipids.
Centrifugation
8. Evaporate the solvent from
the lipid extract. This can be
done using a rotary
evaporator.
Evaporation
Carefully remove the
lower layer which
contains the lipids. This
can be done using a
pipette or a separatory
funnel.
Recovery
Store the extracted lipids
in a suitable container
under appropriate
conditions to prevent
degradation.
Storage
10. The extracted lipids
(triglycerides) are then
reacted with an alcohol
(like methanol) in the
presence of a catalyst to
produce biodiesel (fatty
acid methyl esters) and
glycerol.
Trans-esterification
11. Applications of Algae-Based Biofuel
01
Fertilizers and soil
enhancers
Agriculture
Algae cultivation
helps mitigate CO2
emissions
Environmental
Remediation
Biofuel used in Power
Plants
Electricity
Generation
Promotes Energy
Independence and
reduces reliance on
fossil fuels
Sustainable
Development
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