Abstract
The conversion of microalgae biomass into biofuels is a quite well explored field of research. Due to high photosynthetic efficiency, microalgae are considered as a potential feedstock for next-generations biofuel conversion processes.This paper addresses the thermochemical conversion of highly diluted microalgae feedstock into synthetic natural gas (SNG) through supercritical hydrothermal gasification. The complete conversion chain is modeled including the cultivation phase, settling ponds, centrifuges, catalytic hydrothermal gasification with salt separation unit and SNG purification system. Thermodynamic, economic and environmental models are considered for each process step, in order to solve a Mixed Integer Non Linear Programming (MINLP) optimization problem.The problem is solved by applying a two steps decomposition approach, using Multi Objective Evolutionary Algorithm with Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP). It is finally demonstrated that coupling microalgae cultivation systems with hydrothermal gasification (HTG) and waste energy recovery utilities leads to high energy/exergy efficiencies, emissions reduction and globally better sustainable processes.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.