Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Daniel M. Santosa, Lynn M. Wendt, Bradley D. Wahlen, Andrew J. Schmidt, Justin Billing, Igor Kutnyakov, Richard T. Hallen, Michael R. Thorson, Tessa L. Oxford, Daniel B. Anderson
Summary: This study explores the storage strategy of ensiled blends of algae and wood for the production of fungible liquid transportation fuel blendstocks. The results show that carbon retention and quality are preserved in both the bio-crude and upgraded fuel from the ensiled blend, indicating the potential of this approach for managing seasonal variations in algae biomass productivity.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shengfei Dong, Xinghua Huang, Xiaoyi Yang
Summary: This paper investigates the effect of different conditions on microalgae bio-crude enhancement, and finds that under specific conditions, using ethanol-water co-solvent or methanol/ethanol-water co-solvent as the medium can achieve high recovery rates of carbon, hydrogen, and energy, as well as high content of fatty acids and fatty acid esters. The nitrogen content of bio-crude obtained by the two-step method is lower, and ethanol-water co-solvent as the liquid phase medium performs well in terms of the content of cholesterol and vitamin E as bioactive substances.
Article
Energy & Fuels
James R. Keiser, Michael P. Brady, Jiheon Jun, Dino Sulejmanovic, Michael D. Kass
Summary: The selection of corrosion-resistant and cost-effective structural materials for biomass-derived oil production, upgrading, and storage has been extensively studied in our laboratory. The wide variety of biomass resources and liquefaction techniques result in products with diverse properties. This paper discusses the materials challenges in three distinct areas. Austenitic stainless steels have generally performed well in the production process at temperatures ranging from 350 to 550 degrees C, although issues such as thicker oxide scales and intergranular attack have been observed. For storage and transport of bio-oil products, organic acids present in the raw bio-oils can cause corrosion to carbon and low-alloy steels. Furthermore, certain subsequent processing methods can lead to corrosion of common austenitic stainless steels during exposure to sulfidizing gas at elevated temperatures. The study identifies cost-effective and sufficiently corrosion-resistant materials for each environment.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Swathi Mukundan, Jonathan L. Wagner, Pratheep K. Annamalai, Devika Sudha Ravindran, Girish Kumar Krishnapillai, Jorge Beltramini
Summary: This study presents an efficient method for converting prosopis juliflora biomass into high-quality bio-oil through catalytic hydrothermal liquefaction. By using polypropylene as a substitute and metal oxide catalysts, a synergistic effect between the biomass and plastic waste was observed. The results show that the temperature and substitution ratio of polypropylene play important roles in the liquefaction process, and the Nb/Al2O3 catalyst performs well with high recyclability.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Esmaeil Kouhgardi, Sohrab Zendehboudi, Omid Mohammadzadeh, Ali Lohi, Ioannis Chatzis
Summary: Brown algae have attracted attention as a potential energy source due to their ability to adsorb CO2 and store carbon. This review paper discusses the cultivation and biorefinery process of brown algae, and examines the opportunities, challenges, and future prospects of brown algae-based biofuels in North America. The analysis suggests that biomass-derived fuels, including brown algae biofuels, will play a significant role in the transportation sector. However, the commercial cultivation of brown algae and meeting market demands remain the main challenges for the algal biofuels industry. Expanding the value chain of brown algae biorefinery by producing advanced biofuels and value-added by-products could have a significant impact on North American countries' GDP.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kodanda Phani Raj Dandamudi, Tessa Murdock, Peter J. Lammers, Shuguang Deng, Elham H. Fini
Summary: The study explores the use of multiple feedstock sources to produce functionalized biochar with specific functional groups on its surface. By blending microalgae and swine manure, different biochar yields and properties were obtained for potential applications in construction and manufacturing. The presence of various functional groups on the biochar surface could enhance its role as a free-radical scavenger in these industries, highlighting the importance of developing unconventional uses for biochar in addressing biowaste challenges and promoting environmental sustainability through resource conservation and forest management.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Scott J. Satinover, Shovon Mandal, Raynella M. Connatser, Samuel A. Lewis, Miguel Rodriguez, Teresa J. Mathews, Justin Billing, Abhijeet P. Borole
Summary: Hydrothermal liquefaction is a promising technology for microalgae-based biofuel production, but its aqueous wastes containing toxic ammoniacal nitrogen have little established reuse. The use of microbial electrolysis cells to valorize this waste has shown efficient removal of organic compounds and ammoniacal nitrogen for hydrogen production. The effluent from microbial electrolysis cells can be reused to grow the same microalgal strains, creating a circular biofuel production system with potential for further development.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Salih Genel, Halil Durak, Emre Demirer Durak, Hasret Gunes, Yasar Genel
Summary: In this study, the liquefaction of Ammi visnaga plant was investigated using different catalysts and reaction conditions. The highest liquid yield was achieved without catalyst and with Mo catalyst at 300 degrees C. Characterization of the solid and liquid products was conducted using various analytical techniques. The addition of Co catalyst resulted in higher energy values. Additionally, the wastewater obtained at the end of the trials showed inhibitory effects on fungal growth.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
A. Saravanan, P. Senthil Kumar, Michael Badawi, Gunda Mohanakrishna, Tejraj M. Aminabhavi
Summary: The consumption of petroleum products causing global warming has led to the search for alternative and eco-friendly energy sources. Algae are viewed as versatile feedstock materials for sustainable power sources and green biorefinery. This review provides extensive details of the sustainable process of microalgae biomass in biorefinery applications, including pre-treatment strategies, bioconversion into biofuel, and metabolic engineering methodologies. The article also examines the techno-economic analysis, sustainability, challenges, and future perspectives in algal biofuel development and pretreatment process.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yuzhuo Wang, Jun Jie Wu
Summary: The thermochemical conversion of biomass is of great importance in meeting global demand for sustainable transport fuels. This article reviews different conversion processes and evaluates their merits and demerits, providing examples of industrial applications. It identifies two promising avenues for future development.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ziba Borazjani, Reza Azin, Shahriar Osfouri
Summary: In this work, a global kinetic model of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) was proposed for different algae. The model accurately predicted the conversion of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates to biocrude. The model was also applied to different biomass, and economic analysis showed a range of minimum fuel selling price (MFSP) for Aurantiochytrium sp.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Andre Prates Pereira, Timothy J. Woodman, Christopher J. Chuck
Summary: An integrated macroalgal biorefinery was designed to produce HMF, HTL biocrude, and biochar. Blends of Ulva lactuca and spent coffee grounds were effective in HMF production, yielding higher amounts than separate components. Different macroalgal species showed large differences in yields, highlighting the importance of lipid content and C-6 sugar composition.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
A. A. Mana, A. Allouhi, K. Ouazzani, A. Jamil
Summary: Biomass power generation in rural areas of Morocco presents a significant opportunity to achieve rural sustainability and provide stable electricity supply. The financial model of the project shows competitive costs compared to solar and fossil resources. Performance variables depend strongly on flue gas temperature, and the LCOE is highly sensitive to feedstock price and finance rates.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Schonna R. Manning
Summary: Microalgae, including cyanobacteria, are genetically and biochemically diverse photosynthetic organisms that produce a wide range of compounds, particularly lipids, with various applications in cell metabolism and biotechnology. This paper highlights the major categories of microalgal lipids and their uses in food, fuels, and specialty chemicals. Future directions include the development of microalgal chassis organisms and molecular tools to increase the production of target metabolites.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Eduardo Bautista-Penuesla, Juan Daniel Macias, Heidi I. Villafan-Vidales, Patricio J. Valades-Pelayo, Pedro Arcelus-Arrillaga, Alejandro Ayala-Cortes, Karla Cedano-Villavicencio, Camilo A. Arancibia-Bulnes, Manuel I. Pena-Cruz
Summary: This paper presents a simulation and techno-economic analysis of a hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) solar plant for bio-oil production. The plant uses a parabolic trough solar collector field and a natural gas boiler to provide the heat required for continuous operation. The thermal performance of the plant is simulated using TRNSYS software, and the biomass's composition and slurry's temperature are considered in calculating the bio-oil yield. An economic model aids in determining the minimum selling price of bio-oil for financial viability. The results suggest that integrating concentrated solar thermal technology for processing forestry residues could be a sustainable option for biofuel production in countries like Mexico.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lynn M. Wendt, Bradley D. Wahlen, Michelle R. Walton, Jason A. Nguyen, Yingqian Lin, Rebecca M. Brown
Summary: This study investigated how to reduce the recalcitrance of biomass during storage by performing partial alkali pretreatment before storage, which resulted in effective solubilization of lignin, xylan, and acetate under appropriate anaerobic conditions and high alkali loading. The findings indicate that this storage approach and associated logistics system is economically competitive with conventional methods using low-moisture bales.
BIOFUELS BIOPRODUCTS & BIOREFINING-BIOFPR
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mohammad S. Roni, Thomas Mosier, Tzvi D. Feinberg, Timothy McJunkin, Ange-Lionel Toba, Liam D. Boire, Luis Rodriguez-Garcia, Majid Majidi, Masood Parvania
Summary: This research outlines the relevant factors necessary to understand and advance quantification of integrated water-power systems resiliency. It also presents a review of integrated water-power systems resiliency. The authors proposed a conceptual framework for quantifying integrated water-power system resiliency and presented an opportunity for improved resilience in both water and power systems.
ENERGY STRATEGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Lynn M. Wendt, Bradley D. Wahlen, Michelle R. Walton, Jason A. Nguyen, Yingqian Lin, Rebecca M. Brown, Haiyan Zhao
Summary: The study investigates how low-cost modifications in the supply chain can be utilized to transform into targeted pretreatments in the context of the entire bioenergy supply chain. The ultimate goal is to overcome the physiochemical barriers in corn stover, which require increased severity in downstream conversion. Experimental results suggest that fungal treatment approaches have the potential to balance the loss of convertible material with the reduction in recalcitrance.
FOOD AND ENERGY SECURITY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Rebecca M. Brown, Amber N. Hoover, Jordan L. Klinger, Bradley D. Wahlen, Damon Hartley, Hyeonseok Lee, Vicki S. Thompson
Summary: With the implementation of China's Green Fence Policy and National Sword Policy, there is a need to convert previously accepted waste materials into fuels and products. This study explores the conversion of mixed plastic and paper waste, focusing on the impact of contaminants and decontamination methods. It is found that certain types of paper may not be ideal for conversion, but dilute alkaline pretreatment and mechanical refining can improve the conversion process by removing contaminants.
FRONTIERS IN ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Fikri Kucuksayacigil, Mohammad Roni, Sandra D. Eksioglu, Tanveer H. Bhuiyan, Qiushi Chen
Summary: The optimized process control method for biomass pre-processing system can provide consistent flow of feedstock to reactor and reduce costs, yielding significant benefits when the moisture content ranges from 10% to 25%.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Daniel M. Santosa, Lynn M. Wendt, Bradley D. Wahlen, Andrew J. Schmidt, Justin Billing, Igor Kutnyakov, Richard T. Hallen, Michael R. Thorson, Tessa L. Oxford, Daniel B. Anderson
Summary: This study explores the storage strategy of ensiled blends of algae and wood for the production of fungible liquid transportation fuel blendstocks. The results show that carbon retention and quality are preserved in both the bio-crude and upgraded fuel from the ensiled blend, indicating the potential of this approach for managing seasonal variations in algae biomass productivity.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Dahui Liu, Sandra Eksioglu, Mohammad Roni
Summary: The planning of biorefinery operations is complicated due to the stochastic nature of biomass feedstock characteristics. In this study, a stochastic optimization model is proposed to ensure a continuous flow of biomass while meeting the requirements of the conversion process. Through numerical analysis and a real-life case study, it is observed that sequencing bales based on moisture level and carbohydrate content improves processing time and rate of the reactor.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON AUTOMATION SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Bradley D. Wahlen, Lynn M. Wendt, Chelsea C. St. Germain, Sarah M. Traynor, Caitlin Barboza, Thomas Dempster, Henri Gerken, John Mcgowen, Yaqi You
Summary: Long-term storage of algae biomass is crucial for mitigating seasonal variations in productivity, preserving biomass quality, and ensuring constant supply to conversion facilities. This study highlights the importance of nitrogen management in algae cultivation for the stability of post-harvest biomass during storage.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mohammad Roni, Thomas Mosier, Binghui Li, S. M. Shafiul Alam, Venkat Durvasulu, Beth Lawson, Dave Steindorf, Brenda Pracheil, Vishvas Chalishazar
Summary: This research proposes a two-stage optimization method to understand hydropower flexibility to meet both environmental and power system requirements. The tool simulates the two-settlement market process in the U.S. and maximizes revenues from both the day-ahead and real-time markets, considering operational limits, regulatory flow and ramping requirements, and uncertainties associated with water availability and market prices. Results show that revenue is more sensitive to ramping constraints than minimum flow constraints, and removing flow constraints in a dry month significantly increases monthly revenue.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lynn M. M. Wendt, Bradley D. D. Wahlen, Gary S. S. Groenewold, Brittany D. M. Hodges, Corey Pilgrim, Michelle R. R. Walton, J. Austin Murphy, William A. A. Smith, Haiyan Zhao
Summary: This study investigates the potential of using targeted pretreatments in the feedstock supply chain to enhance lignin degradation in lignocellulosic biomass. The results show that inoculating corn stover with lignin degrading fungi and storing it under simulated storage conditions can lead to degradation of hemicellulose and lignin, resulting in sugar degradation products. Lowering the reaction temperature in the pretreatment process can achieve equivalent xylose release in both stored and fungal treated samples.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Oluwatosin Oginni, Bradley Wahlen, Lynn Wendt, Michelle Walton, Thomas Dempster, Henri Gerken
Summary: This study investigated the preservation of Nannochloropsis gaditana biomass through wet anaerobic storage and its impact on biomass quality. The results showed that wet anaerobic storage effectively preserved the biomass with minimal dry matter loss and little change in biochemical composition.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sung-Yeoul Kim, Vikash Chandra Roy, Jin-Seok Park, Byung-Soo Chun
Summary: This study aims to extract functional substances from Undaria pinnatiida sporophyll using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) and subcritical water extraction (SWE). The results showed that the consecutive green extraction method can yield extracts rich in fucoxanthin and beta-carotene, and the sporophyll of Undaria pinnatiida contains health-beneficial fatty acids. Additionally, SWE can extract substances with antioxidant, antibacterial, and antihypertensive activities.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2024)