Algae Photobioreactor Using Floating Enclosures With Semi-Permeable Membranes
environment
Algae Photobioreactor Using Floating Enclosures With Semi-Permeable Membranes (TOP2-219)
Grow algae, clean wastewater, capture carbon dioxide to ultimately produce biofuel
Overview
NASA has invented an innovative method to grow algae, clean waste water, capture carbon dioxide to ultimately produce biofuel. The invention consists of floating flexible plastic enclosures, and photo-bioreactors with semi permeable membranes. This new cultivation system is made of lightweight material and deployed offshore. This avoids problems of land costs and competition with other land uses. The surrounding waters provide infrastructure, cooling, and some mixing from wave action. Ideally, this cultivation system is filled with nutrient-rich domestic waste water and a source of CO2 to promote the growth of algae and to remediate pollution.
The Technology
The photobioreactors allow light to enter through their transparent upper surface and optimizes the efficiency of light utilization with a light-reflective lower surface inside. Deployed in the marine environment, the gradient between the freshwater inside the system and the saltwater outside drives forward osmosis. The water removed through semi-permeable (forward osmosis) membranes is cleaned as it is released into the marine environment. In addition, this process concentrates nutrients in the algae medium to stimulate growth, and concentrates the algae to facilitate harvesting. The harvested algae can be used to make biofuels, fertilizer, animal food, or other products. The photobioreactors are intended for use in naturally or artificially protected marine environments with small waves and gentle currents. The system can also be used in artificial brine pools and freshwater basins or reservoirs, however in freshwater the forward osmosis feature cannot be used.
Benefits
- Expanded use of protected bays for biomass production
- Biomass produced without competing with agriculture land use
- Advanced wastewater treatment
- Carbon dioxide captured - reduces global warming
Applications
- Diesel fuel production
- Lipid-based chemical production
- High-value products (e.g., cosmetics, nutraceticals, food additives)
- Fertilizer and animal food products
- Advanced sewage treatment
- Pharmaceutical products
- Renewable energy
