3th WCSET-2014 at Nepal
Mechanical Engineering / Sustainable Energy Session:
Title:
Algae - An alternative source of biofuel
Authors:
Ravindra Singh, Pushpendra Singh, Arpana Mishra
Abstract:
Biofuel are any solid, liquid or gaseous fuels that are
derived from living plants or indirectly from
agricultural, municipal, commercial or domestic wastes.
First generation biofuel are derived from sugars,
starch, vegetable oils or animal fats. Second generation
biofuels are obtained from ligno cellulosic biomass.
Third generation biofuels are produced from algae.Algae
have recently gained attention as a potential feed stock
for biofuels. Sea weeds are macro algae grown only in
the sea and are a good source of phycocolloids.
Phycocolloids are polysaccharides which are considered
as a good source of liquid fuel generation through
fermentation. In principle they offer high yields and
large co2 absorption by photosynthesis with up to 90%
lower water needs than terrestrial crops, possible use
of saline or waste water and no need for arable land.
They are considered primarily for biodiesel and jet fuel
production since fewer alternatives exists to replace
these fuels. Biodiesel obtained from algal lipid is non
toxic and highly biodegradable. Micro algae produce
15-300 times more oil than traditional crops on an area
basis. According to an estimate, algal farming in less
than 2-3% of indias land would make the country self
sufficient in liquid fuel needs in the decades to come.
Keywords: Algae,
Biofuel, Phycocolloids, Fermentation, Photosynthesis.
Pages:
437-438