Int. J. Renewable Energy & Environmental Engineering
ISSN 2319-5347, ISI Impact Factor: 0.763
VOLUME 02 NO. 02 APRIL 2014:
Title: Application of solar energy for the extraction of algal
oil
Authors: Namasivayam
Manickam, Nivetha Elumalai Selvamani, K. P. Gopinath
Abstract: The extraction of algal oil is
the primary step involved in the production of
biodiesel. This extraction process is a high energy
consuming process. Presently the extraction process is
carried out with the help of paid thermal energy sources
like electricity, fossil fuels, etc. A solar
concentrator can replace the above paid sources of
thermal energy. This paper proposes the extraction of
oil from algae using a solar concentrator system where
the solar energy is harnessed for the lab scale
production of algal oil. Solar energy is transferred to
the extraction apparatus by means of a reflective
parabolic dish solar concentrator. Energy collected from
sun is maximized by reflecting and converging it
simultaneously. This maximized energy could produce a
temperature of about 2300C approximately. This thermal
energy is utilized for evaporation of the solvent used
for the extraction of oil from the dried powder of algae
Cladophorafracta. The diameter of the pipe containing
the liquid solvent for heating purpose is selected to
optimize the overall energy transfer. Design and sizing
of different components of the system are explained. The
results showed that the time for extraction process is
reduced considerably when compared to the usual methods.
Also, the cost is lowered since we are utilizing the
abundantly available free solar energy. Collectively,
the results indicate that solar concentrator is an
economical and eco-friendly model for the purpose of oil
extraction from algae.
Keywords: Solar concentrator, Cladophorafracta,
Extraction, Algal Oil, Biodiesel
Pages: 71-75