Algernol is a Florida based company developing systems of producing products from Algae.

Ethanol Directly from Algae

One of the products of Algernol is Ethanol.  They have isolated many types of Algae capable of making Ethanol.  The alga is grown in a large bag made of plastic with special properties.

The Ethanol plants are situated in a sunny area, preferably close to a carbon dioxide emitter like a coal fired power station.

Access to sea water would also be necessary.

At the top of each bag there is an “air” space.  Initially this would be filled with carbon dioxide.  As the algae grew Ethanol would be produced and go into solution in the water.  Ethanol boils at about 20 degrees C lower than water, so the vapour on the air space would contain a higher percentage of Ethanol than the solution.  On the inner surface of the plastic, the water Ethanol mixture would condense and run down to collectors. 

The mixed solution is then distilled, producing about equal amounts of Ethanol and pure water.

A hectare of this system could produce about 60,000 litres of Ethanol and 60,000 litres of fresh water a year.  This would use sea water and carbon dioxide. 

This is many times the potential yield of any conventional crop.  The cost is very competitive with fuel produced from crude oil at present prices.  Naturally, when oil prices go up again as the world moves out of recession, Algernol’s system will become much cheaper than gasoline made from oil.

 A Look at This System, as Described

Assume that it is set up in a desert area, close to the sea and close to a coal fired power station.

Instead of the carbon dioxide going straight into the atmosphere, it is used to produce Ethanol which is then used as a transportation fuel.  This fuel is used in vehicles and the carbon eventually goes into the air as carbon dioxide.

The system has relaced some crude oil.  If fuel from the oil had been used instead, it would have produced carbon dioxide.  So, without Algernol’s system, both the carbon dioxide from the power station and the carbon dioxide from the oil would have gone into the atmosphere.  So there is a definite gain; only about half the carbon dioxide goes into the ait that would have done.

Looking at it a different way:

If oil had been used, it would probably have been imported at considerable cost.  With Algernol’s system;

All the inputs and jobs can be in the United States.

Sources

http://www.algenolbiofuels.com/alghome.htm