Development and Techno-economic Assessment of Algal-based CO2 Capture
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: Chemical & Biological Engineering
Abstract
The aim of this project is to evaluate the potential for efficient and cost effective carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) from industrial flue gases using photosynthetic microalgal cultures. A microalgal CCU system will be designed, operated and optimised for efficient carbon capture. Experimental data will be used to produce techno-economic assessments covering total cost, CapEx and OpEx, all of which will be used to optimise for lowest costs and highest carbon capture efficiencies.
Currently, Chlorella sp. have been cultivated in different conditions of aeration to give reference point data for comparison with growth under elevated CO2 conditions. The next stage of experimental work will involve exposing the algal cultures to progressively higher concentrations of CO2, up to those seen by a range of CO2 emitters. The conditions under which the cultures are grown will then be optimised for highest CO2 removal, best growth and lowest cost. Parameters which will be considered include: media composition, light regime applied to the culture and the use of different and novel microalgal species.
A TEA model for the microalgal CCU has been produced and the experimental data will be used to produce cost-analyses. A TEA will be conducted at each stage of the experimental work to compare each parameter change and the effect it has on the overall cost of the system with the aim of optimising the system for lowest cost and highest carbon capture efficiency.
Currently, Chlorella sp. have been cultivated in different conditions of aeration to give reference point data for comparison with growth under elevated CO2 conditions. The next stage of experimental work will involve exposing the algal cultures to progressively higher concentrations of CO2, up to those seen by a range of CO2 emitters. The conditions under which the cultures are grown will then be optimised for highest CO2 removal, best growth and lowest cost. Parameters which will be considered include: media composition, light regime applied to the culture and the use of different and novel microalgal species.
A TEA model for the microalgal CCU has been produced and the experimental data will be used to produce cost-analyses. A TEA will be conducted at each stage of the experimental work to compare each parameter change and the effect it has on the overall cost of the system with the aim of optimising the system for lowest cost and highest carbon capture efficiency.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509735/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1952554 | Studentship | EP/N509735/1 | 01/10/2017 | 24/03/2021 | Hannah Leflay |
| Description | It has been shown that the methods currently used in algal research do not accurately predict the potential of algal CO2 uptake from gas streams. Direct measurements should be used in place of theoretical estimations based on the carbon content of the biomass. Alongside this, the economic assessment highlights that improvements to the algal technology and increased government support could makes algal carbon capture economically viable. |
| Exploitation Route | The findings within the techno-economic assessment could be used to direct future research in algal CO2 capture. The key areas that need to be addressed to make this an economically viable technology are the capture rate, the growth rate, and the capital input required for large bioreactors. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Energy,Environment |