Comparison between solar utilization of a closed microalgae-based bio-loop and that of a stand-alone photovoltaic system. (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jin, Qiang; Chen, Lei; Li, Aimin; Liu, Fuqiang; Long, Chao; Shan, Aidang; Borthwick, Alistair G.L.
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 184(2015)
• Page Start: 108
• Page End: 115
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Microalgae -- Biomass -- Biogas -- Exergy -- Life cycle assessment; Biomass -- Periodicals; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Agricultural wastes -- Periodicals; Factory and trade waste -- Periodicals; Organic wastes -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; Déchets agricoles -- Périodiques; Déchets industriels -- Périodiques; Déchets organiques -- Périodiques; Déchets (Combustible) -- Périodiques; 662.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2014.10.131
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: A closed microalgae-based bio-loop is assessed according to the broad LCA. The bio-loop appears more competitive than the stand-alone PV system. Operational energy consumption constitutes the main negative contribution. The overall performance is significantly improved by pressurization and coupling. Abstract: This study compared the solar energy utilization of a closed microalgae-based bio-loop for energy efficient production of biogas with fertilizer recovery against that of a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system. The comparison was made from the perspective of broad life cycle assessment, simultaneously taking exergy to be the functional unit. The results indicated that the bio-loop was more environmentally competitive than an equivalent stand-alone PV system, but had higher economic cost due to high energy consumption during the operational phase. To fix the problem, a patented, interior pressurization scheduling method was used to operate the bio-loop, with microalgae and aerobic bacterial placed together in the same reactor. As a result, the overall environmental impact and total investment were respectively reduced by more than 75% and 84%, a vast improvement on the bio-loop.