tyberesk
11-12-2008, 03:43 PM
Im writing a paper with a group about how UVM can become a more ecofriendly campus...and our group plans on building a Sustainability Lab with things such as Cow-Power and Algae Fuel Cells.
DO YOU THINK ALGAE POWER IS THE FUTURE?:confused:
Rough Draft Of Proposition
As part of the research facility, we have plans to construct a few vertical ponds and tanks in an attempt to grow algae to produce some or all of the buildings fuel from. Having multiple ponds could allow us to test different strands of algae against one another, and possibly attempt to genetically alter the algae’s genes to make them more effective. Over time way may be able to even power the majority of the campus by the discoveries that can be made. It is a fact that some strains of algae have half our their body weight being oil, meaning that these strains are extremely efficient in fuel production. They are also among the fastest growing plants in the world and their lipid oil that is produced can be used to make bio-diesel for cars, trucks, airplanes, and even power plants.
The use of algae to make bio-fuel is a relatively new power source and many other researching institutions make different claims as the best way to produce the maximum amount of fuel. One company claims the best way to grow algae has been proven to be in a vertical cell, because by going vertical you can get more surface area to expose the cells to sunlight. While another states that algae grown in the dark is the most effective. In this process the sun is replaced by sugar, essentially, which is fed to the algae, which then produces different types of oil that can be processed into a variety of fuels, suitable for cars and planes. With all of these production methods out there, having our own facility on campus would allow us to do testing and figure out what method would eventually be best for widespread use throughout the campus in vehicles along with for electricity, and maybe eventually the nation. This part of the research facility could also be used to determining what type of algae produces what type of fuel. One species may be best suited for jet fuel, while the oil content of another may be more efficient for truck diesel. Even small changes in the nutrients that certain algae get can help to create a more efficient oil content.
It is estimated that 100,000 gallons of oil can be produced per acre of land, while corn only makes about 30 gallons per acre and soybean about 50 per acre. In theory using algae seems to be the smartest green fuel option out there. So far there have been around 65,000 known algae species discovered, with perhaps hundreds of thousands more still to be identified. This means that this lab could be useful for many years of studying, with different types of algae and different methods being tested. With the right labs constructed the University of Vermont could be put at the forefront of green energy production at the United States. This would not only bring a lot of famous scientists to our school, but bring increased funding from federal and corporate sources. It could be a great addition to the environmental nature of this school and possibly make it one of the most attractive colleges in the nation for future scientists.
Algae is one of the most adaptable living organisms out there today and locating algae processing plants intelligently can add to their efficiency. If we were to place this facility next to carbon producing power plants or other manufacturing plants instance, the plants could sequester the C02 they create and use those emissions to help grow the algae, which need the C02 for photosynthesis. We all know that the University of Vermont has plans to become a carbon neutral campus and it has been proven that algae can be a great carbon sequester. All of the positives of putting a relatively small amount of funding towards this makes it a worthwhile investment. There is also plenty of money in the country for green sources of energy, so with some grants and government help, this part of the facility could be almost free.
DO YOU THINK ALGAE POWER IS THE FUTURE?:confused:
Rough Draft Of Proposition
As part of the research facility, we have plans to construct a few vertical ponds and tanks in an attempt to grow algae to produce some or all of the buildings fuel from. Having multiple ponds could allow us to test different strands of algae against one another, and possibly attempt to genetically alter the algae’s genes to make them more effective. Over time way may be able to even power the majority of the campus by the discoveries that can be made. It is a fact that some strains of algae have half our their body weight being oil, meaning that these strains are extremely efficient in fuel production. They are also among the fastest growing plants in the world and their lipid oil that is produced can be used to make bio-diesel for cars, trucks, airplanes, and even power plants.
The use of algae to make bio-fuel is a relatively new power source and many other researching institutions make different claims as the best way to produce the maximum amount of fuel. One company claims the best way to grow algae has been proven to be in a vertical cell, because by going vertical you can get more surface area to expose the cells to sunlight. While another states that algae grown in the dark is the most effective. In this process the sun is replaced by sugar, essentially, which is fed to the algae, which then produces different types of oil that can be processed into a variety of fuels, suitable for cars and planes. With all of these production methods out there, having our own facility on campus would allow us to do testing and figure out what method would eventually be best for widespread use throughout the campus in vehicles along with for electricity, and maybe eventually the nation. This part of the research facility could also be used to determining what type of algae produces what type of fuel. One species may be best suited for jet fuel, while the oil content of another may be more efficient for truck diesel. Even small changes in the nutrients that certain algae get can help to create a more efficient oil content.
It is estimated that 100,000 gallons of oil can be produced per acre of land, while corn only makes about 30 gallons per acre and soybean about 50 per acre. In theory using algae seems to be the smartest green fuel option out there. So far there have been around 65,000 known algae species discovered, with perhaps hundreds of thousands more still to be identified. This means that this lab could be useful for many years of studying, with different types of algae and different methods being tested. With the right labs constructed the University of Vermont could be put at the forefront of green energy production at the United States. This would not only bring a lot of famous scientists to our school, but bring increased funding from federal and corporate sources. It could be a great addition to the environmental nature of this school and possibly make it one of the most attractive colleges in the nation for future scientists.
Algae is one of the most adaptable living organisms out there today and locating algae processing plants intelligently can add to their efficiency. If we were to place this facility next to carbon producing power plants or other manufacturing plants instance, the plants could sequester the C02 they create and use those emissions to help grow the algae, which need the C02 for photosynthesis. We all know that the University of Vermont has plans to become a carbon neutral campus and it has been proven that algae can be a great carbon sequester. All of the positives of putting a relatively small amount of funding towards this makes it a worthwhile investment. There is also plenty of money in the country for green sources of energy, so with some grants and government help, this part of the facility could be almost free.