Life cycle assessment of torrefied microalgae biomass using torrefaction severity index

Date of Publication

8-22-2019

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Subject Categories

Energy Systems

College

Gokongwei College of Engineering

Department/Unit

Mechanical Engineering

Thesis Adviser

Alvin B. Culaba
Aristotle T. Ubando, co-adviser

Defense Panel Chair

Archie B. Maglaya

Defense Panel Member

Neil Stephen A. Lopez
Charles B. Felix


Abstract/Summary

Torrefaction is a thermochemical process for upgrading raw biomass into a more energy dense fuel. In this study, a life cycle assessment was conducted to understand and assess the potential environmental impacts associated with the production of torrefied microalgal biomass, using a cradle-to-gate scope.
Using different scenarios of torrefied microalgal biomass production, this study identifies the contribution of the torrefaction process to the overall environmental impacts. Using experimental data, the study was able to analyze the impact of the torrefaction severity index on the resulted environmental emissions.
Result of the study shows that the torrefaction process had a minimal contribution of 1-20% to the resulted overall environmental impacts. The analysis revealed that the cultivation method had the highest contribution to the resulted environmental emissions when the cultivation is done using a photobioreactor while the drying process for the open pond method. For the upscaling production, regardless of the cultivation type, a decrease in the resulted environmental impacts was recorded. Moreover, the open pond has a lesser impact, 60% lower than the photobioreactor system.
The inclusion of the torrefaction severity index (TSI) shows that there was a strong relationship between the TSI on the resulted GWP. It revealed that the influence of the torrefaction temperature was higher as compared to the torrefaction duration.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Accession Number

CDTG008118

Keywords

Microalgae; Algal biofuels; Life cycle costing; Thermochemistry; Global warming

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Embargo Period

1-8-2025

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