Characterization of the solar drying of Tetraselmis sp. for biofuel production using a laboratory-scale setup and statistical analysis
College
Gokongwei College of Engineering
Department/Unit
Center for Engineering and Sustainable Development Research
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Source Title
4th AUN/SEED-Net RC MeAe 2012
Publication Date
2012
Abstract
Microalgae is one of the most promising sources of biofuel, but its high initial moisture content remains a hindrance to efficient lipid extraction. According to Halim, et al. (2011), the lipid yield of dried microalgae is 33% higher than wet microalgae using hexane extraction. In this study, Tetraselmis sp. was dried using a laboratory-scale set up simulating a solar dryer. The direct radiation (Qr), air flow rate (V1) and convective heat input to the inlet air (Qci) were the control variables. Statistical analysis showed that Qr is limited by the chamber temperature, which is largely controlled by Qci. With regards to Vf, increasing its results to less energy-efficient drying. As a conclusion, it can be derived that the drying rate is best at high Qci and low Vf. Also, Qr significantly improves the drying rate. Finally, when modeling drying rate, it is best to describe it as a function of chamber temperature and mass flow rate instead of Vf and heat input.
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Recommended Citation
Lopez, N. A., Ubando, A. T., Biona, J. M., Tan, R. R., Culaba, A. B., Garibay, S. S., Toledo, N. A., Jimenez, C. N., Pahila, I. G., & Ami, L. S. (2012). Characterization of the solar drying of Tetraselmis sp. for biofuel production using a laboratory-scale setup and statistical analysis. 4th AUN/SEED-Net RC MeAe 2012 Retrieved from https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/6615
Disciplines
Engineering
Keywords
Microalgae—Drying; Solar heating—Equipment and supplies
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