|
Faculty and students chemistry and applied biology researchers at Rose-Hulman
Institute of Technology have successfully extracted biodiesel from algae
–- a significant stage in an unique project that will eventually use
native algae from a campus pond to produce fuel for diesel engines to
test power, torque and emissions.
 |
|
Summer Researchers: Michael Mueller (left), head of Rose-Hulman
Institute of Technology's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry,
has been working this summer with students Liz Malola and Tony
Pierce to extract biodiesel from algae. |
The research project has been conducted this summer at Rose-Hulman
Ventures through the Department of Applied Biology and Biomedical
Engineering and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The Quantum
Development Corporation helped initiate the project with a $40,000
donation.
Algae-based biodiesel has significant advantages, according to Michael
Mueller, head of Rose-Hulman’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
He has conducted extensive research on biodiesel during the past two
summers.
Fifty gallons of biodiesel can be produced per acre of soybeans once per
year. Conversely, algae can be grown year round, is not a competing food
source and 50 gallons of biodiesel can be obtained from 50,000 gallons
of algae-rich water.
“In terms of a two-foot deep pond, this would require an area half that
required by soybeans and can be harvested almost daily,” Mueller cited.
 |
|
Concentrated Algae Pellets: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
researchers have been successful in producing highly concentrated
flocculated algae, called pellets. This was accomplished by spinning
algae culture in an ultracentrifuge. Later, these pellets were dried
and ultimately biodiesel was extracted. |
Algae being used by Rose-Hulman researchers have a lipid content on the
order of 40 percent by weight.
“We have been successful in obtaining very close to 100 percent of those
lipids to make biodiesel. This is a significant achievement,” Mueller
said.
Future projects will involve using native algae in the pond at Rose-Hulman’s
South Campus, off Indiana 46, for fuel that will be used in diesel
engines tests.
Joining Mueller in the project are Ric Anthony, associate professor of
applied biology and biomedical engineering; and Peter Coppinger,
assistant professor of applied biology and biomedical engineering.
Students participating are Tony Pierce, senior chemistry major; Haocheng
(James) Zhou, senior applied biology and biomedical engineering major;
Liz Malola, junior chemical engineering major; and Suzanne Kissel,
junior chemistry major.
Quantum Development Corporation has been pleased with the research
project results and is considering erecting a new greenhouse on the
South Campus to assist growing other forms of algae.
Watch a local television report, featuring Rose-Hulman student Liz
Malola, about the algae-biodiesel research project at
http://www.wthitv.com/dpp/news/news_wthi_Terrehaute_students_turn_algae_200908131341.
|
