title: Optimization of process configuration and strain selection for microalgae-based biodiesel production.
abstract: A mathematical model was developed for the design of microalgae-based biodiesel production system by systematically integrating all the production stages and strain properties. Through the hypothetical case study, the model suggested the most economical system configuration for the selected microalgae strains from the available processes at each stage, thus resulting in the cheapest biodiesel production cost, S$2.66/kg, which is still higher than the current diesel price (S$1.05/kg). Interestingly, the microalgae strain properties, such as lipid content, effective diameter and productivity, were found to be one of the major factors that significantly affect the production cost as well as system configuration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore 117585, Singapore.
authors.forename: Nan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore 117585, Singapore.
authors.forename: Linus Tao Jie
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Dieu
authors.affiliation: Division of Heat and Power Technology, Department of Energy and Environment, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Harvey
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore 117585, Singapore; Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A(∗)STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, #06-01, Centros, Singapore 138668, Singapore. Electronic address: cheld@nus.edu.sg.
authors.forename: Dong-Yup
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D056804:Biofuels / Q000191:economics*; D018533:Biomass; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis / Q000191:economics; D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry; D058086:Microalgae / Q000737:chemistry*; D008962:Models, Theoretical
chemical_list: D056804:Biofuels; D008055:Lipids
keywords: Microalgae-based biodiesel; Process design; Strain selection; Techno-economic analysis