| Resumo: |
Portugal has increased electricity production by renewable sources in the last years, mainly wind and
solar. Therefore, the average share of renewable energy is high, and, in some periods of the day, the
production is higher than the demand. Moreover, solar and wind energies are intermittent sources. For
these reasons, the excess of energy production should be stored to be used in the periods of peak demand
for electricity, reducing the production of power based on non-renewable sources. There are several
solutions for energy storage: pumped-storage hydroelectricity, production of hydrogen by electrolysis,
batteries, among others. The main drawbacks of these solutions are the dissipation of energy, associated
environmental impacts, and safety issues regarding hydrogen storage. Power2Biofuel will propose a new
path for energy storage: converting electric energy into chemical energy (biofuels) using microalgal
cultures.
Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms, converting solar energy into chemical energy. Important
culture variables are light supply, temperature, CO2 concentrations and culture medium. Therefore,
Power2Biofuel will develop an innovative PBR design to supply the best cultivation conditions for
microalgae. During the daylight period, the power required by the production system will be provided by
the photovoltaic solar panels that are integrated with this new PBR. During the night period, the excess
of wind energy may be used for microalgal growth. Microalgal biomass has several applications [1-3].
Considering the market volume and considering that this technology will be integrated into the energy
sector, the energetic application of microalgae will be explored in this project, mainly in the production
of biodiesel (liquid biofuel that enables safe energy storage).
In terms of sustainability, this project will offer a technology with low environmental impact that enables:
(a) energy storage in the liquid form; (b) CO2 capture  |
Resumo
Portugal has increased electricity production by renewable sources in the last years, mainly wind and
solar. Therefore, the average share of renewable energy is high, and, in some periods of the day, the
production is higher than the demand. Moreover, solar and wind energies are intermittent sources. For
these reasons, the excess of energy production should be stored to be used in the periods of peak demand
for electricity, reducing the production of power based on non-renewable sources. There are several
solutions for energy storage: pumped-storage hydroelectricity, production of hydrogen by electrolysis,
batteries, among others. The main drawbacks of these solutions are the dissipation of energy, associated
environmental impacts, and safety issues regarding hydrogen storage. Power2Biofuel will propose a new
path for energy storage: converting electric energy into chemical energy (biofuels) using microalgal
cultures.
Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms, converting solar energy into chemical energy. Important
culture variables are light supply, temperature, CO2 concentrations and culture medium. Therefore,
Power2Biofuel will develop an innovative PBR design to supply the best cultivation conditions for
microalgae. During the daylight period, the power required by the production system will be provided by
the photovoltaic solar panels that are integrated with this new PBR. During the night period, the excess
of wind energy may be used for microalgal growth. Microalgal biomass has several applications [1-3].
Considering the market volume and considering that this technology will be integrated into the energy
sector, the energetic application of microalgae will be explored in this project, mainly in the production
of biodiesel (liquid biofuel that enables safe energy storage).
In terms of sustainability, this project will offer a technology with low environmental impact that enables:
(a) energy storage in the liquid form; (b) CO2 capture by a biological process; and (c) production of carbonneutral
fuels. |