Algae Bioreactor Using Submerged Enclosures with Semi-Permeable Membranes
Applications include diesel fuel production, lipid-based chemical production, advanced sewage treatment, and renewable energy.
NASA has invented an innovative method to grow algae, clean wastewater, and capture carbon dioxide to ultimately produce biofuel. The invention consists of floating flexible-plastic enclosures and photo-bioreactors with semi-permeable membranes. This new cultivation system is made of lightweight material and is deployed offshore, avoiding the problems of land costs and competition with other land uses. The surrounding waters provide infrastructure, cooling, and some mixing from wave action. Ideally, this cultivation system is filled with nutrient-rich domestic wastewater and a source of CO2 to promote the growth of algae and to remediate pollution.
The photobioreactors allow light to enter through their transparent upper surface and optimize the efficiency of light utilization with a light-reflective lower surface inside. Deployed in the marine environment, the gradient between the freshwater inside the system and the saltwater outside drives forward osmosis. The water removed through semi-permeable (forward osmosis) membranes is cleaned as it is released into the marine environment. In addition, this process concentrates nutrients in the algae medium to stimulate growth, and concentrates the algae to facilitate harvesting. The harvested algae can be used to make biofuels, fertilizer, animal food, or other products. The photobioreactors are intended for use in naturally or artificially protected marine environments with small waves and gentle currents. The system can also be used in artificial brine pools and freshwater basins or reservoirs, but the forward-osmosis feature cannot be used in freshwater.
The technology can be used for expanded use of protected bays for biomass production that doesn't compete with agriculture land use. Other applications include use in diesel fuel production; lipid-based chemical production; high-value products such as cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and food additives; fertilizer and animal food products; advanced sewage treatment; pharmaceutical products; and renewable energy.
NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize this technology. Please contact the Technology Partnerships Office at
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