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Potential of Converting Solar Energy to Electricity and Chemical Energy

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Biomass and Biofuels from Microalgae

Part of the book series: Biofuel and Biorefinery Technologies ((BBT,volume 2))

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Abstract

Chemical energy can be produced from solar energy via photosynthesis. Solar energy can also be converted into electricity via photovoltaic devices. These two mechanisms would seem to compete for the same resources. However, due to differences in the spectral requirements, there is an opportunity to coproduce both electricity and chemical energy from a single facility. We propose to introduce an active filter or solar panel above a microalgae pond to generate both electricity and chemical energy. There are several advantages to such technology including reduced heating (saving freshwater) and an independent electricity supply. Additionally, by channeling targeted illumination back into the microalgae ponds, we can double the amount of light absorbed by the microalgae. This can result in increased biomass productivity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Engineering and Information Technology, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia

    David Parlevliet

  2. Algae R&D Centre School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia

    Navid R. Moheimani

Authors
  1. David Parlevliet
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  2. Navid R. Moheimani
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to David Parlevliet .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Algae R&D Centre, Murdoch University, Murdoch, West Australia, Australia

    Navid R. Moheimani

  2. School of Engineering and Information Technology, Murdoch University, Murdoch, West Australia, Australia

    Mark P. McHenry

  3. School of Engineering and Information Technology, Murdoch University, Murdoch, West Australia, Australia

    Karne de Boer

  4. School of Engineering and Information Technology, Murdoch University, Murdoch, West Australia, Australia

    Parisa A. Bahri

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Parlevliet, D., Moheimani, N.R. (2015). Potential of Converting Solar Energy to Electricity and Chemical Energy. In: Moheimani, N., McHenry, M., de Boer, K., Bahri, P. (eds) Biomass and Biofuels from Microalgae. Biofuel and Biorefinery Technologies, vol 2. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16640-7_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16640-7_15

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-16639-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-16640-7

  • eBook Packages: EnergyEnergy (R0)

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