UK CAER Integrated CO2 Capture and Algae Growth Process

Project Description

The University of Kentucky Research Foundation, in collaboration with Vanderbilt University and Colorado State University, will construct and test an integrated carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture and utilization technology for algae production using an ammonia (NH₃) solution with chemical additives as both a capture reagent and algae nutrient. The system includes a membrane absorber coupled with distributed, solar-energy powered strippers located near algae bioreactor modules for solvent regeneration and continuous delivery of CO₂ and NH₃ to algae for productivity enhancement. The process will involve minimal NH₃ emissions in the treated flue gas. Project objectives include integrating a commercial membrane CO₂ absorber into an existing 0.1-megawatt-thermal (MWth) CO₂ capture process, developing advanced membrane materials to minimize NH₃ slip, developing a solar-powered solvent regenerator and integrating with modular bioreactors for evaluation of algae production, conducting parametric and long-term testing campaigns on the integrated system, and performing techno-economic and life cycle analyses.

Project Benefits

The utilization of CO₂ from power generation systems or other industrial sources to create valuable products that display beneficial aspects when compared to commercially available products will partially offset the cost of carbon capture while reducing net CO₂ emissions. The development of technologies that use CO₂ as a primary feedstock to generate environmentally sustainable and economic products—such as the synthesis of value-added organic products, the production of inorganic materials (i.e., solid carbon products and concrete/cement), and the cultivation of microalgae—will support cost-effective implementation of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) throughout the utility and industrial sectors. Successful development of the NH₃-based looping integrated CO₂ capture and utilization technology will result in enhanced algae growth with significantly reduced complexity and cost for CO₂ capture and biofixation.

Presentations, Papers, and Publications

• Ammonium Looping with Membrane Absorber and Distributed Stripper for Enhanced Algae Growth (Feb 2021)
  Kickoff Meeting

Contact Information