Valorizing of weeds algae through the solar assisted pyrolysis: Effects of dependable parameters on yields and characterization of products

• Published in: Renewable energy Vol. 147; pp. 937 - 946
• Main Author: Rahman, M.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2020
• Subjects: Algae; Non-condensable gas; Solar products; Solar pyrolysis; Solar reactor; Solar pyrolysis; Non-condensable gas; Solar products; Solar reactor; Algae
• ISSN: 0960-1481; 1879-0682
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.09.046

In this study, a novel technique is applied to recover the pyrolysis products (bio-oil, char, and non-condensable gas) from algal biomass (E. compressa) by utilizing solar energy. To observe the parametric effect on product distribution, the temperature was varied from 250 to 600 °C, heating rate of 20–100 °C/min, particles feed size of <0.5–2.5 mm and sweeping gas flow rate of 3–15 liter per minute (lpm). The maximum solar bio-oil yield of 38.12 wt% was obtained at 400 °C, 9 lpm, <0.5 mm and 20 °C/min. The non-condensable gas evolution rate increase with a rise in temperature except for CO2. The bio-oils were characterized and their economic feasibility was evaluated by proximate, ultimate and GC-MS analysis whereas char product was characterized by proximate and FTIR. The gaseous products were analyzed by micro-gas chromatography (GC). The products yield and their characteristics highly dependent on temperature variation. The products possess high energy contents which are a potential alternative fuel. The energy upgrading factor, and solar to chemical conversion efficiency was also calculated. Operating range: 300-600 °C, 20-100 °C/min, < 0.5–2.5 mm and 3–15 lpm. [Display omitted] •Utilization of solar energy in pyrolysis of algal biomass is a novel technique.•Temperature has a drastical effect on product distribution.•A maximum bio-oil yield of 38.12 wt% at 400 °C, 9 lpm, < 0.5 mm and 20 °C/min.•Products (bio-oil, char and no-condensable gas) calorific value successfully upgraded.•Products characteristics were within ASTM and potential for alternative fuel.