The scalability of microalgae growth systems is a primary research topic in the microalgae to biofiiels process. Based on the limited published large-scale microalgae productivity data, this study utilizes a validated microalgae biomass and lipid accumulation model representative of an industrial-scale outdoor photobioreactor to critically evaluate the current near-terrn realizable productivity potential in the US based on 15 years of hourly historical weather data from 864 US locations. The resulting productivity data is used with land and CO_2 resource data to generate a dynamic map illustrating the current viable locations for large-scale production. A sensitivity analysis to model inputs and resource assumptions around feasible land availability, slopes, and CO_2 transportation distances are presented. Results indicate microalgae biofuels scale better than first generation feedstocks in terms of land but limitations on the economic transportation of CO_2 to growth facilities will limit scalability.
展开▼
