Design of an Energy-Saving Membrane Separation Module for Algae Cultivation

Abstract

In this study, focusing on a zeolite membrane separation method expected energy-saving, appropriate environments for algae cultivation were investigated from the CO2 capture aspects. In addition, the authors elucidated the membrane separation performance and its energy consumption through experiments and simulations for the integration of CO2-treated processes. The results suggested that only 2-15 % CO2 in air ventilation was required for several algae growth. To satisfy the CO2 concentration constraint, the membrane could separate CO2 to approximately 15 % with the energy required for 0.76 MJ/kg-CO2 and a recovery ratio of 71 %. The combination of membrane separation and algae cultivation from low concentration CO2 sources is a promising method for carbon capture and utilisation.