Abstract
There are many advantages to microalgae when used in biofuel production. Compared to current food or energy crops, micro-algal growth for biodiesel production does not need to compete for arable land. While algae may theoretically be capable of producing 10 to 100 times more oil per acre, such capacities have not been validated at the commercial scale level. The algal biofuel industry is in need of a sustainable solution to overcome low productivity of algal cultures. A critical review of current production processes are identified, including algal growth facilities with a focus on higher oil yields and algal culture population. A system is proposed and serves as one solution to the above-mentioned problem. A hybrid phototrophic energy manufacturing system integrates methods such as nitrogen starvation and cell attachment to improve algal oil production and harvesting. A conveyor-belt type system floating on a water surface has been proposed in the past utilizing flat surfaces as the attachment medium for the algae. A similar system implementing higher productivity methods is identified. Although significant literature exists on micro-algal growth and biochemistry, considerably more work is needed with regards to harvesting methods and hybrid closed/open production systems.