Microbial Lipid Production for Renewable Diesel and Jet Fuel
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for energy and the limitations of fossil fuels have led to environmental concerns such as global warming and the finite nature of hydrocarbon resources, necessitating the development of renewable alternatives for producing oils, fuels, and oleochemicals.
Innovation Solution
Microorganisms like microalgae, yeast, and fungi are genetically engineered or selected to accumulate lipids when cultured with fixed carbon sources, which are then processed to produce renewable diesel and jet fuel, conforming to industry standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If fossil fuels are used to meet energy demand, then energy supply is maintained, but environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the source parameter from fossil fuels to microalgae-based lipids, transforming the fuel production system from non-renewable to renewable. This parameter change eliminates greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining energy supply, as microalgae absorb CO2 during growth and the resulting biodiesel produces minimal net emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
Microalgae perform self-service by naturally absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and converting it into lipid components. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external carbon management systems and automatically addresses the greenhouse gas emission problem while producing fuel feedstock.
2Power
If fossil fuels are combusted to generate electricity, then power production is achieved, but air pollutants are released
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful carbon dioxide emissions that would result from fossil fuel combustion into a beneficial resource by using microalgae to absorb CO2 during growth. The CO2 that would be a pollutant becomes the feedstock for lipid production, which is then converted to biodiesel, effectively converting harm into benefit.
3Quantity of substance
If hydrocarbon resources are extracted to meet industrial demand, then raw material supply is maintained, but finite resources are depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the source parameter from finite fossil fuel reserves to renewable microalgae biomass. This parameter change transforms the resource availability from depleting to replenishable, as microalgae can be continuously cultivated and harvested, ensuring long-term sustainable supply of hydrocarbon-based fuels and chemicals.
4Productivity
If microorganisms are cultured to produce lipids, then renewable fuel production is achieved, but cultivation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Microalgae perform self-service by naturally performing photosynthesis, converting CO2 into lipid components without requiring complex external intervention. This self-service capability simplifies the cultivation system compared to other biomass sources, as microalgae can grow in controlled environments with minimal input beyond CO2 and light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cultivation parameter from complex multi-step processes to a streamlined system where microalgae naturally convert CO2 to lipids. This parameter change reduces cultivation complexity by leveraging the inherent metabolic pathways of microalgae, which automatically perform the conversion without requiring elaborate processing systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables the production of renewable fuels and chemicals, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating environmental impacts by utilizing microorganisms to efficiently convert carbon sources into lipid-based fuels.
Implementation Method 1
culturing a population of microorganisms in the presence of a fixed carbon source, wherein (i) the microorganisms accumulate at least 10% of their dry cell weight as lipid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides methods of manufacturing alkanes from triglyceride oils produced through fermentation of oil-bearing microbes. The processes provided herein can utilize a variety of carbohydrate feedstocks including cane bagasse, sugar beet pulp, corn stover, glycerol, corn starch, sorghum, molasses, waste glycerol, and other renewable materials. These processes further comprise hydrotreating, hydrocracking, isomerization, distillation, and other petrochemical processes for use with oil-bearing microbes and products derived therefrom to manufacture fuels. Particular embodiments include the manufacture of ASTM D975 and ASTM D1655 compliant fuels. Genetically engineered microbes provided herein can be used in the manufacture of renewable diesel and renewable jet fuel.