Modeling and Optimization of Microalgae Drying for Power Generation

Microalgae are fast becoming promising renewable green fuel that can be grown on diverse landforms. One of the energy-generating pathways is to directly combust the species while the interior water content is a major obstruction of its utilization. In this work, a mathematical model of the steam power plant and microalgae drying process were developed for investigating how energy integration in between the two processes can increase the overall energy efficiency. The drying level, power plant configuration and heat integration scheme were simultaneously optimized with the models.