Method and system for robotic algae harvest

Abstract

A Robotic Algae Harvester (RAH) of the present invention works by providing a CO 2 collection mechanism that is installed in power plants or vehicles. These systems are available using current technology and have been proven to be scalable. CO 2 is then transported to RAH using ships. The RAH will feed and re-circulate algae broth through the photobioreactors (PBRs). The PBRs float in the ocean while the algae through photosynthesis will transform the CO 2 into biomass in a continuous process. The extracted algae will processed into a stable mix of oil and bi-product and transferred to the ship that brought the CO 2 . The algae is then processed onshore in some of the following manners: converted to biodiesel via transesterification; converted to bio-ethanol via fermentation; burned for electricity generation; and/or used as protein for animal feed or food products.

1 . A method for robotic algae harvest comprising the steps of:
 transporting collected carbon dioxide to an algae broth location;
 said algae broth location being an ocean going platform; 
   continuously feeding and re-circulating the algae broth through a plurality of photobioreactors;   suspending said photobioreactors and the algae broth in the ocean;   transforming the CO 2  into biomass in a continuous process of photosynthesis;   extracting algae; and   transferring and preprocessing said extracted algae into a stable mix of oil and one or more bi-products.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of collecting carbon dioxide to be transported to an algae broth location. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  where, carbon dioxide is collect via a collection means installed on a power plant or heating source. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  where, carbon dioxide is collected via a collection means installed on a motorized means for transportation. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 transporting the extracted algae to an onshore location;   processed the extracted algae onshore   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the extracted algae is processed into biodiesel via a transesterification process. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the extracted algae is converted to bio-ethanol via a fermentation process. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the extracted algae is burned for electricity generation or as a direct fuel source. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the extracted algae is used as protein for feed or dietary complement. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 autonomously controlling the location of a platform moving it to zones with high photosynthetically active radiation; and   submerging the photobioreactors in cases where the weather or sea conditions could damage the system.   
     
     
         11 . A system for robotic algae harvest consisting of:
 a set of floating interconnecting photobioreactors creating a platform;   processing and control modules; and   loading and unloading stations.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising;
 means for using the energy generated by wave, wind, or solar energy to move the platform to zones with high photosynthetically active radiation; and   means for using the energy generated by wave, wind, or solar energy to optimize photosynthetically active radiation; and   means for using the energy generated by the waves to provide algae broth pumping to minimize photo-saturation, de-oxygenation, pipe cleaning and the power needs of the system.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising;
 means for using the amount of CO 2  or air mixture available in the system to change the buoyancy of the platform and photobioreactors.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising;
 means for circulating water through the photobioreactors to prevent photosaturation, to enrich the broth with CO 2 , to reduce the amount of oxygen and to clean the surfaces.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising a conventional pump to pump the algae broth. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11 , providing means for oceans waves to directly pump the algal broth; 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 11 , providing means for utilizing recaptured carbon dioxide to feed the algae at a rate that can keep up with its growth. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprised of triangular shaped photobioreactors organized into hexagons. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18  wherein, each triangle shaped photobioreactor is comprised of water inflatable tubes in its periphery for compression support. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19  wherein, the water inflatable tubes include a tensioned wire frame core for rigidity and to hold algae tubing; 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20  wherein, the each triangle shaped photobioreactor includes air pockets to provide buoyancy control.