Modeling and Technoeconomic Analysis of Algae for Bioenergy and Coproducts

Abstract The complex use of the algae biomass highlights the trends in green and innovative technologies of high priorities in EU program Horizon 2020. This part of the chapter will combine the obtained key knowledge about the modeling of different photobioreactor (PBR) designs. Innovative approaches and achievements in modeling of microalgal kinetics connected with light intensity, hydrodynamics, and mass transfer phenomena in PBRs will be underlined. Furthermore, we will discuss applicability of the complex models to optimize overall microalgae process for bioenergy production. In the second part of the chapter technoeconomic analysis will be performed to determine cost viability of algae process for bioenergy. Such study varies depending upon algae-processing techniques, involved equipment, and downstream steps of desired products. The most industrially viable algae metabolite products for bioenergy and some high-value coproducts will be discussed through the life cycle assessment approach.

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