Investigation on chlorella Sp. HS2 microalgae growth using CO₂ from engine exhaust to study carbon sequestration

Abstract

A functional method of exploiting engine exhaust waste has been explored in current investigation. In experimentation, a direct injection (DI) 4-stroke diesel engine has been considered. The engine was operated at varying injection pressures and injection timings. The exhaust emissions such as CO₂, NO, HC, and CO were determined at different engine load conditions. To capture CO₂ emissions at an optimal temperature desired for microalgae cultivation within a designed photobioreactor (PBR) tank, a shell and tube type heat exchanger was designed and operated to cool exhaust gases. Highest volume of CO₂ produced through the engine exhaust was used to cultivate Chlorella sp. HS2 microalgae. The results of biomass productivity and growth rate were compared for photobioreactor tanks, one with CO₂ supplementation and the other without any external CO₂ supply. The results derived in this study depict the effective usage of exhaust gases to harness CO₂ in the form of microalgae.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Heat exchanger
• microalgae cultivation
• carbon sequestration
• photobioreactor tank
• CO₂ emission

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to extend their heartfelt appreciations and a deep sense of gratitude to the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee for providing the required facilities throughout the investigation and experiments. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.