Solar energy biomass production

The maximum efficiency with which photosynthesis can occur has been estimated by several methods. The upper limit has been projected to range from about 8 to 15%, depending on the assumptions made ie, the maximum amount of solar energy trapped as chemical energy in the biomass is 8 to 15% of the energy of the incident solar radiation. The rationale in support of this efficiency limitation helps to point out some aspects of biomass production as they relate to energy appHcations. 

Most important, reliable and no-regrettable measures are two move to renewable energies and energy saving/conservation. The concept of renewable energy is shown in Fig. 2. The trials of developments of new route to solar energies, for example production of polycrystalline silicon is important [9, 10]. The conversion of waste oil to fiiel has also been investigated [11]. The study on coal conversion is also developed to the biomass conversion study. 

Mudge, L. K. Baker, E. G. Mitchell, D. H. Brown, M. D., Catalytic steam gasification of biomass for methanol and methane production. Journal of Solar Energy Engineering 1985, 107, 88-92. 

The potential for renewable electricity production from wind and solar energy is by far higher than the potential for biomass production. Therefore, in the case of... 

The use of solar energy is complementary not alternative, to the use of biomass for energy production. In fact, reliance on a few limited sources of energy is detrimental not only to the environment but also to future economic stability. The future lies in diversification of energy sources, tailored to the requirements and resources of each country. 

One reason why interest in aquatic biomass has developed so rapidly, and with such driving force, is that algae are better converters of solar energy (T = 6-8% under natural conditions, up to 9-10% in bioreactors) than are terrestrial plants (T = 1.5—2.2%), and also have a better potential for fuel production diversification... 

Different production methods each have different associated investment and marginal costs. The energy and feedstock could originate from a multitude of sources, that is, natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind, biomass, coal, other fossil fuels, and geothermal (Table 18.2). Clearly, the distance from these "resources" can affect the economics. 

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