Robert,
I would like to have a better understanding as to why the biomass *needs*to be
stored. The processing rate of algae can keep up with the cultivation
rate and the processed products shipped directly to shore. As Dr. Calvin
mentioned, the bag storage method ends up being a digested. Mark Capron
seems to have covered that approach in some detail.
Also, using thin filmed photobioreactors (PBRs) on a vast scale, such as
described by Dr. Trent and you, may prove problematic even in the calm
subtropical convergence zones (STCZs). The reason I've opted to focus upon
ridged PBRs within the Large Scale Mariculture (LSM) analysis is due to the
durability, volume per km2 and dual structural purpose.
*Durability:* It is expected that the wildlife populations will be robust
around any open water instillation. This can be as benign as seabirds
nesting/foraging to whales rubbing themselves on the structure. Trent does
show the use of protective cages (as your's might). The cost/maintenance
and replacement of the protective cages adds up to the degree that moving
to ridged and enclosed PBRs becomes a lower capital cost option when viewed
even over a short operational period.
*Volume:* The use of thin film PBRs and reliance on sunlight restricts the
productive time/areas of the OMEGA approach. By moving to a ridged and
internally lighted PBR, the ability to stack rows of PBRs downward and well
below the photo region. Keeping the overall footprint to a minimum does
have significant benefits at a number of levels and being able to add
multiple levels of PBRs can have structural/buoyancy benefits (see below).
On the sunlight or LED light debate; There is a strong need to have
photosynthesis active 24hrs per day due to the capital needs. The doubling
of production times does show to be worth investing in the needed
equipment.
*Dual Structural Purpose: *The use of submerged ridged PBRs, as fully
controlled micro algal cultivation tanks, creates an opportunity to link
the PBR tanks together (in raft form) using simplistic engineering methods
and means. This design approach opens up the use of the top surface regions
of the PBR tank farm for a multitude of uses. The PBR tank farm, in
essence, becomes a form of commercial real-estate which can lead to
expanding the biomass production through aquaponics or a multitude of
non-biomass production uses.
To conclude, Dr. Trent opened an important door for marine biomass through
the OMEGA study . The eventual means and methods used in the first large
scale production will, however, come down to efficiencies. It is my belief
that thin film PRBs do not offer the greatest efficencies.
I'm glad to see that you're moving forward with the development of your
work.
Best,
Michael
On Sunday, February 23, 2014 8:34:30 PM UTC-8, Robert Tulip wrote:
>
> Here are
> slides<http://rtulip.net/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/InnovAID.51193109.pptx>(10MB
> powerpoint) from a talk I presented today to my work (Australian
> Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) on Restorative Ocean
> Geoengineering.
>
> Robert Tulip
>
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