Bioenergy and biofertilzer production through vinasse anaerobic digestion and algae culture

• Grant number: 14/21504-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Renato Sano Coelho
• Grantee: Renato Sano Coelho
• Company: Sagitta - Consultoria em Projetos de Energia Renovável Ltda
• City: Campinas
• Associated scholarship(s): 17/04225-8 - Bioenergy and biofertilzer production through vinasse anaerobic digestion and algae culture, BP.PIPE

Abstract

This research project will evaluate the production of fertilizers by atmospheric nitrogen fixation by cyanobacteria and dissolved potassium fixation by macrophytes using sugar cane ethanol's stillage after anaerobic digestion process as culture medium. This process could produce all nitrogen needs of sugarcane crop and provide separation of dissolved nutrients in the vinasse, especially potassium, by processes of low energy demand, reducing the volume of vinasse and avoiding nitrogen fertilizers acquisition. Biogas produced by stillage anaerobic digestion can be used for power generation during the sugar cane's harvest season. The reactors used for producing nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria and potassium-fixing macrophytes during harvest season can produce large amounts of microalgae biomass during offseason, which in turn will serve as substrate for biogas production in this period of the year, keeping algae production reactors, digester and other power generation equipment operational throughout the year. The process is described in detail in the patent INPI n° 13 2014 025044 BR 0. (AU)