18 responses to “Algae-based Digester Coming To Area”

1. 

   mtexeira June 8th, 2009 at 06:43

   Sounds pretty good. Looks like the next step is maintanenance issues and sustainability over the long term. But they probably already looked at that and have answers.

2. 

   Alex Weathers June 8th, 2009 at 07:46

   This seems as though it would be a pretty good deal. My only concern would be cost. It seems to me that alternative fuels or energy sources of any kind are extremely costly at first, and even difficult to shrink the costs.

3. 

   Saad Ahmed June 8th, 2009 at 10:07

   Good idea, I would like to see how they would implement that in the Waste Water treatment facility. The founder has worked in a similar industry and would know how to go about it and be successful.

4. 

   jseeley June 8th, 2009 at 10:40

   The whole idea is kinda funny to me. I never thought algae would ever be used as a serious fuel source. I guess its good though since it’s one more thing that will replace fossil fuels….possibly/hopefully. If it gets the job done with less harm to us and future generation, then I say go for it.

5. 

   Kristin Crowson June 8th, 2009 at 10:51

   Wow! Who would have guessed the next green solution to waste management could have stemmed from developing an aquatic tank filtration system. I find it interesting that the system both claims to effectively provide greener solutions to waste problems as well as allow for the effective use of producing and harvesting algae for other uses. Very cool

6. 

   melmalik June 8th, 2009 at 10:56

   This idea seems amazing to me. Algae take in energy from the sun, and converts it to energy useful to us. Almost looks like a solar panel to me…

7. 

   Ryan Quigley June 8th, 2009 at 12:23

   The technology sounds very intriguing. Algae is the last thing I would have guessed could be used for clean energy. It seems like the Algaewheel has potential to make a big impact on the waste-to-energy industry. The simple design and the fact that is can be implemented not only in new waste treatment facilities, but older facilities as well. The system being ‘backward’ compatible will be a major factor in the success of this product.

8. 

   SamSmith June 8th, 2009 at 12:30

   Seems like a decent, workable idea. I can see Billy Mayes pushing this on Pitch Men for the “DIY personal energy producing sludge pond!”

   Although from a marketing/SEO standpoint, the Algae Wheel’s site has two “headers” and starts on H2 so they’ll need to fix that first =D

9. 

   Jason Jerger June 8th, 2009 at 13:08

   Well if it’s founded by a Purdue engineer, then it is bound to be a great idea! I wonder how hard it is to collect algae though. First, you have a find a location that has it (a huge pond I guess) and then you have to find a way to extrude it. I hope that this is a very cost effective process. It’s simply amazing what they are turning into forms of energy these days.

10. 

    ShaneRoss June 8th, 2009 at 17:09

    Seems like a simple design as well as very simple and easy to build and maintain. Seems like the founder is very smart and knows how this works thoroughly, which is a good recepie for success. Maybe, algae as an alternative fuel source will be the way of the future.

11. 

    Stephen Parkhill June 8th, 2009 at 20:42

    Obviously the biggest benefit of a fuel source such as algae is its ability to grow back and grow back fast. I wonder if there are other organisms that follow a similar life cycle that could be used to harness the energy of the sun?

12. 

    clarkep June 8th, 2009 at 21:48

    Hopefully this will prove to be a cost effective fuel source while addressing an enviromental problem. Sounds like it could be a win-win. I hope it works well.

13. 

    Jocelyn June 8th, 2009 at 22:51

    Algae seems like a great alternate fuel source and simple enough to come by. Looks like this idea may have a bright future. It also seems like it would be very financially viable, just makes sense all around.

14. 

    John Jacob Jingle-Heimmer Schmidt June 8th, 2009 at 23:03

    I’m sure all of you REALLY like algae that much.

15. 

    ablack June 9th, 2009 at 00:00

    lmao @ john jacob jingle-heimmer schmidt… wtf

16. 

    Saad Ahmed June 9th, 2009 at 00:29

    It is the idea that is appealing, not algae by itself. Common sense, isn’t it?

17. 

    mrambo June 9th, 2009 at 04:35

    This is pretty genius. They’re cleaning the waste water and creating a sustainable fuel/feed substitute. I’m not so sure about using it for the power generators because on the site it never said anything about methane gas, CH4, being part of the output. I think it looks more like a different path that the waste water treatment plant could have taken.

18. 

    Alex Faulkner June 9th, 2009 at 18:51

    I wonder if the already existing algae ponds are going to use this technology.

    Also I always thought algae produces mad amounts of methane