Algae growing in water to test Zimmerman's bubble-maker.
Nowadays, oil conglomerates such as ExxonMobil and Shell show great interest in the boosting development of algae biofuels. Both giants invested more than £376m in what is called ‘the third generation biofuels’.
It’s no wonder that there is a lot of hype in that technology. A significant reduction of the carbon dioxide emissions forms the main advantage of the ‘green’ biofuel.
Professor Zimmerman, a chemical engineer at the University of Sheffield, carries out many research for the renewable fuel. He succeeded in drafting a fluidic oscillator that is able to produce algae from exhaust gas from chimneys. The small bubbles, which are produced by the device, are crucial during the survival process of algae.
The system, invented by Zimmerman, requires 80% less energy than existing methods which results in lower costs.
It’s a pity that it will take more than a decade to commercialize the algal fuel because lots of research still must be done in laboratories.
In the future, Zimmerman will work as chief technology officer for a spin-off. The large amount of prize money (£250,000) is certainly a step forward to help commercialize the technology. Although money isn’t his main motivation.
Lennert Thomas
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