The University of Texas System

The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the

Halil Berberoglu

Rhykka L Connelly

Joey Anthony

Cody Bond

Thomas E Murphy

Leslie E Bebout

Erich D Fleming

Systems and processes of providing novel thermal energy sources for hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) reactors are described herein. According to various implementations, the systems and processes use concentrated solar thermal energy from a focused high-energy beam to provide sufficient energy for driving the HTL biomass-to-biocrude process. In addition, other implementations convert biowaste, such as municipal biosolids and grease and food waste, to biocrude using anaerobic digesters, and a portion of the biogas generated by the digesters is used to produce the thermal and/or electrical energy used in the HTL reactor for the biomass-to-biocrude process. Furthermore, alternative implementations may include a hybrid system that uses biogas and solar radiation to provide sufficient thermal energy for the HTL reactor.

Systems and methods for converting biomass to biocrude via hydrothermal liquefaction

A life support system for providing a growth medium for at least one photosynthetic micro-organism and for converting COto O, with reduced water use that is as low as about 4 percent of the corresponding amount of water normally required for conventional micro-organism growth. The system includes a liquid transport capillary channel, a mixed culture photosynthetic biofilm and a liquid transport substrate that is positioned between and contiguous to the capillary channel and the biofilm, where the liquid transport rate is adjustable by adjustment of the local humidity. Approximately uniform radiation is received by the biofilm and contributes to microorganism growth.

Microorganism cultivation platform for human life support

Growing community of inventors

Austin, TX, United States of America

Halil Berberoglu