R&D had computationally modeled the formation of struvite, a slow release fertilizer, from waste whey streams. The team learned and used the equilibrium modeling software Visual MINTEQ to complete the analysis. If these methods were found to be cost-effective for their impact on Struvite formation, Acid Whey waste from local dairy processing plants would be collected and in person tests would be conducted to corroborate model results. R&D compiled and analyzed results and published a research paper on this work.

During fall of 2020 up to the spring of 2022, the BioImp subteam had been performing a technoeconomic analysis of rare earth element bioextraction (REE TEA). The project focused on the process of extracting rare earth elements from a source through purification techniques. The traditional method of REE extraction requires high temperatures and pressures, which can be highly energy-intensive. An alternative method involves using microbes that excrete organic acids, This process is more environmentally friendly, but also less efficient, so the team had been working to analyze the economic feasibility of using these microbes. BioImp was working with BEE professor Buz Barstow, who has been working to make the microbes produce more organic acid in order to increase efficiency. The team analyzed whether using these new microbes would make the process more economically feasible.

Using waste vegetable oil procured from on-campus fraternities, R&D performed batch scale production of biodiesel. From online resources, they learned the various steps necessary for biodiesel production and experimented with different disturbance methods to find the best ways to remove as much soap, the primary byproduct of biodiesel production, from the final product as possible. Through this project they learned extensively about the chemistry behind biodiesel formation and the standards implicit with its use. R&D also studied larger scale biodiesel reactors and had a full-scale model designed, intending on producing larger scale batches for use by Cornell Grounds to power their lawn mowers.

In September 2016, the engineers at the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility (IAWWTF) asked the ESW Biofuels & Environmental Design team to examine the feasibility of converting biogas into compressed bio-natural gas (bio-CNG) for vehicle fueling. The IAWWTF currently produces biogas from anaerobically digesting waste streams and uses this biogas for cogeneration at their facility. Our team analyzed the possibility of using future capacity of the IAWWTF to fuel TCAT buses once the facility had met its own electricity demand through cogeneration. Our team worked to create a model that compared the greenhouse gas emissions and economic costs of bio-CNG production versus status quo operations of cogeneration in the scenario that the IAWWTF meets their own electricity demand. The team wrote an extensive feasibility report for the IAWWTF that compared these two options, and ultimately concluded that status quo operations may be the most economically favorable and technically feasible option for the facility at this time.

Algae is one of the most versatile photosynthetic organisms, being used for feedstock, fuel and nutrition. Putting them in homes and on roofs can help ease our carbon footprint and reduce circulation of harmful gases.

The algal CO2 scrubber project aimed to explore the growth of algae and develop a device to be used in homes with an effluent chimney. Algae in the scrubber would have access to sunlight and carbon dioxide for growth (and thus filter out the gas).

The scubber includes a lasercut wooden base, acrylic housing tubes, two aquarium pump, as well as a colour sensor and temperature sensor to monitor growth. This algae would reach carrying capacity after 2 months, which would ideally be harvested for biodiesel conversion.

The advantages of collecting unwanted fats, oils, and grease (F.O.G.) produced from cooking are two-fold: diverted F.O.G. can reduce pipe-blockage in sewer and septic systems and be utilized as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production.The Business and Outreach team collaborated with the Tompkins County Solid Waste and Recycling Center to submit a design proposal for a F.O.G. collection station. The team reviewed schematics of the design and aided in providing materials for its construction and launch.

On May 30, 2016, the F.O.G. collection station was opened at the Recycling Center, and collects about 1,200 pounds of F.O.G. each month for biodiesel conversion. The team is currently looking to improve the station by designing a heating system to prevent F.O.G. from freezing during the winter months.

University officials originally wrote CURBI, the Cornell University Renewable Bioenergy Initiative, in the late 2000s. CURBI outlined how biofuels could be used to help Cornell reach its climate action plan goals. CURBI was set aside by the University due to a lack of funding for capital expenses and a project champion. CURBI was put on the back burner by the university and has not been revisited on a large scale. ESW Biofuels & Environmental Design spearheaded an effort to revive CURBI and help Cornell achieve its carbon neutrality goals. They have worked with professors, conducted feasibility studies, and analyzed waste streams to convince the stakeholders that CURBI and renewable energy is an investment worth making. While natural gas (Cornell’s main energy source) is cheap, it will be difficult to reignite passion for CURBI on a university level. Potential motivations for Cornell would include an acceleration of its Climate Action Plan, a carbon tax, and better definition of some of the technology CURBI intends to use.

In the fall of 2014, the team built a 1-gallon biodiesel reactor to gain hands-on experience with biofuels. The reactor was made from a plastic vessel with two spouts. The two spouts allowed the team to separate oil from glycerol. The reactor was stirred using an electric drill and was heated using a crock-pot water bath. Many of the other parts for the reactor were made by hand.

After successfully constructing the reactor, the team collected waste vegetable oil from the community. Test batches were run in the reactor, but stirring was too vigorous and emulsified the biodiesel in the glycerol. The reactor was successful in teaching the team about biodiesel generation and giving members an introduction to the steps and challenges involved in generating biofuels. The team plans to revisit the biodiesel reactor in the near future and will complete a more thorough demonstration unit.