ABB is collaborating with Renewable Algal Energy, LLC (RAE) on the commercialization of integrated algal production systems that will produce algae‐based products for the nutraceutical, animal nutrition and renewable fuels markets. The OEM systems were developed and tested at RAE’s facility in Tuscon, Arizona; the first commercial application is scheduled for operation in Q4, 2014.

RAE will produce the equipment that harvests and extracts algae and its co-products, including oil, for renewable fuels, as well as proteins and carotenoids for animal feed and nutritional supplements. The scalable systems are designed for medium to large scale algae farms, up to 2,000 hectares (10,000 square meters).  ABB will supply 800xA control systems, instrumentation, low voltage electrical equipment and variable speed drives. In addition to process control, 800xA will provide remote access to the base control room on each algae farm. The variable speed drives help the pumps and motors operate more efficiently, using up to 10 percent less electricity, according to the company.

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