Apparatus and methods for production of biodiesel

Abstract

A photobioreactor includes a cultivation zone configured to contain a liquid culture medium and facilitate growth of a microalgae biomass, a plurality of parallel edge-lit light transmitting devices mounted within the cultivation zone, and a collection zone oriented in relation to the cultivation zone such that at least a portion of the liquid culture medium and microalgae from the cultivation zone may be periodically harvested. Methods for illuminating algae, for dissolving materials into an algae medium, for extracting oil from algae, and for producing biodiesel from algal oil are also provided.

1 . A method for illuminating an algae, comprising:
 concentrating a stream of light;   transmitting the stream of light to an illuminator having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface;   transmitting the stream of light within the illuminator between the first and second surface to a reflector disposed between the first surface and the second surface;   radiating the stream of light through either the first surface or the second surface of the illuminator; and   illuminating the algae with the stream of light.   
     
     
         2 - 21 . (canceled)