Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a method of manufacturing discrete biomass receptacles with at least one of smooth and faceted sides that are usable to perform processes including cultivating algae for biofuel production and/or processing algae for biofuel production. The method can include: creating an algae based material from cultivating algae for biofuel production and/or processing algae for biofuel production; heating the algae based material; and extruding the algae base material using a three-dimensional printer, the extruding including extruding the algae based material in a concentric pattern in the z-axis to form the biomass receptacles, such that the heating of the algae based material enhances the extrusion.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an apparatus for forming discrete biomass receptacles from a base material that is created via cultivating or processing algae for biofuel production. The apparatus includes a supplier to supply heat softened biomaterial; a rotatable molder to receive the heat softened biomaterial that includes a heated hollow mold; a rotator configured to rotate the rotatable molder; and a controller configured to control the rotator to rotate the heated hollow mold such that the heat softened biomaterial disperses and adheres to walls of the heated hollow mold, the controller also being configured to control the rotator to continue rotating the heated hollow mold as the heat softened biomaterial cools so as to impede sagging and deformation of the biomass receptables being formed, such that the receptacles that are formed are configured to house algae via at least one of the cultivating and processing of the algae.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a system for harvesting biomass, usable to manufacture biofuel, from discrete biomass receptacles in which the biomass has been cultivated. The system can include multiple harvesters disposed at least in part vertically above the receptacles and configured to simultaneously harvest the biomass from the receptacles. Each of the harvesters can include: multiple harvesting baskets configured to be lowered from above the receptacles and into each of the receptacles; multiple sensors disposed to sense growth conditions within the harvesting baskets; and a controller configured to communicate with each sensor of the multiple sensors, and based on data received from the sensors, configured to control harvesting patterns of each harvester to enhance biomass material growth within the receptacles.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a system for the efficient cultivation of algae using both cultivation media and growth media. The system can include: discrete biomass receptacles, each receptables being configured to contain the cultivation medium and the algae; a supplier configured to supply the cultivation media to each of the receptacles, the supplier being configured to provide the growth media to each of the multiple receptacles, the supplier defining an orifice through which at least one of the cultivation media and the growth medium is provided to each of the receptables; sensors, one sensor being disposed at each of the multiple receptacles to sense conditions therein; and a controller that is in communication with each of the sensors, the controller being configured to control an amount of growth media supplied to each receptacle based on sensed conditions so as to enhance algae growth within each of the receptacles.