Photobioreactor and a process for enhancing growth of photosynthetic organisms

Abstract

A photobioreactor apparatus in which a reaction chamber contains a slurry of water, nutrients and photosynthetic organisms. The sidewall of the reaction chamber is constructed of translucent material, thereby permitting light to be conveyed into the slurry to promote photosynthesis. The interior of the reaction chamber is in fluid communication with a gas dispenser. A lift member is disposed in the reaction chamber and gas is introduced in the slurry beneath the lift member, thereby providing buoyancy to lift the lift member, thereby providing agitation and movement of the slurry within the photobioreactor and enhancing growth of photosynthetic organisms.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 804,991, filed Aug. 3, 2010, which claimed the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 231,304, filed Aug. 4, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to the field of photobioreactors.[0003]More particularly, it concerns a photobioreactor and a process for enhancing growth of photosynthetic organisms, such as microalgae for commercial production.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]It is well known that fossil fuels, such as petroleum-derived fuels and coal, are limited in supply. Additionally, the combustion of such fuels contributes substantial carbon to the atmosphere. The release of carbon long stored in such fuels is the subject of global concern relating to climate change and other environmental problems. Nevertheless, fossil fuels are the largest fuel source for ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The photobioreactor of this patent has several important features that improve the growth of photosynthetic organisms. It uses pressurized gas to create buoyancy and agitation in the slurry, which enhances growth. The design integrates several steps in the growth process, reducing energy demands and making it more efficient. The invention also creates a scalable platform for commercial growth of organisms, using gas like CO2 to fuel growth and minimize self-shading. Overall, this design improves the growth and efficiency of photosynthetic organisms.

Problems solved by technology

It is well known that fossil fuels, such as petroleum-derived fuels and coal, are limited in supply.

Additionally, the combustion of such fuels contributes substantial carbon to the atmosphere.

The release of carbon long stored in such fuels is the subject of global concern relating to climate change and other environmental problems.

Open-pond photobioreactor systems have existed for some time, but are unsuitable in many ways, especially for large sources of CO.sub.2.

The difficulties in efficient biodiesel production from algae lie in finding a cost-effective photobioreactor that is best suited to a strain of algae that contains sufficient lipids.

Despite the scientific advantages of biofuels and the availability of photobioreactors that are capable of producing such fuels, economic disadvantages have restricted the extent to which photobioreactors have been implemented.

For example, one disadvantage of conventional photobioreactors is the fact that space is not always available where large supplies of CO.sub.2 are being produced.

Biofuels produced from such photobioreactors can only compete with petroleum-based fuels if their production is high enough that economies of scale exist.

This is difficult with conventional photobioreactors.

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