Drum-type photobioreactor and efficient carbon dioxide conversion technology thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a drum-type photobioreactor and an efficient carbon dioxide conversion technology thereof. The reactor comprises a frame type roller, an assembly array, a driving device, a gas-liquid supply system and a lighting system. The roller is composed of a hollow support, the diameter of the roller is 0.2-10 m, and the length of the roller is 1-10 m. The assembly array is made of materials such as fibers, detachably fixed in the roller and arranged in a radial or concentric circle mode. The driving device drives the rollers to rotate, multiple rollers can be connected in series, and the lighting system supplements a light source. The carbon dioxide conversion technology comprises the following steps: soaking the component array in a microorganism-containing solution by rotating a roller to enable microorganisms to be attached; in the breeding period, the roller periodically goes through an underwater infiltration period and a gas phase alternation period; in the mature period, the biomass is scoured through aeration pulse. The technology is simple in structure, low in cost, high in efficiency, suitable for large-scale biological culture and carbon dioxide emission reduction and capable of being used in the fields of industrial waste gas treatment, biological energy production and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of microbial cultivation, and in particular relates to a drum-type photobioreactor and a high-efficiency carbon dioxide conversion technology thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the acceleration of industrialization, global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions continue to increase, leading to an intensified greenhouse effect and causing serious impacts on the global climate and ecological environment. Therefore, the development of efficient carbon dioxide capture and conversion technologies has become a focus of global attention. At present, the main methods for treating carbon dioxide include physical adsorption, chemical absorption, membrane separation, etc., but these methods often have problems such as high energy consumption, high cost, and secondary pollution. In contrast, the bioconversion method uses photosynthetic organisms (such as algae and plants) to convert carbon dioxide into organic matter through photosynthesis. It has the advantages of low cost, environmental friendliness, and renewable resources. It is a highly promising carbon dioxide emission reduction technology.

[0003] Photobioreactors are crucial for achieving efficient photosynthesis in photosynthetic organisms, and their design and operation directly impact the efficiency of carbon dioxide conversion. Existing photobioreactors primarily include open ponds, closed tubular reactors, and flat-plate reactors. However, these reactors have several limitations. For example, open ponds occupy a large area, are susceptible to environmental factors, and struggle to achieve efficient illumination and gas exchange. While tubular and flat-plate reactors can provide excellent illumination conditions, they suffer from high cost, complex structure, and low mass transfer efficiency, limiting their large-scale application.

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of existing photobioreactors, developing a simple, low-cost, high-efficiency photobioreactor suitable for large-scale application, along with its associated carbon dioxide conversion technology, is of great practical significance. This invention aims to provide a drum-type photobioreactor and its efficient carbon dioxide conversion technology. By optimizing the reactor's design and operating conditions, it achieves efficient carbon dioxide capture and conversion, providing a new technological approach to addressing global climate change and achieving sustainable development. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the deficiencies of the existing technology, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve biomass yield and economic benefits.

[0006] The present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] A drum-type photobioreactor, the structural features of which are as follows:

[0008] Frame type drum, consisting of a supporting structure, without a continuous outer surface, with removable end caps at both ends of the cross section, the drum having a diameter of 0.2-10m and a length of 1-10m;

[0009] The component array is detachable and fixed inside the frame drum;

[0010] The driving device, when there is only one roller, the frame-type roller rotates around the axis; when multiple rollers are provided, the rollers are connected in series through the crawler belt or chain to form an array structure;

[0011] Lighting system: multiple light tubes can be installed on the drum frame to supplement the light source.

[0012] The support structure of the frame-type drum is a hollow strip-shaped bracket, which allows the culture fluid to penetrate the frame and contact the membrane component array during rotation.

[0013] The component array is composed of n independent components assembled on a drum frame in a radial or concentric manner, forming a drum-type component array; wherein the components can be curtain membrane components or columnar components, and n can be any number from 1 to 1000.

[0014] The component array may be composed of one or more materials including fibers, yarns, metal wires, carbon fibers, glass fibers, nylon fibers, polyester fibers, cotton fibers, hemp fibers, bamboo fibers, shape memory alloy fibers, conductive polymer fibers, piezoelectric fibers, ceramic fibers, nanofibers, biodegradable fibers, fiber-wound balls, etc.

[0015] The high-efficiency carbon dioxide conversion technology is characterized by:

[0016] First, the component array is immersed in a solution containing microorganisms, and the microorganisms are allowed to attach to the component surface.

[0017] Secondly, during the cultivation period, the drum-type membrane array needs to go through an underwater immersion period and a gas phase alternation period for each rotation; underwater immersion period: 50-80% of the week is in contact with the nutrient solution; gas phase alternation period: 20-50% of the week is exposed to the CO2 / light environment, using CO2 as a carbon source to synthesize organic substances such as proteins or polysaccharides required for self-production of microorganisms.

[0018] Finally, during the microbial maturation period, an aeration device is installed at the bottom of the tank to flush the mature biomass down through aeration pulses.

[0019] In the highly efficient carbon dioxide conversion technology, the frame-type drum has an immersion depth of 30%-70%, and the non-immersed portion is exposed to a light environment.

[0020] The microorganisms include microalgae, fungi, etc. The microalgae are mixed and cultured from one or more of the following: Chlorophyta: Chlorella, Scenedesmus, Chlamydomonas, Dunaliella, such as Chlorella; Rhodophyta: Haematococcus, such as Haematococcus pluvialis; Bacillariophyta: Phaeophyta tricornutum, Navicula; Cyanobacteria: Spirulina, Synechococcus, such as Spirulina; Chrysophyta: Isochrysis; Brown algae: Sargassum, such as Fucus; and the fungi include but are not limited to a mixed culture of one or more of the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Lactobacillus, Acetobacter, Saccharomyces, Pichia, Hansenula, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Rhodospirillum, Chromosporium, and Streptomyces.

[0021] The significant advantages and beneficial effects of the above technical solution of the present invention are as follows:

[0022] 1) The frame-type drum structure has a moderate diameter and length range (diameter 0.2-10 meters, length 1-10 meters), which not only ensures the efficient operation of the reactor in a limited space, but also allows the drum size to be flexibly adjusted or multiple drums to be connected in series according to actual needs, achieving flexible expansion of scale to meet the needs of different scales of biological culture and carbon dioxide conversion.

[0023] 2) By rotating the drum, the component array periodically undergoes underwater immersion and gas phase alternation periods. This unique operating mode simulates the growth conditions of microorganisms in the natural environment, providing them with sufficient carbon dioxide and light, while promoting the generation and shedding of biomass, greatly improving the carbon dioxide conversion efficiency. Compared with traditional bioreactors, it can process more carbon dioxide per unit time and achieve more efficient emission reduction effects.

[0024] 3) The component array is detachable, which is convenient for installation, maintenance and replacement, reducing the maintenance cost and operation of the equipment; and the integrated components can effectively reduce water consumption by 80-95%. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 Different forms of roller array diagrams DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions of the present invention in conjunction with the embodiments. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] A single drum photobioreactor, 0.5 meters in diameter and 1 meter in length, features an array of polyester curtain membrane modules immersed in a solution containing Chlorella vulgaris. The drum rotates at 5 revolutions per minute, with 60% of its time spent immersed in water and 40% in alternating gas phases. Two LED tubes are mounted on the drum frame for supplemental illumination, while the non-submerged portion is exposed to the light. During the microbial maturation phase, mature algae are flushed down through aeration devices at the bottom of the tank. This setup is suitable for laboratory research and efficiently converts carbon dioxide and produces algal biomass.

[0029] Example 2

[0030] The system utilizes three drums, each 3 meters in diameter and 6 meters in length, connected in series. The drums are constructed from an array of carbon fiber cylindrical components and immersed in a solution containing spirulina. The drums rotate synchronously at 3 revolutions per minute (RPM), with the underwater immersion phase accounting for 70% and the alternating gas phase for the remaining 30%. Twelve fluorescent tubes are mounted on the drum frame to provide additional lighting. During the microbial maturation phase, the mature algae are flushed through an aeration system for biofuel production, achieving a CO2 removal rate exceeding 90%.

[0031] Example 3

[0032] In a large reactor consisting of five drums, 5 meters in diameter and 8 meters in length, an array of curtain membrane modules made of nylon fibers is immersed in a solution containing Scenedesmus algae. The drums rotate synchronously on tracks at a speed of 2 revolutions per minute, with 75% of the time spent underwater and 25% spent in alternating gas phases. Twenty LED tubes are mounted on the drum frame to provide additional lighting. During the microbial maturation phase, the mature algae are flushed down through an aeration system for use in food additive production, resulting in excellent algae growth and high yields.

[0033] Example 4

[0034] In a small drum-type reactor, 0.3 meters in diameter and 0.8 meters in length, an array of curtain membrane modules made of biodegradable fibers is immersed in a solution containing Chlamydomonas. Each drum rotates at 8 revolutions per minute, with 50% of the time spent underwater and 50% alternating between periods in the gas phase. Two small LED tubes are mounted on the drum frame for additional lighting. During the microbial maturation phase, an aeration system flushes the mature algae and regularly cleans them. Suitable for use in homes, this system effectively reduces indoor carbon dioxide concentrations.

[0035] Example 5

[0036] In a reactor consisting of two drums, 2 meters in diameter and 5 meters in length, an array of fiberglass cylindrical components is immersed in a solution containing Nitromonas and Nitrospira. The drums rotate synchronously via chains at 4 revolutions per minute, with 60% of the time spent underwater and 40% spent in alternating gas phases. Eight fluorescent tubes are mounted on the drum frames to provide additional lighting. During the microbial maturation phase, mature biomass is flushed through aeration devices for bioenergy production, effectively removing ammonia nitrogen and carbon dioxide from the wastewater.

Claims

1. A drum-type photobioreactor, characterized in that it comprises: Frame type drum, consisting of a supporting structure, without a continuous outer surface, with removable end caps at both ends of the cross section, the drum having a diameter of 0.2-10m and a length of 1-10m; The component array is detachable and fixed inside the frame drum; The driving device, when there is only one roller, the frame-type roller rotates around the axis; when multiple rollers are provided, the rollers are connected in series through the crawler belt or chain to form an array structure; Lighting system: multiple light tubes can be installed on the drum frame to supplement the light source.

2. The support structure of the frame-type drum as described in claim 1 is a hollow strip-shaped bracket, which allows the culture fluid to penetrate the frame and contact the membrane module array during rotation.

3. The component array as claimed in claim 1 is composed of n independent components assembled on a drum frame in a radial or concentric manner to form a drum-type component array; wherein, The module can be a curtain membrane module or a columnar module, and n can be any number between 1 and 1000.

4. The component array as described in claim 1 can be made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of fibers, yarns, metal wires, carbon fibers, glass fibers, nylon fibers, polyester fibers, cotton fibers, hemp fibers, bamboo fibers, shape memory alloy fibers, conductive polymer fibers, piezoelectric fibers, ceramic fibers, nanofibers, biodegradable fibers, and fiber-wound balls.

5. High-efficiency carbon dioxide conversion technology, characterized by: First, the component array is immersed in a solution containing microorganisms, and the microorganisms are allowed to attach to the component surface. Secondly, during the cultivation period, the drum-type membrane array needs to go through an underwater immersion period and a gas phase alternation period for each rotation; underwater immersion period: 50-80% of the week is in contact with the nutrient solution; gas phase alternation period: 20-50% of the week is exposed to the CO2 / light environment, using CO2 as a carbon source to synthesize organic substances such as proteins or polysaccharides required for self-production of microorganisms. Finally, during the microbial maturation period, an aeration device is installed at the bottom of the tank to flush the mature biomass down through aeration pulses.

6. The high-efficiency carbon dioxide conversion technology according to claim 5, wherein the immersion depth of the frame drum is 30%-70%, and the non-immersion part is exposed to the light environment.

7. The microorganisms as claimed in claim 5 include microalgae, fungi, etc., wherein the microalgae are a mixed culture of one or more of the following: Chlorella, Scenedesmus, Chlamydomonas, and Dunaliella, such as Chlorella; Rhodophyta, Haematococcus, such as Haematococcus pluvialis; Bacillariophyta, Phaeodactylum, and Navicula; Cyanobacteria, Spirulina, and Synechococcus, such as Spirulina; Chrysophyta, Isochrysis; and Brown algae, such as Sargassum, and Fucus; and the fungi include but are not limited to a mixed culture of one or more of the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Lactobacillus, Acetobacter, Saccharomyces, Pichia, Hansenula, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Rhodospirillum, Chromosporium, and Streptomyces.

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