A high-efficiency photobioreactor device for biomimetic light tracing

Abstract

The application relates to a high-efficiency photobioreactor device for bionic light tracking, which comprises a base, a tank body, a support frame, a bionic unit, a wind rotating unit and an aeration unit. The bionic unit comprises a fixing plate, a fixing clamp and a bimetallic strip. The fixing plate is fixedly connected with the support frame. Threaded holes are arranged on the fixing clamp. An elastic biting mouth is arranged on one side of the fixing clamp. The elastic biting mouth clamps the bimetallic strip. The fixing clamp is fixedly connected with the fixing plate through screws. The application is composed of the transparent tank body and the bionic unit. The bionic unit adopts the bimetallic strip. When the intensity and angle of the sunlight change, the bimetallic strip changes in shape with the temperature or the light intensity, so that the automatic adjustment of the reflection angle is realized. The bimetallic strip changes the angle of the reflected light under the light. Through the bionic mechanism, the light distribution in the reactor is more uniform, the photosynthetic activity is improved, the light blind area and the energy waste can be effectively reduced, and the microalgae growth rate is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of microalgae cultivation equipment technology, and more specifically, to a biomimetic light-tracking high-efficiency photobioreactor device. Background Technology

[0002] Microalgae, as the name suggests, are tiny algae, generally referring to single-celled algae, or plants with only one cell. They are diverse in species and functions, forming the foundation of productivity in aquatic ecosystems and possessing a wide range of applications. Microalgae in aquatic environments, also known as phytoplankton, have ecological functions equivalent to terrestrial green plants. Through photosynthesis, they provide the vast majority of matter and energy for other trophic-level organisms in the aquatic ecosystem, making them an important food source for fisheries. In particular, different species of microalgae possess different characteristics, specifically synthesizing and accumulating substances with significant medicinal, health, and economic value. Examples include microalgae that produce carotenoids and astaxanthin, as well as oil-rich microalgae, protein-rich microalgae, and spirulina. The cultivation of these microalgae with important uses and economic value represents a substantial industry.

[0003] Although there are many types of photobioreactors in the existing technology, most of the existing microalgae cultivation devices use transparent and closed glass jars for cultivation. Due to the rapid growth of microalgae, uneven mixing is easily caused in the reactor. In addition, the reactor has problems such as uneven lighting and significant light intensity decay, which leads to a decrease in the effective radiation intensity in the reactor, affecting the growth of microalgae and even causing the death and decomposition of microalgae. Therefore, how to improve the light supply inside the reactor is the key research focus of existing photobioreactors. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a high-efficiency photobioreactor device with biomimetic light tracking, inspired by the sunflower's phototropic behavior. It achieves automatic adjustment of the reactor's light angle through a biomimetic unit to improve light utilization. The device consists of a transparent tank and a biomimetic unit using a bimetallic strip. When the intensity and angle of sunlight change, the bimetallic strip deforms with temperature or light intensity changes, thereby automatically adjusting the reflection angle to ensure the incident light always maintains the optimal direction. This device requires no electrical control system, relying entirely on physical response for passive light tracking adjustment, and features low energy consumption, high reliability, and long lifespan. Through this biomimetic mechanism, the light distribution within the reactor is more uniform, photosynthetic activity is improved, and blind spots and energy waste are effectively reduced. This device is particularly suitable for locations with uneven sunlight or significant angle changes, such as building facades, greenhouse sidewalls, or distributed PBR arrays, and has significant potential for energy saving and efficiency improvement.

[0005] The objective of this application is achieved through the following technical solution: A biomimetic light-tracking high-efficiency photobioreactor device includes a base, a tank, a support frame, a biomimetic unit, a wind-powered rotating unit, and an aeration unit. The tank is fixed above the base and has a hollow cylindrical structure. A deep groove ball bearing is located at the center of the top of the tank. The wind-powered rotating unit includes a rotating fan, a rotating rod, and a stirring rod. The deep groove ball bearing is fixed to the rotating rod. The rotating fan is fixed above the rotating rod, and the stirring rod is fixed below the rotating rod. The aeration unit... The unit includes a blower and an aeration disc, wherein the blower is fixed to one side of the base, the aeration disc is located at the bottom of the tank, the blower and the aeration disc are connected by an air pipe, the support frame is located on one side of the base, and the support frame is provided with a bionic unit, the bionic unit including a fixing plate, a fixing clamp, and a bimetallic sheet, wherein the fixing plate is fixedly connected to the support frame, the fixing clamp is provided with a threaded hole, and one side of the fixing clamp is an elastic engagement opening, the elastic engagement opening clamps the bimetallic sheet, and the fixing clamp and the fixing plate are fixedly connected by screws.

[0006] As a further improvement of this application, the bionic unit is provided with multiple layers, wherein the bionic unit is fixedly arranged along the vertical direction of the support frame.

[0007] As a further improvement to this application, the tilt angles of each of the biomimetic units are different.

[0008] As a further improvement of this application, the support frame is provided with a connecting frame on the side near the tank body, and a retaining ring is fixed at the end of the connecting frame. The inner diameter of the retaining ring is equal to the diameter of the tank body, and the retaining ring is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the tank body.

[0009] As a further improvement to this application, the bimetallic sheet includes an active layer and a passive layer.

[0010] As a further improvement of this application, the active layer is one of manganese, nickel, and copper alloys, and the passive layer is a nickel-iron alloy.

[0011] As a further improvement of this application, the top of the tank is provided with an inlet pipe, the bottom of the tank is provided with an outlet pipe, and the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are provided with opening valves.

[0012] As a further improvement to this application, the tank body is made of transparent glass.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention comprises a transparent tank and a biomimetic unit. The biomimetic unit uses a bimetallic strip. When the intensity and angle of sunlight change, the bimetallic strip deforms with the temperature or light intensity, thereby automatically adjusting the reflection angle to ensure that the incident light always maintains the optimal direction. The bimetallic strip changes the angle of the reflected light under illumination. Through this biomimetic mechanism, the light distribution within the reactor is more uniform, photosynthetic activity is improved, blind spots and energy waste are effectively reduced, and the growth rate of microalgae is increased. The wind-driven rotation unit agitates the microalgae inside the tank, ensuring a more uniform distribution of microalgae, which, combined with the reflected light, better guarantees the growth of microalgae. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a high-efficiency photobioreactor device with biomimetic light tracking provided for some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a biomimetic light-tracking high-efficiency photobioreactor device provided for some embodiments of this application; Figure 3 A top view of a biomimetic light-tracking high-efficiency photobioreactor device provided for some embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the biomimetic unit.

[0015] Icons: 1. Base; 2. Tank; 3. Support frame; 4. Bionic unit; 5. Wind-powered rotation unit; 6. Aeration unit; 7. Rotating fan blade; 8. Rotating rod; 9. Stirring rod; 10. Fan; 11. Aeration disc; 12. Fixing plate; 13. Fixing clamp; 14. Bimetallic strip; 15. Screw; 16. Connecting frame; 17. Snap ring; 18. Active layer; 19. Passive layer. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments. The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings represent the same components. It should be noted that the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0017] Compared to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, feasible embodiments within the scope of this application may have fewer components, other components not shown in the drawings, different components, differently arranged components, or components with different connections, etc. Furthermore, two or more components in the drawings may be implemented in a single component, or a single component shown in the drawings may be implemented as multiple separate components.

[0018] This application proposes a biomimetic light-tracking high-efficiency photobioreactor device, comprising a base 1, a tank 2, a support frame 3, a biomimetic unit 4, a wind-powered rotation unit 5, and an aeration unit 6. The tank 2 is fixed above the base 1 and has a hollow cylindrical structure. A deep groove ball bearing is provided at the center of the top of the tank 2. The wind-powered rotation unit 5 includes a rotating fan 7, a rotating rod 8, and a stirring rod 9. The deep groove ball bearing is fixed to the rotating rod 8. The rotating fan 7 is fixed above the rotating rod 8, and the stirring rod 9 is fixed below the rotating rod 8. The rotating fan 7 provides power for the rotation of the stirring rod 9, converting wind energy into mechanical energy. The stirring rod 9 agitates the inside of the photoreactor to ensure uniform distribution of microalgae. The aeration unit 6 includes a blower. The base 10 and aeration disc 11 are provided. The blower 10 is fixed to one side of the base 1, and the aeration disc 11 is located at the bottom of the tank 2. The blower 10 and the aeration disc 11 are connected through an air pipe. The blower 10 provides the necessary carbon dioxide to the inside of the tank 2 to improve the photosynthetic efficiency. The support frame 3 is located on one side of the base 1. The support frame 3 is provided with a bionic unit 4. The bionic unit 4 includes a fixing plate 12, a fixing clamp 13, and a bimetallic strip 14. The fixing plate 12 is fixed to the support frame 3. The fixing clamp 13 is provided with a threaded hole. One side of the fixing clamp 13 is an elastic engagement port that clamps the bimetallic strip 14. The fixing clamp 13 and the fixing plate 12 are fixed together by screws 15. The bionic unit 4 is fixed to it by screws 15, which facilitates installation, disassembly and maintenance.

[0019] The bionic unit 4 is provided with multiple layers. The bionic unit 4 is fixedly arranged vertically along the support frame 3. There can be two bionic devices. The tilt angles of the upper and lower bionic units 4 are different. Specifically, the angle between the fixing plate 12 and the support frame 3 is different. According to the different heights of each bionic unit 4, in order to maximize the light reflected by the passive layer 19 onto the tank body 2.

[0020] Specifically, the support frame 3 is provided with a connecting frame 16 on the side near the tank 2. A retaining ring 17 is fixed at the end of the connecting frame 16. The inner diameter of the retaining ring 17 is equal to the diameter of the tank 2. The retaining ring 17 is fixed to the outer wall of the tank 2. The stability of the tank 2 can be better achieved through the connecting frame 16.

[0021] Specifically, the bimetallic sheet 14 includes an active layer 18 and a passive layer 19. The active layer 18 is a metal with a high coefficient of thermal expansion, specifically an alloy, while the passive layer 19 is a metal with a low coefficient of thermal expansion, specifically a nickel-iron alloy. When the bimetallic sheet 14 is heated, the passive layer 19 deforms due to the heat, which changes the reflection angle of the active layer 18. An ultra-thin reflective film is attached to the outer side of the active layer 18 to improve the light reflection efficiency.

[0022] The tank 2 is equipped with an inlet pipe at the top and an outlet pipe at the bottom. Both the inlet and outlet pipes are equipped with valves. Nutrients are added into the tank 2 through the inlet pipe to ensure the growth of algae, and the cultured algae are separated out through the outlet pipe.

[0023] The tank 2 is made of transparent glass. The photobioreactor device can also be equipped with a heating unit and a night lighting unit. The heating unit is used to regulate the temperature inside the tank 2, and the night lighting unit is used to ensure nighttime illumination and improve the growth rate.

[0024] This invention utilizes a biomimetic unit 4 to automatically adjust the light angle of the reactor, thereby improving light utilization. The device consists of a transparent tank 2 and the biomimetic unit 4, which employs a bimetallic strip 14. When the intensity and angle of sunlight change, the bimetallic strip 14 deforms with temperature or light intensity, thus automatically adjusting the reflection angle to ensure the incident light always maintains the optimal direction. The bimetallic strip 14 changes the angle of reflected light under illumination. Through this biomimetic mechanism, the light distribution within the reactor is more uniform, photosynthetic activity is increased, and blind spots and energy waste are effectively reduced, thereby improving the microalgae growth rate. A wind-driven rotation unit 5 agitates the microalgae inside the tank 2, ensuring a more uniform distribution, while an aeration device provides the necessary gas supply for microalgae growth.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "coaxial", "bottom", "one end", "top", "middle", "other end", "upper", "side", "top", "inner", "front", "center", "both ends", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first," "second," "third," or "fourth" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.

[0027] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "setting", "connection", "fixing", "screw connection", etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Unless otherwise explicitly limited, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A biomimetic light-tracking high-efficiency photobioreactor device, comprising a base (1), a tank (2), a support frame (3), a biomimetic unit (4), a wind-powered rotation unit (5), and an aeration unit (6), characterized in that, The tank (2) is fixed above the base (1), wherein the tank (2) is a hollow cylindrical structure, and a deep groove ball bearing is provided at the center of the top of the tank (2). The wind-powered rotating unit (5) includes a rotating fan (7), a rotating rod (8) and a stirring rod (9). The deep groove ball bearing is fixed to the rotating rod (8). The rotating fan (7) is fixed above the rotating rod (8), and the stirring rod (9) is fixed below the rotating rod (8). The aeration unit (6) includes a blower (10) and an aeration disc (11), wherein the blower (10) is fixed to one side of the base (1), and the aeration disc (11) is provided with At the bottom of the tank (2), the blower (10) and the aeration disc (11) are connected by an air pipe. The support frame (3) is located on one side of the base (1). The support frame (3) is provided with a bionic unit (4). The bionic unit (4) includes a fixing plate (12), a fixing clamp (13), and a bimetallic sheet (14). The fixing plate (12) is fixed to the support frame (3). The fixing clamp (13) is provided with a threaded hole. One side of the fixing clamp (13) is an elastic engagement opening. The elastic engagement opening clamps the bimetallic sheet (14). The fixing clamp (13) and the fixing plate (12) are fixed together by screws (15).

2. The biomimetic light-tracking high-efficiency photobioreactor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bionic unit (4) is provided with multiple layers, wherein the bionic unit (4) is fixedly arranged in the vertical direction along the support frame (3).

3. The biomimetic light-tracking high-efficiency photobioreactor device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tilt angles of each of the biomimetic units (4) are different.

4. The biomimetic light-tracking high-efficiency photobioreactor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support frame (3) is provided with a connecting frame (16) on the side near the tank (2). A retaining ring (17) is fixed at the end of the connecting frame (16). The inner diameter of the retaining ring (17) is equal to the diameter of the tank (2). The retaining ring (17) is fixed to the outer wall of the tank (2).

5. The biomimetic light-tracking high-efficiency photobioreactor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bimetallic sheet (14) includes an active layer (18) and a passive layer (19).

6. The biomimetic light-tracking high-efficiency photobioreactor device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The active layer (18) is one of manganese, nickel, and copper alloys, and the passive layer (19) is a nickel-iron alloy.

7. The biomimetic light-tracking high-efficiency photobioreactor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tank (2) is provided with an inlet pipe at the top and an outlet pipe at the bottom, and both the inlet and outlet pipes are provided with opening valves.

8. The biomimetic light-tracking high-efficiency photobioreactor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tank (2) is made of transparent glass.

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