An artificial lighting system for the controlled cultivation of microalgae using multispectral lighting

Abstract

An artificial lighting system for the controlled cultivation of microalgae using multispectral lighting, consisting of: i. a light box housing with four insulated compartments, each of the four insulated compartments having dimensions of 12 × 12 × 12 cm and designed to hold glass vessels for cultivating microalgae; ii. a plurality of COB LED light sources, wherein each COB LED light source is positioned in a lower section of a respective isolated compartment and is configured to emit light of a different color, the colors including white light, red light, blue light and green light; iii. a plurality of four transparent glass surfaces, each transparent glass surface being positioned above a respective COB LED light source within each isolated compartment and configured to allow uniform light distribution from the COB LED light source to the glass vessels; iv. a light intensity control system configured to independently adjust the light intensity of each COB LED light source within a range of 20 µmol m -2 s -1 up to 70 µmol m -2 s -1 adjusts; and v. an individual switching system configured to independently control the photoperiod of each COB LED light source.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an artificial lighting system for the controlled cultivation of microalgae using multispectral lighting. In particular, the present invention relates to an artificial lighting system for the controlled cultivation of microalgae, wherein the artificial lighting system comprises a multi-chamber light box with LEDs of different colors to optimize growth and biomass production in the laboratory. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Microalgae cultivation for the production of high-quality organic products relies on photosynthesis processes that require constant light exposure. Conventional open-field cultivation systems suffer from variable natural light conditions caused by day cycles and climate fluctuations. This leads to lower productivity and inconsistent biomass yields.

[0003] To overcome these limitations, artificial lighting systems have been developed. However, existing systems often deliver inefficient light spectra and harmful UV radiation, which can damage microalgae cultures and increase operating costs. There is a need for a controlled LED-based lighting system that provides stable, spectrum-specific illumination to optimize microalgae growth and bioproduct production under laboratory conditions. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure relates to an artificial lighting system for the controlled cultivation of microalgae using multispectral illumination. In particular, the present invention relates to an LED-based multi-chamber lighting system for the controlled cultivation of microalgae under laboratory conditions. The system comprises a wooden light box housing with four insulated chambers, each equipped with different colored COB (chip-on-board) LEDs (white, red, blue, and green) under transparent glass surfaces. Each chamber operates independently with an adjustable light intensity from 20 to 70 µmol / m³. -2 s -1 and individual photoperiod control, which allows for a comparative analysis of the spectral effects on microalgae growth.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide an artificial lighting system for the controlled cultivation of microalgae using multispectral lighting.The system comprises: a light box housing with four insulated chambers, each of the four insulated chambers having dimensions of 12 × 12 × 12 cm and designed to hold glass vessels for cultivating microalgae; multiple COB LED light sources, each COB LED light source positioned in the lower part of its respective insulated chamber and emitting light in a different color, the colors being white, red, blue, and green light; four transparent glass surfaces, each transparent glass surface positioned above a respective COB LED light source in each insulated chamber and enabling uniform light distribution from the COB LED light source to the glass vessels; a light intensity control system that independently adjusts the light intensity of each COB LED light source within a range of 20 µmol m. -2 s -1 up to 70 µmol m -2 s -1regulates; and an individual switching system configured to independently control the photoperiod of each COB LED light source. Objectives of this disclosure: i. One objective of the present disclosure is to increase the production of value-added products, namely pigments, lipids, proteins and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), from microalgae under light stress. ii. Another objective of the present disclosure is to subject microalgae to photosynthesis, whereby light and different colors of light have varying effects on the metabolism and physiology of the microalgae. Therefore, the effects of blue, red, and green light would be tested to determine which color promotes biomass production, which color favors value-added products, and for which light is unsuitable. This can be compared with normal sunlight and standard white light in the culture system. iii. Another objective is to see the growth curve or the light and dark photoperiod required to achieve the objectives listed in Objective 2: Controlled cultivation of microalgae using multispectral LED lighting.

[0006] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings merely show typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be understood as limiting its scope. The invention is described and explained more precisely and in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood if the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which identical symbols consistently represent identical parts. The following applies: Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an artificial lighting system for the controlled cultivation of microalgae using multispectral lighting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows a diagram illustrating the top and inside views of the proposed artificial lighting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B shows schematic diagrams of the top and side views of the proposed artificial lighting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Experts will also recognize that the elements in the drawings are presented for the sake of simplicity and are not necessarily to scale. For example, the flowcharts illustrate the process by highlighting the main steps to enhance understanding of the aspects of this disclosure. Furthermore, with regard to the design of the device, one or more components of the device may be represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only the specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure, so as not to clutter the drawings with details that are readily apparent to those skilled in the art after reading this description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0009] For a better understanding of the inventive principles, reference is made below to the embodiment shown in the drawings, which is described in specific language. However, this does not limit the scope of the invention. Changes and further modifications of the illustrated system, as well as further applications of the inventive principles, are possible, as would normally occur to a person skilled in the art in this field.

[0010] It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the preceding general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended as a limitation of it.

[0011] References in this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect”, or similar expressions mean that a particular feature, structure, or property described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, occurrences of the expressions “in one embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar expressions in this specification may all refer to the same embodiment, but need not.

[0012] The terms "includes," "include," or other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that includes a list of steps may not only contain those steps but may also include other steps not expressly listed or inherent in such process or method. Likewise, the statement "includes..." in the case of one or more devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components does not, without further limitations, preclude the existence of other devices, subsystems, elements, structures, components, or additional devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components.

[0013] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art in the field of the invention. The system, methods, and examples provided here serve only for illustration and are not to be construed as a limitation.

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an artificial lighting system (100) for the controlled cultivation of microalgae using multispectral lighting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Referring to Fig. 1 The system (100) comprises: a light box housing (102) with four insulated compartments (104), each of the four insulated compartments (104) having dimensions of 12 × 12 × 12 cm and designed to hold glass vessels for cultivating microalgae; several COB LED light sources (106), each COB LED light source (106) positioned in the lower part of a respective insulated compartment and configured to emit light of different colors, the colors being white light, red light, blue light and green light; several four transparent glass surfaces (108), each transparent glass surface (108) positioned above a respective COB LED light source (106) within each insulated compartment (104) and configured to distribute light evenly from the COB LED light source to the glass vessels;a light intensity control system (110) configured to independently control the light intensity of each COB LED light source (106) within a range of 20 µmol m; -2 s -1 up to 70 µmol m -2 s -1 adjusts; and an individual switching system (112) configured to independently control the photoperiod of each COB LED light source (106).

[0017] In one embodiment, the light box housing (102) is made of wood and has external dimensions of 48 × 48 × 12 cm.

[0018] In one embodiment, each isolated compartment (104) is configured to prevent light mixing between adjacent compartments, thereby preventing light interference of different wavelengths between the compartments, and the system is configured to allow comparative analysis of the spectral effects on the growth of microalgae under controlled laboratory conditions.

[0019] In one embodiment, each isolated compartment (104) is also configured to accommodate glass vessels with a volume of 250 ml to 1 1 for microalgae cultivation.

[0020] In one embodiment, the white light serves as a control condition, the red COB LED light source (106) is configured to promote the biomass of microalgae, the blue COB LED light source (106) is configured to influence the growth and production of secondary metabolites in microalgae, and the green COB LED light source (106) is configured to be absorbed by pigments such as phycoerythrin in microalgae.

[0021] In one embodiment, each transparent glass surface (108) is positioned to allow complete light transmission from the respective COB LED light source (106) to ensure a uniform irradiance distribution over the microalgae cultures, and wherein each COB LED light source (106) is mounted at the bottom of the insulated compartment (104) and faces the corresponding transparent glass surface (108), allowing all the light to pass through to ensure uniform irradiation of the microalgae cultures.

[0022] In one embodiment, the individual switching system (110) comprises independent control circuits for each COB LED light source, thereby enabling selective activation and deactivation of individual light sources.

[0023] In one embodiment, the light intensity control system (112) comprises adjustable power supply circuits configured to provide variable power output to each COB LED light source for precise control of the light intensity.

[0024] In one embodiment, the system (100) is configured to enable the simultaneous cultivation of microalgae under different light spectra for comparative growth analyses and optimization of biomass production, and wherein the system (100) is configured to enable a comparative analysis of the spectral effects on the growth of microalgae under controlled laboratory conditions.

[0025] The present invention relates to a sophisticated multi-chamber lighting system specifically designed for the controlled cultivation of microalgae in laboratory environments. The system addresses the fundamental challenges associated with the variability of natural light and inefficient artificial lighting systems, which have previously limited the consistent production of microalgae for high-value bioproducts. The proposed system enables researchers to investigate the effects of different light wavelengths on algal growth and pigment production under standardized laboratory conditions, thereby mitigating the limitations of sunlight-based outdoor cultivation systems.

[0026] Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B illustrates a diagram showing the top and inside views of the proposed artificial lighting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B shows schematic diagrams of the top and side views of the proposed artificial lighting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] With reference to Fig. 2 and Fig.Figure 3 describes the proposed artificial lighting system configured for the controlled cultivation of microalgae. The LED light sources are located at the bottom of each compartment and direct the light upwards through transparent glass surfaces, ensuring uniform irradiation distribution within the cultivation vessels. This bottom-up lighting design eliminates shadows and provides even illumination of all microalgae cells in the culture medium. The transparent glass surfaces are specifically engineered for complete light transmission while maintaining the structural integrity of each isolated chamber. The complete system enables comparative and controlled cultivation of microalgae on a laboratory scale under varying light spectra and conditions, supporting the experimental optimization of growth, metabolic response, and biomass productivity in different lighting environments.

[0029] The visible light spectrum extends from 380 to 780 nm, with specific wavelengths—red, blue, and green light—having different physiological effects on microalgae growth and photosynthetic pigment production. Red light is generally considered the most effective wavelength for promoting microalgae biomass accumulation. Blue light, typically in the 420 to 450 nm range within the visible spectrum, significantly influences microalgae physiology by affecting growth rates, biomass production, and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in various microalgae species. Despite their photosynthetic advantages, the exclusive use of red and blue LEDs can complicate the visual assessment of culture viability due to the limited visibility in these spectra.While green light is less effective for photosynthesis, it is absorbed by certain accessory pigments such as phycoerythrin and contributes to the overall light absorption profile of certain microalgae. This light box system allows for controlled illumination of each of these spectral ranges, thus facilitating a detailed analysis of their individual and combined effects on microalgal development under laboratory conditions.

[0030] The drawings and the preceding description show examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more of the described elements can be combined to form a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements can be divided into several functional elements. Elements of one embodiment can be added to another embodiment. For example, the sequence of the processes described here can be changed and is not limited to the manner described here. Furthermore, the actions of a flowchart need not be implemented in the sequence shown; nor does it necessarily have to be performed by all actions. Actions that are not dependent on other actions can also be performed in parallel with the other actions. The scope of the embodiments is in no way limited by these specific examples.Numerous variations are possible, whether explicitly stated in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimensions, and material use. The range of embodiments is at least as broad as specified in the following claims.

[0031] Advantages, further benefits, and problem solutions have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, the advantages, benefits, problem solutions, and all components that can lead to an advantage, benefit, or solution occurring or becoming more apparent are not to be construed as critical, necessary, or essential features or components of individual or all claims. REFERENCES 100 An artificial lighting system for the controlled cultivation of microalgae using multispectral lighting. 102 light box housings 104 Four insulated compartments 106 Variety of COB LED Light Sources 108 Variety of Four Transparent Glass Surfaces 110 Light Intensity Control System 112 Individual switchboard system 202 Light source 204 wooden frames 206 Example Platform 208 Switches

Claims

[1] An artificial lighting system for the controlled cultivation of microalgae using multispectral lighting, consisting of: i. a light box housing with four insulated compartments, each of the four insulated compartments having dimensions of 12 × 12 × 12 cm and designed to hold glass vessels for cultivating microalgae; ii. a plurality of COB LED light sources, wherein each COB LED light source is positioned in a lower section of a respective isolated compartment and is configured to emit light of a different color, the colors including white light, red light, blue light and green light; iii. a plurality of four transparent glass surfaces, each transparent glass surface being positioned above a respective COB LED light source within each isolated compartment and configured to allow uniform light distribution from the COB LED light source to the glass vessels; iv. a light intensity control system configured to independently adjust the light intensity of each COB LED light source within a range of 20 µmol m -2 s -1 up to 70 µmol m -2 s -1 adjusts; and v. an individual switching system configured to independently control the photoperiod of each COB LED light source. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the light box housing is made of wood and has external dimensions of 48 × 48 × 12 cm. [3] System according to claim 1, wherein each isolated compartment is configured to prevent light mixing between adjacent compartments, to prevent light interference of different wavelengths between the compartments, and wherein the system is configured to allow comparative analysis of the spectral effects on the growth of microalgae under controlled laboratory conditions. [4] System according to claim 1, wherein each isolated compartment is further configured to accommodate glass vessels with a volume ranging from 250 ml to 1 1 for microalgae cultivation. [5] System according to claim 1, wherein the white light serves as a control condition, the red COB LED light source is configured to promote biomass accumulation in microalgae, the blue COB LED light source is configured to influence the growth and production of secondary metabolites in microalgae, and the green COB LED light source is configured to be absorbed by pigments, including phycoerythrin, in microalgae. [6] System according to claim 1, wherein each transparent glass surface is positioned to allow complete light transmission from the respective COB LED light source to ensure a uniform irradiance distribution over the microalgae cultures, and wherein each COB LED light source is located at the bottom of the insulated compartment opposite the corresponding transparent glass surface, allowing all the light to pass through to ensure uniform irradiation of the microalgae cultures. [7] System according to claim 1, wherein the individual switching system comprises independent control circuits for each COB LED light source, enabling selective activation and deactivation of individual light sources. [8] System according to claim 1, wherein the light intensity control system comprises adjustable power supply circuits configured to provide variable power output to each COB LED light source for precise light intensity control. [9] System according to claim 1, wherein the system is configured to enable the simultaneous cultivation of microalgae under different light spectra for comparative growth analysis and optimization of biomass production.

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