Closed photobioreactor system

Abstract

The present invention relates to the bioreactors, more specifically, to a closed photobioreactor system, characterized in that said closed photobioreactor system comprises at least one LED (1) that supplies the light energy required for the microalgal photosynthesis, a pipeline (4) that delivers to the system the carbon dioxide (CO2) containing air bubbles coming from a pump (2), a separator (3) that enables the harvest and the collection of the microalgae, and a solar panel or wind turbine that is intended to supply the electric power for the system.

Description

[0001] CLOSED PHOTOBIOREACTOR SYSTEM

[0002] Technical Field:

[0003] The present invention relates to the bioreactors, more specifically, to a closed photobioreactor system.

[0004] State of the Art:

[0005] The photobioreactors are the culture systems (open and closed) that are most suitable for the growth of microalgae, cyanobacteria, and photosynthetic bacteria. The closed photobioreactors fully isolate the medium where the biological reactions take place from the external environment. This, although enabling precise control over the environmental parameters (temperature, pH, light, gas composition), requires the advanced technological equipment. Further, the light energy is needed for the photosynthesis reaction to take place in these systems. Considering these problems of the state of the art, it is obvious that a novel technology is needed.

[0006] The patent application no. TR201700319 discloses a pyramidal algae photobioreactor. The photobioreactors are the reactors used in the production of photoautotrophic microalgal species. These reactors are categorized into two basic classes, namely the open and the closed reactors. The open systems are the systems that can directly contact the atmosphere where a high-level control is not available. The closed systems are the controlled systems that do not allow different species to enter the system from the outside. The closed systems are classified under two groups; flat and tubular. While the flat type photobioreactors are manufactured by using the light-permeable materials, which are made in the form of plates arranged on top of one another, the tubular systems are the tube-type reactors manufactured as a single piece in the form of a tube. The features that distinguish the system being the subject of the patent from the other photobioreactors are an angle tube type diffuser system, which enables the balanced circulation of the nutrient fluid inside the reactor and the output of the same from the reactor without allowing the formation of blind spots, a leak-proof orifice structure disposed on a double-groove system formed on Delrin material, and a tempered glass with screw design, which is devised, unlike other photobioreactors, with the ability of being detached from the system - for the purposes such as cleaning, repair, etc.

[0007] The utility model application no. TR201620426 discloses a bioreactor feed tank. It is a feed tank used in the applications of plant tissue culture methods where new tissues, plants, or plant products are produced from the plant cells, tissues, or organs under the aseptic conditions and under the conditions of artificial nutrient medium and climate conditioning, wherein said utility model relates to the introduction of multiple ports and necks whose number may vary according to preference in order to measure / control the parameters of the medium inside said tank, such as pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, glucose, and carbon.

[0008] The above-mentioned applications do not relate to the closed photobioreactors; instead, they address the systems constituting the examples of the bioreactor embodiments of the state of the art. Although the basic purposes of the bioreactors exhibit similarity, the present document, which provides an insight for the main problems in the state of the art, is based especially on the closed photobioreactor systems. The problems encountered in these systems are stated above.

[0009] Consequently, a novel technology that can overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages is needed.

[0010] Description of the Invention:

[0011] The system according to the invention will breathe new life into the industry in terms of biotechnology and environmental sustainability. The main features of our system are that it is modular, is easy to transport, and has high production volumes. Our invention describes a system for the culture of microalgal biomass in the self- contained compartments using an innovative and eco-sustainable approach to the algae production. Each tank has a LED lighting system with specific wavelengths to maximize the algal growth in the internal photobioreactors.

[0012] Internal reflecting surfaces will be disposed inside the body to enhance the lighting function. In this way, it will be possible to achieve the optimization of the microalgae growth.

[0013] Our system according to the invention is powered by the renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind. The wind turbines are preferred for the wind energy. The biomass in the algae production operating with this type of energy is carbon-negative. The use of clean energy not only helps to minimize the carbon emission, but also minimizes the greenhouse gas emissions and the energy costs, making the system according to the invention more economical.

[0014] The tank of the system is equipped with adjustable LED lighting systems. In addition to the simulation of the natural light and dark cycle, the wavelengths will be able to be provided by the control circuit for the optimum growth of certain algal species.

[0015] The photobioreactors are the systems in which the photosynthetic organisms (usually microalgae and cyanobacteria) are grown in order to obtain a range of valuable products that can be used in various industrial and environmental applications. The biodiesel can be obtained from the microalgae. The oils obtained from the microalgae can be converted into the biodiesel via the process of transesterification. The biodiesel is a renewable energy source that can be used instead of the fossil fuels. The microalgae to be produced in our system according to the invention will also be able to enable the generation of the resources such as bioethanol and biogas.

[0016] The microalgae, which can be used not only as a biofuel but also as a food and nutritional supplement (protein source, vitamins and minerals, omega-3 fatty acids), are produced much more easily and under much more suitable conditions owing to our system according to the invention. With our system operating under the artificial conditions, the microalgae can perform the photosynthesis as if they were in their natural habitat.

[0017] Owing to the ability to readily fix together the parts forming the invention, the system is easy to assemble and a short assembly time also enables low costs. Moreover, the invention has a robust structure.

[0018] Description of the Figures:

[0019] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings so that the features of the invention may be more clearly understood and appreciated. However, it is not intended to limit the invention to these particular embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all the alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of the invention, which may fall within within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. It is to be understood that the details are shown solely for the purpose of describing the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are presented both to illustrate the methods and to provide the most convenient and most easily understandable description of the principles and the conceptual features of the invention. In these drawings;

[0020] Figure 1 is a side view of the system.

[0021] Figure 2 is a front view of the system.

[0022] Figure 3 is atop view of the system.

[0023] The components in the figures that will help to understand the present invention are assigned reference numerals as indicated in the attached drawings and the designations for said reference numbers are presented below.

[0024] Description of the Reference Numerals: l. LED 2. Pump

[0025] 3. Separator

[0026] 4. Pipeline

[0027] Detailed Description of the Invention:

[0028] The system according to the invention basically consists of LEDs (1), a pump (2), a separator (3), and a pipeline (4).

[0029] The body of said system can be embedded in a flat surface or in any place where a hole is made. The interior of the tank can be filled with fresh water or sea water according to the species of the microalgae. When the tank section is full at a ratio of 4 / 5, the microalgae are placed therein. Meanwhile, the nutrients required for the microalgae are also added to the tank.

[0030] When the power button of the system is pressed, the carbon dioxide-containing air bubbles are carried into the tank by means of the pump (2) and through the pipeline (4). At the predetermined time intervals, the LEDs (1) start emitting light in a certain wavelength. Owing to the availability of light and carbon dioxide, the microalgae perform the photosynthesis in the water. When it is desired to harvest the microalgae following a certain period of time, they will be collected in the separator (3). All the biomass produced is transferred to a larger tank.

Claims

CLAIMS1- Closed photobioreactor characterized in that said closed photobioreactor comprises- at least one LED (1) that supplies the light energy required for the microalgal photosynthesis,- a pipeline (4) that delivers to the system the carbon dioxide (CO2)-containing air bubbles coming from a pump (2),- a separator (3) that enables the harvest and the collection of the microalgae, and- a solar panel or wind turbine that is intended to supply the electric power for the system.2- Closed photobioreactor system according to Claim 1 characterized in that said closed photobioreactor system comprises a control mechanism that adjusts the light wavelength of the LED (1) according the microalgal species.3- Closed photobioreactor system according to Claim 1 characterized in that said closed photobioreactor system comprises at least one reflecting surface intended to enhance within the system the activity of the light to be emitted from the LEDs (1).

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