A photobioreactor skeleton system

The photobioreactor skeleton system addresses structural weaknesses and assembly challenges by using carrier columns and corrosion-resistant wires, enhancing production efficiency and reducing maintenance costs through a modular, easily assembled design.

WO2026142586A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-07-02ALGASYSTEMS BIYOTEKNOLOJI ANONIM SIRKETI

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
ALGASYSTEMS BIYOTEKNOLOJI ANONIM SIRKETI
Filing Date
2025-08-29
Publication Date
2026-07-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing photobioreactor skeleton systems face issues such as corrosion, deformation, and reduced load-bearing capacity due to unsuitable materials, complex structures leading to assembly errors and increased maintenance difficulty, especially in environments with intense chemical reactions.

Method used

A photobioreactor skeleton system with carrier columns, uprights, and corrosion-resistant carrier wires that support algae bags, ensuring stable and durable structure, modular design for easy assembly/disassembly, and optimized algae bag arrangement for increased production efficiency.

Benefits of technology

Enhances algae production efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, and facilitates easy maintenance by providing a stable, durable, and modular structure that allows for efficient use of space and uniform nutrient/light distribution.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a photobioreactor skeleton system (10) designed for supporting algae production structures. The novelty of the invention is characterized by comprising at least one carrier column (11) for supporting, at least two upright members (12) disposed on opposite sides (of the carrier post) (11), at least one hole (13) on these uprights (12) for fixing at least one carrier wire (15), the carrier wire (15) being configured to pass through the holes (13) to allow positioning of algae bags thereon, and at least one support part (14) to keep the uprights (12) rigid relative to each other.
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Description

[0001] A PHOTOBIOREACTOR SKELETON SYSTEM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a photobioreactor skeleton system.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] A photobioreactor is a biological production system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms, providing controlled light, gas transfer, and nutrient supply. It enables the use of organisms such as microalgae and cyanobacteria in carbon capture, biofuel, food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical compound production. The light source is distributed uniformly, and the mixing mechanism ensures that nutrients and gases reach the organisms evenly. Photobioreactors are carried on a frame structure where growth takes place.

[0006] Carrier skeleton systems in bioreactors create various technical challenges during both production and maintenance processes. In the production phase, if the skeleton system is not designed with suitable material, especially in bioreactors where chemical reactions are intense, it may lead to corrosion, deformation, and weaknesses in load-bearing capacity. In addition, in skeleton systems with complex structures, tolerance errors that may arise during assembly can adversely affect the integrity and durability of the system. In maintenance processes, the fact that these skeleton systems are generally located in narrow and hard-to-reach areas makes disassembly and reassembly of equipment difficult.

[0007] In particular, the wear or misalignment of fixed connection points may cause significant delays during reassembly. The complex structure of the carrier skeleton increases the workload of maintenance personnel and raises the risk of potential errors.

[0008] All these problems make it necessary to design bioreactor skeleton systems to be more durable, modular, easily accessible, and suitable for assembly and disassembly. Optimizing these designs increases production efficiency and reduces maintenance costs.As a result, all the issues mentioned above have made it necessary to bring an innovation to the relevant technical field.

[0009] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention relates to a photobioreactor skeleton system to eliminate the disadvantages mentioned above and to bring new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0011] One objective of the invention is to provide a photobioreactor with increased algae production efficiency, easy manufacturing, and reduced costs.

[0012] To achieve all the objectives mentioned above and those that will become apparent from the detailed description below, the present invention is a photobioreactor skeleton system.

[0013] Its novelty lies in comprising at least one carrier column for supporting, at least two upright members disposed on opposite sides (of the carrier post), at least one hole on these uprights for fixing at least one carrier wire, the carrier wire being configured to pass through the holes to allow positioning of algae bags thereon, and at least one support part to keep the uprights rigid relative to each other.

[0014] One possible embodiment of the invention is characterized by having at least one connecting part at the ends of the carrier wires, which are fixed to the ground. Thus, the tension of the carrier wires is safely maintained, sagging of the algae bags is prevented, and the photobioreactor operates in a stable structure.

[0015] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the uprights extend along the vertical axis on the carrier column and are placed parallel to each other.

[0016] Thus, algae bags can be arranged regularly, the horizontal stability of the carrier system is increased, and the system generally has a more durable structure.

[0017] Another possible embodiment is characterized in that the carrier wire is configured as a cylindrical metal cable, fabric cord, or tensioning element.

[0018] Thus, the carrier wire has a durable structure, algae bags are securely supported, and the wire is resistant to corrosion for a long time.

[0019] Another possible embodiment is characterized in that it is configured for use in algae production.Thus, optimum conditions are provided in the algae growth environment, more algae bags can be formed per unit area, and production efficiency is increased.

[0020] Another possible embodiment is characterized in that the support part is detachably connected to the uprights.

[0021] Thus, the system can be easily disassembled or reassembled when necessary, and transportation and maintenance operations can be carried out quickly.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] • Figure 1 : A representative perspective view of the photobioreactor skeleton system of the invention.

[0024] • Figure 2: A representative close-up view of the photobioreactor skeleton system of the invention.

[0025] • Figure 3: Another representative close-up view of the photobioreactor skeleton system of the invention.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] In this detailed description, the invention is explained only with examples intended for a better understanding of the subject, without creating any limiting effect.

[0028] Figure 1 shows a representative perspective view of the photobioreactor skeleton system (10) according to the invention. Accordingly, the photobioreactor skeleton system (10), particularly used in algae production, is of critical importance in terms of both carrying capacity and long-term durability. This photobioreactor skeleton system (10) is configured so as not to be affected by humidity, temperature changes, and chemical effects occurring in the algae growth environment. In addition, the photobioreactor skeleton system (10) has a modular structure, allowing the photobioreactors to be disassembled and transported or expanded. The photobioreactor skeleton system (10) both increases algae production efficiency and reduces maintenance and operating costs.

[0029] Figure 2 shows a representative close-up view of the photobioreactor skeleton system (10). Accordingly, the photobioreactor skeleton system (10) is built on carrier columns (11), which constitute the main load-bearing elements of the system. The carrier columns (11) are designed to support all other components in the structureand are manufactured from materials that will provide high durability. These carrier columns (11 ) ensure the stability of the photobioreactor system and have properties suitable for long-term use. The carrier columns (11) are placed to allow the proper arrangement of algae bags in the photobioreactor, making it possible to form more algae bags per unit area. In addition, the proper design of the carrier columns (11) contributes to the homogeneous distribution of light and the achievement of maximum growth potential of the algae.

[0030] On the carrier columns (11 ), there are at least one pair of uprights (12) placed opposite each other. These uprights (12) extend along the vertical axis on the carrier column (11) to provide horizontal stability and strengthen the overall structure of the system. The uprights (12) are arranged opposite to each other on the carrier column (11) and are positioned parallel to each other. The uprights (12) are designed to support algae bags and to fix at least one carrier wire (15) on them.

[0031] The carrier columns (11) essentially have a modular foot structure. Thus, the carrier column (11) can be directly driven into the ground, fixed to the ground with concrete, anchored to existing concrete, or configured so that it can be easily added or removed since it does not have a fixed connection with other feet.

[0032] On the upright (12), there is at least one hole (13) for positioning the carrier wire (15). This hole (13) is used for hanging algae bags and for placing carrier wires (15) properly. Preferably, multiple holes (13) corresponding to the number of carrier wires (15) are provided on the upright (12). The arrangement of these holes (13) enables the system to be expandable and allows users to work flexibly. The arrangement of the uprights (12) ensures that the algae bags are aligned properly and allows more bags to be placed per unit area.

[0033] Figure 3 shows another representative close-up view of the photobioreactor skeleton system (10). Accordingly, the carrier wire (15) located on the uprights (12) is used to support algae bags and ensure balanced distribution of weight. The carrier wire (15) is essentially a cylindrical, longitudinally extending element such as a metal cable, fabric cord, or tensioning element. Correct tensioning of the carrier wires (15) ensures that the algae bags remain in a stable and safe position. Tensioning equipment known in the art can be used for tightening the carrier wire (15), thus enabling the desired positioning. The tensioning equipment allows the carrier wire (15) to move in one direction for tightening. When it is desired to reduce the tension or remove the carrier wire (15), the locking mechanism inside can be deactivated with its special pin.In addition, the use of carrier wires (15) allows more algae bags to be hung per unit area within the photobioreactor skeleton system (10), thereby increasing production capacity.

[0034] The carrier wires (15) are selected to be corrosion-resistant and long-lasting in terms of material durability, providing ease of maintenance and operation. This carrier wire (15) structure also supports algae bags to receive equal nutrients and light in the growth environment.

[0035] At least one support part (14) is placed between the uprights (12) to keep them rigid relative to each other. The support part (14) increases the overall stability of the system and minimizes the movement of the uprights (12). These support parts (14) help maintain the tension of the carrier wires (15) and allow the skeleton structure to remain stable for a long time. The support parts (14) generally have a modular structure for easy assembly and disassembly, ensuring portability and reconfigurability of the system when needed. This support part (14) allows more algae bags to be placed regularly per unit area and optimizes the efficiency of the photobioreactor.

[0036] The ends of the carrier wires (15) used in the photobioreactor skeleton system (10) include at least one connecting part (16) that can be joined to the ground. These connecting parts (16) allow the carrier wires (15) to be fixed and their tension to be easily adjusted when necessary. The connecting parts (16) increase overall stability by holding all elements of the carrier system together and ensure the smooth operation of the photobioreactor. Connecting the ends of the carrier wires (15) to the ground prevents sagging of the algae bags and contributes to the overall alignment of the system. This feature enables the algae bags in the photobioreactor to be formed more densely and effectively per unit area, significantly increasing production capacity. However, the invention is not limited to this, and in alternative embodiments, especially in laboratory applications, it can also be used without the connecting part (16). For this, the carrier wire (15) can be fixed by means of a mounting frame to be installed on the carrier columns (11 ) instead of the connecting part (16).

[0037] This photobioreactor skeleton system (10) is designed to ensure the coordinated operation of all components starting from the carrier columns (11), offering maximum efficiency in production processes. The carrier columns (11), uprights (12), holes (13) through which the carrier wires (15) pass, support parts (14), and connecting parts (16) increase the stability, durability, and ease of use of the system, maximizing the effectiveness of algae production. The fact that the carrier wires (15) are fixed bypassing through the holes (13) allows both easy assembly and greater efficiency per unit area.

[0038] The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the appended claims and cannot in any way be limited to those described herein as examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art may present similar embodiments in light of the above description without departing from the main theme of the invention.REFERENCE NUMBERS IN THE FIGURES

[0039] 10 Photobioreactor Skeleton System

[0040] 11 Carrier Column

[0041] 12 Upright

[0042] 13 Hole

[0043] 14 Support Part

[0044] 15 Carrier Wire

[0045] 16 Connecting Part

Claims

CLAIMS1. A photobioreactor skeleton system (10), characterized in that it comprises at least one carrier column (11) for supporting, at least two upright members (12) disposed on opposite sides (of the carrier post) (11), at least one hole (13) on these uprights (12) for fixing at least one carrier wire (15), the carrier wire (15) being configured to pass through the holes (13) to allow positioning of algae bags thereon, and at least one support part (14) to keep the uprights (12) rigid relative to each other.

2. The photobioreactor skeleton system (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the carrier wires (15) comprise at least one connecting part (16) at their ends, fixed to the ground.

3. The photobioreactor skeleton system (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the uprights (12) extend along the vertical axis on the carrier column (11 ) and are placed parallel to each other.

4. The photobioreactor skeleton system (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the carrier wire (15) is configured as a cylindrical metal cable, fabric cord, or tensioning element.

5. The photobioreactor skeleton system (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that it is configured for use in algae production.

6. The photobioreactor skeleton system (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the support part (14) is detachably connected to the uprights (12).