Algae Bioreactor Helical Flow for Light and CO2 Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Open algae farms face limitations such as poor light utilization, evaporative losses, CO2 diffusion, large land requirements, climate restrictions, and contamination, making large-scale implementation challenging, especially in colder climates.

Innovation Solution

A closed algae bioreactor system with a unique active flow mechanism, utilizing a container with a light assembly, liftwall, and gas conduit to move algae in a helical motion, enhancing light exposure and CO2 utilization, and allowing for operation in any climate zone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If open algae farms are used, then large-scale algae production is possible, but light utilization is poor and evaporative losses occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealgae production scaleVSAvoidevaporative losses

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a closed bioreactor system with transparent or translucent walls that function as flexible shells, enclosing the algae culture to prevent evaporative losses while allowing light penetration for photosynthesis, thus resolving the contradiction between large-scale production and energy loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Productivity

If open algae farms are used, then algae can grow freely, but CO2 diffuses into the atmosphere

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealgae growthVSAvoidCO2 diffusion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The closed bioreactor system creates a controlled atmosphere environment where CO2 is retained and循环利用 (recycled) within the system, preventing its diffusion into the atmosphere while maintaining optimal conditions for algae growth through active flow mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Productivity

If open algae farms are used, then land area can be utilized, but large areas of land are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealgae outputVSAvoidland area

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface-based open ponds to three-dimensional vertical bioreactors with active flow, enabling high-density algae cultivation in a compact footprint by utilizing vertical space and enhancing mass transfer through controlled fluid dynamics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of operation

If open algae farms are used, then simple operation is possible, but temperature control is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidtemperature control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The closed bioreactor system incorporates temperature monitoring and control mechanisms that provide feedback to maintain optimal growth conditions, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and temperature control by automating the control process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

5Device complexity

If open algae farms are used, then no complex structure is needed, but contamination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidcontamination resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closed bioreactor creates a controlled, isolated environment that prevents contamination from external sources while maintaining optimal growth conditions, resolving the contradiction between structural complexity and contamination resistance by implementing a sealed system with controlled access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The bioreactor system improves algae cultivation by maximizing light exposure, reducing adhesion, and maintaining uniform growth, enabling scalable, climate-independent algae production while reducing atmospheric CO2, and producing a sustainable biofuel.

Implementation Method 1

A gas conduit extends along a length of the container interior, the gas conduit emitting gas bubbles into the algae suspension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas bubble emission: Bubble

Implementation Method 2

A light assembly and a liftwall are located in the container interior

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight exposure: Light

Implementation Method 3

The flowpath and the emitted gas bubbles move the algae in a helical motion around the liftwall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHelical flow motion: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentUS9005918B2Algae bioreactor, system and process

Publication Date: 2015.04.14 DVO

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an algae bioreactor and process. The algae bioreactor includes a container with an inlet and an outlet. An algae suspension present in the container interior moves from an inlet to an outlet along a flowpath. A light assembly, a liftwall, and a gas conduit are located in the container interior. The gas conduit extends along a length of the container and emits gas bubbles into the algae suspension. A diffuser is located on a bottom wall of the container, The flowpath, the liftwall, the gas conduit, and the diffuser produce an active flow of the algae from the container inlet to the container outlet. The container may be a deep-vessel container.