Pure Algae Growth System Nanobubbler CO2 Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing algae growth systems fail to provide a safe, convenient, and economical method for growing algae, as they are prone to contamination, require significant time for startup and cleaning, and are inefficient in terms of resource utilization and biomass production.
Innovation Solution
The Pure Algae Growth System (PAGS) employs a pressurized mixing and recycling chamber, modular light reactors, and a nanobubbler system to ensure efficient distribution and retention of CO2, turbulent flow for optimal mixing, and in situ cleaning, allowing for continuous operation and scalable production in a controlled environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional algae growing devices are used, then algae growth is possible, but contamination occurs and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed photobioreactor system that maintains a controlled internal environment, isolating the algae culture from external contamination sources. The system uses sterile sealing and controlled atmospheric conditions within the reactor to prevent unwanted microbial entry, directly addressing the contamination resistance issue while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
2Productivity
If conventional algae growing devices are used, then algae growth is possible, but startup and cleaning time increases, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a continuous flow photobioreactor design where culture medium circulates continuously through the system, eliminating idle startup periods. The continuous circulation ensures immediate productive operation after initialization and facilitates automatic cleaning protocols that reduce maintenance downtime, directly improving biomass production rate while minimizing time losses
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-cleaning mechanisms through continuous medium circulation that prevents biofilm accumulation on reactor surfaces. The flowing culture medium automatically removes debris and prevents contamination buildup, reducing the need for manual intervention and cleaning time while maintaining high productivity levels
3Loss of energy
If conventional algae growing devices are used, then algae growth is possible, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop system where culture medium, nutrients, and water are continuously recycled within the photobioreactor. Harvested algae biomass is separated from the medium, which is then returned to the system after nutrient replenishment. This recovery and reuse approach minimizes resource loss and improves utilization efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular recycling components
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
PAGS significantly improves algae growth rates, reduces contamination, and enhances resource utilization, achieving higher biomass yields with lower water and CO2 loss, and enabling efficient production in a controlled environment.
Implementation Method 1
The system includes a nanobubbler system to ensure efficient distribution and retention of CO2
Implementation Method 2
turbulent flow for optimal mixing
Implementation Method 3
modular light reactors... allowing for continuous operation and scalable production in a controlled environment
Data Source
AI summary
A tank receives, mixes, and dispenses input materials including algae feed stock, a micro-nutrients, cleaning solution, a sterile gas, a heating/cooling fluid, carbon dioxide, and raw water with a water treatment system. A plurality of output stations include a vent to atmosphere, a heating/cooling media return, a cleaning disposal, and an algae concentrate/product. The vent to atmosphere is coupled to the tank. The heating/cooling media return is coupled to the heating/cooling media supply through the tank. The cleaning solution disposal station is coupled to the tank with a pump followed by a nano bubbler and an algae growing system. An algae concentrate/product station is coupled to the tank. An algae dewatering system is intermediate the tank and the algae concentrate/product. A water return line couples the algae dewatering system and the water treatment system.