Enclosed Algae Photobioreactor with Positive Pressure and Variable Light Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cultivating algae for fuel and chemical production face challenges in selecting optimal species, controlling growth conditions, and achieving high productivity, due to the ubiquity and adaptability of algae species, leading to inconsistent results and high input requirements.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage method for cultivating algae in a substantially enclosed system with adjustable light conditions and positive pressure, using a channel with covers of varying translucence to promote growth and oil production, and a gas pump to introduce pressure and gases, allowing for controlled growth stages and selective species cultivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If open pond methods are used for algae cultivation, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity and consistency deteriorate due to uncontrollable environmental factors and species variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from open pond cultivation to enclosed photobioreactor systems with controlled parameters including temperature (20-40°C), pH (7.0-9.0), light intensity (50-200 μmol photons/m²/s), and CO2 concentration (0.04-5%). This control enables consistent high productivity while maintaining operational feasibility through automated monitoring and adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a controlled growth environment within enclosed photobioreactors that isolates algae cultivation from external environmental variables. The system maintains a stable internal atmosphere with regulated gas exchange (CO2 injection at 0.1-5 L/min), preventing contamination and ensuring reproducible growth conditions that dramatically improve productivity consistency.
2Manufacturing precision
If controlled enclosed systems with adjustable light conditions are used, then manufacturing precision and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the photobioreactor system into modular functional components: growth chambers with controlled lighting zones, separate gas injection systems, temperature control modules, and harvesting sections. This segmentation enables precise control of each parameter independently while simplifying maintenance and operation, resolving the complexity issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs intermediate control systems including pH buffers (maintaining pH 7.0-9.0), CO2 injection systems (0.1-5 L/min), and light filters that mediate between external environmental variations and internal cultivation conditions. These intermediaries absorb external disturbances and deliver stable controlled conditions, achieving high manufacturing precision without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
3Productivity
If multi-stage cultivation methods are used to optimize species selection and growth conditions, then productivity and product yield are improved, but loss of time increases due to extended cultivation cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through multi-stage cultivation protocols: Stage 1 (exponential growth) maintains high cell division rates for 3-7 days to reach high cell densities; Stage 2 (production phase) shifts conditions (reduced light to 50-150 μmol photons/m²/s, nutrient limitation) for 5-15 days to maximize lipid accumulation. This periodic optimization achieves high productivity by matching biological rhythms with controlled environmental changes, reducing total cultivation time compared to unoptimized continuous methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-selecting high-productivity algae strains (Chlorella, Spirulina, Nannochloropsis) with known oil content >60% of dry weight before cultivation begins. Pre-adaptation protocols acclimate strains to controlled environment conditions prior to production phase, ensuring optimal growth rates from the start and reducing the time required to reach target productivity levels.
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
This approach enables efficient and controlled algae growth, optimizing conditions for desired species and product yields while minimizing inputs, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional open pond methods and achieving consistent high productivity.
Implementation Method 1
The cover system can be designed to selectively adjust amounts of light allowed to enter the protected growth volume
Implementation Method 2
a gas pump configured to introduce a positive pressure into the protected growth volume
Data Source
AI summary
A method for cultivating algae can include providing a body of water in a substantially enclosed system. The enclosed system can have a length of channel and a cover. The method can optionally include circulating the body of water through the enclosed system under positive pressure conditions. The positive pressure should prevent ingress of any external atmosphere or material. Further, the method can include cultivating the algae in the body of water at conditions which promote growth. Likewise, a system for cultivating algae can include a channel with a cover, water in the channel, and a pump to introduce positive pressure into the system.