Annular Photobioreactor for Uniform Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photobioreactors face limitations in delivering sufficient light to maintain high photosynthetic rates due to uneven light distribution, leading to overexposure at the surface and underexposure below the light penetration depth in algae cultivation for biofuel production.
Innovation Solution
The design of a photobioreactor with concentric annular chambers and light waveguides that redirect light to ensure uniform exposure, utilizing a gas flow manifold for agitation and CO2 supply, and a scaffold for structural support, allowing for efficient light propagation and gas exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional PBR designs (open raceway ponds or tubular-type enclosed reactors) are used, then the system structure is simple, but light distribution is uneven causing overexposure at surface and underexposure below penetration depth
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor is divided into multiple annular chambers positioned at different radial distances from the light source. This segmentation allows light to be distributed more uniformly across the algae culture by creating multiple exposure zones, preventing both overexposure at the surface and underexposure at depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-dimension PBR designs to a multi-dimensional annular chamber configuration. By arranging chambers in concentric circles at different radial positions, the system adds a radial dimension to light distribution, enabling uniform illumination throughout the entire culture volume.
2Productivity
If high-density algae cultures are grown, then biofuel production efficiency increases, but light penetration depth decreases causing uneven exposure
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the culture into multiple annular chambers at different radial positions, the system maintains high-density cultivation while ensuring that light reaches all chambers effectively. The segmented structure creates multiple parallel light paths through the culture, preventing light shadowing even at high densities.
Solution Approach 2:
Each annular chamber is positioned to receive appropriate light intensity based on its specific location within the reactor. The local quality of light exposure is optimized for each chamber's depth and radial position, allowing high-density culture while maintaining sufficient light penetration throughout.
3Productivity
If conventional PBR designs are used, then manufacturing cost is low, but gas exchange efficiency is insufficient limiting photosynthetic rates
Solution Approach 1:
The annular chamber structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables uniform light distribution, and facilitates efficient gas exchange. The chambers are designed to allow CO2 and O2 to pass through their walls, integrating gas exchange functionality into the structural design without adding separate complex systems.
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 configuration enhances light absorption and gas exchange, promoting healthier algae growth and biofuel production by maintaining optimal light and nutrient distribution throughout the algae slurry, thereby improving biofuel yield and reducing overcrowding issues.
Implementation Method 1
The design of a photobioreactor with concentric annular chambers and light waveguides that redirect light to ensure uniform exposure
Implementation Method 2
Algae are classified as photoautotrophic organisms, or organisms that can survive, grow and reproduce with energy derived entirely from the sun through the process of photosynthesis
Implementation Method 3
introducing a gas into the one or more annular chambers via a gas flow manifold fluidly coupled to the one or more annular chambers
Data Source
AI summary
A photobioreactor includes one or more annular chambers concentrically positioned about a central axis, and an algae slurry contained within the one or more annular chambers.