Bioreactor Interruptible Gas Flow for Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photobioreactors consume excessive energy due to continuous gas flow, which is not optimized according to varying light intensities, leading to inefficient mixing and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A bioreactor design with an interruptible gas flow system, controlled by a mass flow controller or valve, adjusts gas flow based on light intensity, reducing energy consumption while maintaining productivity by forming discrete air pulses or varying flow rates in response to changing light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous gas flow is used for mixing and mass exchange, then good mixing and high gas-fluid mass exchange are achieved, but excessive energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow is supplied in periodic pulses rather than continuously. The mass flow controller delivers intermittent gas pulses to the rise chamber, creating discrete air bubbles that provide sufficient mixing and mass exchange while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous gas flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas flow rate is dynamically adjusted based on light intensity. A light sensor detects the amount of light falling on the bioreactor, and this information is used to modulate the gas flow frequency and intensity, optimizing mixing efficiency while adapting to varying photosynthetic activity levels.
2Use of energy by moving object
If gas flow is reduced to save energy, then energy consumption decreases, but mixing efficiency and productivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A light sensor provides feedback on the light intensity falling on the bioreactor. This feedback signal is used by the control system to adjust the gas flow parameters in real-time, ensuring that mixing efficiency is maintained at levels sufficient for productivity while minimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of gas flow (frequency, duration, intensity) based on operating conditions. By modulating these parameters dynamically rather than maintaining constant high-level flow, the system achieves adequate mixing with reduced energy input.
3Use of energy by moving object
If gas flow is adjusted according to light intensity, then energy is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A mass flow controller serves as an intermediary device between the gas source and the bioreactor. It receives control signals based on light intensity and precisely regulates the gas flow accordingly, simplifying the control architecture while enabling sophisticated energy optimization.
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 saves energy by reducing gas flow during low light periods without compromising productivity, optimizing growth conditions for phototrophic microorganisms and cells.
Implementation Method 1
The mixing of the growth medium in the reactor is due substantially to the aeration volume per time and thus this photobioreactor design enables a good mixing and a high gas-fluid mass exchange
Implementation Method 2
The gas inlet is further connected to at least one of a mass flow controller or a valve configured to adjust the interruptible gas flow depending on an amount of light falling on the bioreactor
Implementation Method 3
The at least one rise chamber has a plurality of transverse elements projecting from the inner sides of the wall elements defining the rise chamber, forming a plurality of interior chambers divided by said transverse elements
Implementation Method 4
Bioreactor with interruptible gas supply for cultivating phototrophic microorganisms, such as but not limited to algae and cyanobacteria
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A bioreactor is disclosed. The bioreactor comprises at least one rise chamber containing a growth medium and at least one down chamber connected to the at least one rise chamber at a top and at a bottom to form a loop. A gas inlet is connected to the at least one rise chamber for supplying a pulsed gas flow to the at least one rise chamber. The pulsing of the gas flow means that the amount of air in the bioreactor can be adjusted to reduce the amount of the gas flow as and when required. This saves energy whilst substantially maintaining the productivity of the bioreactor.