Bubble Chain Light Guide for Algae Suspension Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for distributing light in liquid media, such as algae suspensions, often result in algae growth on surface interfaces, leading to reduced light transmission and increased costs due to the need for extensive surface area and energy-intensive circulation systems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of a chain of gas bubbles within the medium, which acts as a light guide, allowing for deep and uniform illumination without direct contact with surface interfaces, thereby preventing algae growth on illumination devices and enhancing light distribution and carbon dioxide binding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light is introduced into the medium via hollow fibers or gas bubbles, then light distribution is improved, but algae grow on the interface surfaces leading to reduced light transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses gas bubbles as an intermediary medium to transmit light into the liquid suspension. The bubbles rise through the medium carrying light with them, acting as mobile intermediaries that distribute light throughout the volume without requiring fixed interface surfaces that algae can colonize.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the static light introduction method into a dynamic one by utilizing rising gas bubbles. The bubbles continuously move upward through the suspension, creating dynamic light distribution pathways that algae cannot permanently colonize, thus maintaining reliable light transmission over time.
2Illumination intensity
If the surface area of the algae suspension is increased to supply more light, then light availability is improved, but plant and process technology costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface illumination to three-dimensional volumetric illumination by introducing light through rising gas bubbles throughout the depth of the suspension. This allows efficient light distribution without increasing the horizontal surface area, thereby avoiding increased costs for larger tanks or more complex surface illumination systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs gas flow through the liquid suspension to achieve light distribution. By using the hydraulic principle of gas bubbles rising through the liquid, the system achieves thorough light penetration without requiring extensive surface area or complex mechanical illumination systems.
3Illumination intensity
If the surface area is made as large as possible to supply more light, then light distribution is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas bubbles serve a dual function: they provide light distribution and simultaneously mix the suspension through their rising motion. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate energy-intensive circulation systems, as the gas flow itself performs both illumination distribution and mixing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas bubbles perform multiple functions simultaneously: light transmission, suspension mixing, and potential carbon dioxide supply. This multi-functionality reduces overall energy consumption by eliminating the need for separate systems for each function, particularly removing the need for additional circulation pumps or mixing devices.
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 effective biomass formation and carbon dioxide binding by ensuring uniform light distribution throughout the medium, reducing energy consumption and preventing contamination, while maintaining high light intensity and metabolic benefits for organisms.
Implementation Method 1
If light is coupled into the chain of bubbles, it acts like a light guide, with a high light intensity in the chain of bubbles reaching the medium via the surface of the bubbles
Implementation Method 2
When the gas is introduced into the medium, gas bubbles are formed which can have a size of 1 to 10 μm, in particular 2 to 5 μm. With this size, the gas bubbles form particularly suitable resonance bodies for the light to be recorded.
Implementation Method 3
In order to generate the chain of bubbles in a simple manner, a rotary or circular or spiral movement of the medium is forced or generated, with a chain of bubbles extending in a straight line along an axis of rotation of the medium being able to form.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The arrangement for three-dimensional distribution of light (2) in a liquid medium (3), which contains algae, comprises a lighting device (4), a feeding device (5) for introducing gas into the medium, a device, which is provided for producing bubble chain of gas initiated into the medium, where the device is formed for a rotational or circular or spiral motion of the flow of the medium and the bubble chain is illuminated with the illumination device for introducing light in the bubble chain, and a detecting device. The arrangement for three-dimensional distribution of light (2) in a liquid medium (3), which contains algae, comprises a lighting device (4), a feeding device (5) for introducing gas into the medium, a device, which is provided for producing bubble chain of gas initiated into the medium, where the device is formed for a rotational or circular or spiral motion of the flow of the medium and the bubble chain is illuminated with the illumination device for introducing light in the bubble chain, and a detecting device, which (19) is provided for determination, detection or prosecution of outlet area of the bubble chain on the surface of the medium and/or position and/or size of the bubble chain. The bubble chain extends itself to the surface of the medium. The non-contact illumination of the bubble chain is provided with the medium in an area outside the medium. The lighting device and/or the light is aligned on the bubble chain. An illumination of the bubble chain is provided towards top and/or bottom in vertical direction. A control device is provided for controlling or regulating the orientation of the lighting device and/or to control or regulate the device for producing the bubble chain and/or movement of the medium and/or to control or regulate the gas supply or the feeding device in relation to the outlet area of the bubble chain on the surface of the medium and/or position and/or the size of the bubble chain and/or the flow profile and/or the flow rate of the medium. The device for producing the bubble chain and/or movement of the medium has an agitator or a circulating pump, which is formed for tangential introduction of a medium flow into the medium containing container or area. The introduction of gas is provided into the medium between moving elements of the agitator. The illumination the bubble chain is provided at an angle to the surface of the medium in the rotating stirring elements through a discontinuous illumination of the medium between the stirring elements. The introduction of gas into the medium is carried out at different places so that bubble chains are produced. A medium container is provided for the medium and has partitions or guide elements for the division of the medium container into chambers and/or for flow diversion, where each chamber is associated with a radiation source and an arrangement for producing the movement of the medium in the chamber and a gas inlet is provided into each chamber.