Horizontal Flat Panel Photobioreactor Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing algae cultivation systems, such as open raceway ponds and photobioreactors, face inefficiencies in light utilization, contamination control, and scalability issues due to environmental exposure, pH variations, and oxygen buildup, limiting biomass production and requiring large plot areas and high costs for industrial-scale operations.
Innovation Solution
A closed-system photobioreactor with a vertical container design featuring horizontal sheets for efficient light distribution, pulsed light sources, and a pressurized CO2 system for enhanced photosynthesis, along with a circulation mechanism to promote vertical biomass flow and minimize cell damage, utilizing a combination of solar and stored energy for optimal light-dark cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vertical tubular reactors are used, then gas transfer efficiency is improved, but light utilization efficiency deteriorates due to reflection and orientation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical tubular configuration to horizontal flat panel configuration, changing the spatial dimension of light incidence. This allows light to enter horizontally through transparent walls rather than vertically from above, eliminating reflection losses and orientation problems while maintaining effective gas transfer through the culture medium
2Productivity
If horizontal tubular reactors are used, then light utilization is improved, but plot area requirement and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin flat panel structures with transparent walls that allow horizontal light penetration. This thin-film approach maximizes light utilization while minimizing the horizontal footprint, as light can enter through the vertical surfaces of compact stacked panels rather than requiring large horizontal tube arrays
3Productivity
If flat panel reactors with shallow depth are used, then light utilization efficiency is improved, but oxygen buildup occurs due to small diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an airlift system that uses pressurized gas injection to create hydraulic circulation currents within the flat panel reactor. This pneumatic-hydraulic mechanism continuously circulates the culture medium, efficiently removing accumulated oxygen while maintaining the shallow depth configuration that enables high light utilization
4Device complexity
If open raceway ponds are used, then system simplicity is improved, but contamination risk and evaporation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses transparent panel walls to create a closed enclosed system that protects the culture from environmental contamination and evaporation. The transparent thin-film structure allows light penetration while forming a sealed environment that eliminates the harmful effects of open pond exposure
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 utilization efficiency, reduces contamination risks, and allows for year-round operation, increasing biomass production while minimizing environmental impact and operational costs, and enabling scalable and controlled algae cultivation.
Implementation Method 1
Light sources may be a part of the illuminator assembly or light from light sources may be coupled to the illuminator assembly so as to be emitted into the volume between the sheets
Implementation Method 2
A method of growing biomass in a photobioreactor is disclosed including: providing a photobioreactor vessel having a elongate vertical dimension and closable at a top end and a bottom end, with an electrically powered light source having a light source emission with a central wavelength selected to couple light energy to the biomass through an illuminator assembly
Implementation Method 3
An inlet at a bottom portion of the photobioreactor may be adapted to receive a pressurized gas
Data Source
AI summary
A photobioreactor system includes vessel for containing a biomass and a plurality of illuminators which may have solid state devices embedded therein or coupled thereto. The light energy is distributed in the vessel volume by the illuminators so as to reach substantially all of the biomass being circulated in the vessel. Biomass may exit the top of the vessel and be refreshed with nutrients and liquid before being reintroduced at the bottom of the vessel. Carbon dioxide is introduced at the bottom of the vessel. The biomass may be agitated either ultrasonically or by motion of the illuminators. A source of energy for the light sources may be solar panels with battery storage and the carbon dioxide may be a byproduct of thermal power generation.