Micro-etched Light Diffuser for Homogeneous Bioreactor Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photo-bioreactors face inefficiencies due to their size-dependent performance, limited illumination surface, and localized photon energy delivery, leading to reduced biomass production and increased operational costs, as well as a large footprint requirement.
Innovation Solution
A photo-bioreactor design featuring micro-etched light diffusers with light-emitting diodes integrated into the vessel walls, allowing for homogeneous light distribution and increased illuminated surface area, optimizing photon yield per unit volume and reducing environmental impact and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light is supplied from the inside of the vessel using immersion lamps, then the illumination is provided directly to the culture medium, but the efficiency of the photo-bioreactor decreases as the dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple LED light sources distributed around the vessel perimeter rather than using a single central lamp. This segmentation allows each light source to illuminate a specific zone effectively, maintaining high illumination intensity while scaling to larger reactor dimensions without efficiency loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from vertical illumination (top-down immersion lamps) to a combination of vertical and radial illumination dimensions. LEDs are positioned radially around the vessel walls, creating a three-dimensional illumination pattern that ensures all culture medium volumes receive adequate light regardless of reactor height or diameter
2Illumination intensity
If windows are provided in the vessel for outside light supply, then light can penetrate from outside, but the windows limit the illuminated surface and absorb or reflect significant photons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light transmission function from window structures and replaces it with transparent or translucent reactor wall material. This eliminates the window interface that causes photon loss, allowing direct light transmission from external LED sources through the entire vessel surface area without absorption or reflection losses
Solution Approach 2:
The reactor wall serves multiple functions: it contains the culture medium, provides structural support, and acts as a transparent light transmission medium. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate window components that would limit illuminated surface area and cause energy losses
3Ease of manufacture
If photonic energy is supplied in a localized manner, then the light source can be positioned at specific locations, but most photons cannot be biologically consumed due to energy overload and heat dissipation is poorly controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning multiple low-intensity LED light sources distributed uniformly around the vessel perimeter rather than one or two high-intensity sources. Each local position receives optimized illumination, preventing energy overload while ensuring uniform photon distribution throughout the culture medium, thereby maximizing biological consumption of photons
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of localized light sources (energy overload and poor heat control) into benefits by using multiple distributed LED sources. LEDs inherently produce less heat than traditional lamps, and their distributed positioning prevents energy overload. The heat that is generated is easily managed through the large surface-area-to-volume ratio of the thin-walled reactor design
4Quantity of substance
If large photo-bioreactors are produced to increase capacity, then the total biomass production increases, but the land area required and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where multiple light sources are positioned concentrically around the vessel at different radial distances. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of vertical space and allows the reactor to achieve high biomass production capacity within a compact footprint, reducing the land area required per unit of production
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
The solution enhances biomass production and energy efficiency by improving the illuminated surface-to-volume ratio, reducing the reactor's environmental impact and operational costs, while minimizing land area requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The plate (2113) is transparent to light radiation and comprises a plurality of micro-patterns (2112) on its rear face (2113). The light source (22) is disposed on at least one edge of the plate (2113) and is oriented so that the light radiation it generates propagates in the plate (2113).
Implementation Method 2
a light source (22) to generate the light radiation, the light source (22) being disposed on at least one edge of the plate (2113) and being oriented so that the light radiation it generates propagates in the plate (2113)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a reactor comprising a vessel (1) for containing: • a mass to be treated, and • at least one lighting device (2a, 2b) intended to promote the treatment of said mass, characterized in that each lighting device (2a, 2b) comprises a light diffuser including at least one micro-etched plate (211) which is transparent to light radiation.