Microalgae Culturing Convection System for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microalgae culturing devices require a large gas supplying unit to prevent settling, leading to high electrical power consumption and increased running costs due to the need for intermittent gas supply to maintain microalgae suspension.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a convection generating unit and a collection pump system that agitates the culturing solution within the accommodation unit, allowing for the suspension and circulation of microalgae without the need for excessive gas supply, thereby reducing the capacity requirements of the gas supplying unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large capacity gas supplying unit is used to intermittently supply gas and prevent microalgae settling, then microalgae suspension is maintained, but electrical power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply function is segmented into multiple small nozzles distributed throughout the culturing solution, replacing a single large-capacity gas supplying unit. Each nozzle supplies gas locally to create micro-convection currents, collectively achieving uniform microalgae suspension without requiring excessive gas flow from a single source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical gas supply system (which requires large capacity and high power) with a combined approach using multiple small gas injection points that create convection currents. This substitution allows the same suspension effect to be achieved with lower overall gas flow requirements and reduced electrical power consumption.
2Reliability
If a large capacity gas supplying unit is installed to supply sufficient gas for preventing settling, then microalgae remain suspended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single large gas supplying unit is segmented into multiple small nozzles distributed throughout the culturing container. This segmentation allows each nozzle to handle a small portion of the gas flow, collectively achieving the same suspension effect while reducing the complexity of any single gas supply component.
Solution Approach 2:
Gas supply is applied locally at multiple distributed nozzles throughout the culturing solution rather than from a single central source. Each local gas injection point creates localized convection currents that collectively ensure uniform microalgae suspension, reducing the need for a complex high-capacity centralized gas supply system.
3Reliability
If intermittent gas supply is used to prevent settling, then microalgae are resuspended, but the gas supplying unit must have excessive capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply is segmented into multiple small nozzles that can be activated intermittently. During each gas supply interval, multiple nozzles work simultaneously to resuspend settled microalgae efficiently, reducing the total gas quantity needed compared to using a single large nozzle that would require continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas supply operates periodically through multiple nozzles rather than continuously from a single source. This periodic action at multiple points creates efficient convection currents that resuspend microalgae with less total gas consumption, as the distributed nozzles create more effective fluid movement per unit of gas supplied.
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 effectively prevents microalgae settling, ensures even light exposure, enhances carbon dioxide diffusion, and reduces electrical power consumption by allowing for a smaller gas supplying unit, thereby lowering operational costs while promoting active photosynthesis and carbon dioxide fixation.
Implementation Method 1
a convection generating unit configured to cause convection to be generated in the culturing solution
Implementation Method 2
a pump configured to be capable of drawing in and discharging the culturing solution through the collection pipe
Implementation Method 3
microalgae consume carbon dioxide through photosynthesis
Implementation Method 4
the culturing solution and the microalgae are subjected to diffusion to some extent by the culturing gas
Data Source
AI summary
A culturing device is equipped with an accommodation unit, and a convection generating unit provided in the accommodation unit. In the accommodation unit, microalgae are cultured while the convection generating unit generates convection in the culturing solution in the accommodation unit. During the culturing, a portion of the culturing solution is drawn in through collection pipes by the pump. Thereafter, the culturing solution that was drawn in is discharged from the collection pipes into the culturing solution inside the accommodation unit.