Microalgae Growth via Laminar Vortex Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for growing microalgae biomass in water lack dynamic control over light and nutrient distribution, leading to inefficient volumetric accretion due to random exposure to light and nutrients, which hinders optimal growth and productivity.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using multiple light sources with controllable intensity, wavelength, and frequency, combined with the creation of laminar vortices in the culture medium to precisely control the spatial and temporal exposure of microalgae to light and nutrients, tracked using fluid dynamic models and particle tracking techniques to ensure optimal growth conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional stirring methods are used to disperse biomass in water, then microalgae can be brought into contact with light sources and nutrients, but the exposure is chaotic and random without space-time control, leading to inefficient volumetric accretion
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, random stirring to dynamic control where the positions of light sources and nutrients are actively adjusted over time. The patent implements time-varying coordinates for light sources and nutrients, creating dynamic exposure patterns that systematically cover the entire culture volume, thereby improving volumetric accretion while maintaining operational control through programmed motion sequences.
2Productivity
If light sources are positioned to maximize surface illumination, then surface microalgae receive adequate light, but microalgae in the bulk volume remain in shadow and grow slower
Solution Approach 1:
The system moves from two-dimensional surface illumination to three-dimensional volumetric illumination by introducing temporal dimension. Light sources traverse through the culture volume along predetermined paths, ensuring that microalgae at all depths and positions receive adequate light exposure during different time intervals, achieving uniform growth throughout the entire culture volume.
3Productivity
If nutrients are supplied constantly at fixed positions, then nutrient availability is maintained, but the distribution does not match the spatial-temporal patterns of microalgae movement and light exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements coordinated control where the positions of light sources and nutrients are linked through time-dependent functions. As light sources move to specific locations and times, nutrients are simultaneously delivered to corresponding positions, creating synchronized exposure patterns that match microalgae growth cycles and maximize productivity through coordinated spatial-temporal delivery.
4Productivity
If the light spectrum is fixed for the entire culture period, then system simplicity is maintained, but the absorption spectrum requirements of different algal species and growth stages are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts light emission parameters including wavelength, intensity, and duration based on the specific requirements of different algal species and growth stages. By varying these parameters over time and space, the system optimizes photosynthetic efficiency and productivity while adapting to changing biological needs throughout the culture period.
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 controlled and homogeneous exposure of microalgae to light and nutrients, enhancing volumetric accretion and growth by maintaining optimal biochemical reactions, thereby improving biomass production efficiency and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
said vortices being vortices in laminar flow
Implementation Method 2
creation of laminar vortices in the culture medium
Implementation Method 3
illumination of microalgae should take into account the different wavelengths, necessary for the activation reaction of photosynthesis precursors
Implementation Method 4
tracked using fluid dynamic models and particle tracking techniques
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for growing biomass particles, in particular microalgae, in a culture medium and in the presence of one or more light and nutrient sources, which provides for space-time control of said biomass particles with respect to said light and nutrient sources in order to optimize and maximize the growth rate of the biomass. In relation to prior art technologies, the method of the invention allows control of the process parameters, respectively "space", meant as position of the particles relative to the light and nutrient sources, and "time", i.e., the time for which the particles remain exposed to light and nutrients, so as to promote the biochemical reactions necessary for the growth of these biomass particles.