Modular Photobioreactor with Close-Coupled Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photobioreactor systems for cultivating phototrophic microorganisms like algae face challenges with low productivity, high energy intensity, and large footprints, making biofuel production uneconomical and difficult to scale.
Innovation Solution
A compact photobioreactor system with a gas-inlet and light source configuration where the light source is placed close to or inside the photobioreactor tubes, allowing for efficient light distribution and utilization, and a modular design for flexible scaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional photobioreactor systems are used, then algae cultivation can be performed, but productivity is low and energy intensity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional horizontal or vertical column photobioreactors to a three-dimensional modular stacked configuration. Multiple photobioreactor modules are arranged vertically and horizontally to create efficient light distribution in three dimensions, allowing algae cultures to receive optimal light exposure while maximizing space utilization and productivity per unit area
Solution Approach 2:
The photobioreactor system is divided into multiple independent modular units that can be stacked and configured flexibly. Each module contains separate photobioreactor tubes or chambers that can be independently optimized for light exposure and algae growth, enabling scalable deployment that improves overall productivity while reducing energy consumption per unit of algae produced
2Productivity
If conventional photobioreactor systems are used, then algae cultivation can be performed, but the footprint is large
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes vertical stacking of photobioreactor modules to transition from two-dimensional horizontal expansion to three-dimensional vertical cultivation. This allows high productivity to be achieved within a compact footprint by stacking multiple cultivation layers vertically, each receiving adequate light exposure through the modular design
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional photobioreactor systems are used, then algae cultivation can be performed, but scaling is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The photobioreactor system is designed as independent modular units that can be easily replicated and stacked. Each module is self-contained with standardized connections for fluid circulation and light delivery, allowing the system to be scaled from small pilot installations to large commercial operations by simply adding more modules without significantly increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The modular photobioreactor design employs universal standardized components and connections that can be used across different scale configurations. The same basic module design serves multiple functions including light reception, gas exchange, and algae cultivation, enabling flexible scaling without requiring different system architectures for different production levels
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 system achieves high productivity and effective light source utilization, reducing energy intensity and footprint, making biofuel production more economical and scalable.
Implementation Method 1
Since algae are photogenic microorganisms, they grow by consuming carbon dioxide (CO2) and energy from light using the mechanism described as photosynthesis
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a container comprising at least one gas-inlet, a photobioreactor and at least one light source, wherein the at least one gas-inlet of the container is in fluid connection with at least one gas-inlet of the photobioreactor and wherein the at least one light source is placed in a distance less than 5 cm from an outer surface of a photobioreactor tube and/or the at least one light source is placed inside the photobioreactor tube.