Photobioreactor CO2 Dilution for Biomass Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to make the cultivation of phototrophic organisms for fuel production more economically attractive by effectively utilizing exhaust gases from industrial processes, while minimizing environmental impact and optimizing growth conditions within existing facilities.
Innovation Solution
A process involving a photobioreactor where phototrophic biomass is grown in a reaction zone with a carbon dioxide-enriched medium, using exhaust gases from industrial processes, and supplemented with a dilution agent to maintain optimal carbon dioxide concentrations, combined with controlled light exposure for photosynthesis, to promote efficient growth and biomass production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If exhaust gases with high carbon dioxide concentration are supplied to the photobioreactor, then carbon dioxide utilization is improved, but the phototrophic biomass growth is inhibited due to excessive carbon dioxide concentration
Solution Approach 1:
A gas dilution agent is introduced as an intermediary substance to mix with the exhaust gas, thereby reducing the carbon dioxide concentration to a level suitable for phototrophic biomass growth while still maintaining enhanced carbon dioxide supply compared to ambient air
Solution Approach 2:
The carbon dioxide concentration parameter of the gas supply is modified by mixing exhaust gas with a dilution agent, changing the partial pressure and concentration of carbon dioxide to optimal levels for photosynthesis while preventing inhibition
2Object-affected harmful factors
If exhaust gases are supplied to the photobioreactor, then environmental impact is reduced, but the gas must be diluted to maintain optimal carbon dioxide concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
A gas dilution agent serves as a mediator that simplifies the system by providing a straightforward mixing approach to reduce carbon dioxide concentration, avoiding complex carbonation control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The dilution agent is introduced in a manner that allows the system to automatically maintain optimal carbon dioxide levels through the mixing process, reducing the need for complex active control mechanisms
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 enhances the economic viability of phototrophic biomass production by utilizing industrial exhaust gases, reduces environmental impact, and optimizes growth conditions, leading to efficient biomass production and energy generation.
Implementation Method 1
The carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass disposed in the aqueous medium is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation so as to effect photosynthesis
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. Prior to supplying a reaction zone feed material, including gaseous exhaust from a gaseous exhaust material producing process, supplying the reaction zone feed material with a supplemental gaseous dilution agent, wherein the carbon dioxide concentration of the supplemental gaseous dilution agent is less than the carbon dioxide concentration of the gaseous exhaust material which is supplied to the reaction zone feed material.