Phototrophic Biomass Growth Control via CO2 Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in economically incorporating phototrophic biomass production into existing facilities is the inefficiency in utilizing exhaust gases for promoting growth, as current methods do not effectively optimize the use of carbon dioxide and light radiation for maximizing biomass growth rates.
Innovation Solution
A process is developed where phototrophic biomass is grown in a reaction zone with controlled exposure to photosynthetically active light and modulated carbon dioxide supply, using a gaseous exhaust material enriched with CO2, and supplemental gases or aqueous materials to optimize growth rates and biomass discharge, with sensors detecting growth indicators to adjust the discharge rate and input materials based on CO2 supply rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If exhaust gases are supplied to promote phototrophic biomass growth, then carbon dioxide availability for photosynthesis is improved, but the efficiency of biomass production and economic attractiveness deteriorate due to lack of optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the phototrophic biomass growth indicator and compares it to a target value. When the indicator deviates from the target, the controller automatically adjusts the discharge rate of phototrophic biomass from the reaction zone to bring the growth indicator back to the target value, creating a closed-loop feedback control system that optimizes biomass production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the discharge rate parameter of phototrophic biomass based on real-time growth indicator measurements. By adjusting this parameter in response to growth conditions, the system maximizes biomass production efficiency while maintaining optimal growth rates, transforming a static process into a dynamically optimized one
2Productivity
If the discharge rate of phototrophic biomass is increased to maximize production, then productivity is improved, but the phototrophic biomass growth indicator deviates from target values causing growth optimization to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses feedback from the phototrophic biomass growth indicator to automatically adjust the discharge rate. When growth indicator values deviate from the target, the system modifies the discharge rate to restore optimal growth conditions, ensuring both high productivity and stable growth indicators through continuous adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static discharge rate to a dynamic, adaptive discharge rate that changes in real-time based on growth conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain optimal growth indicators while maximizing productivity, as the discharge rate automatically responds to changing biological conditions
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 process enhances the growth rate of phototrophic biomass by optimizing CO2 utilization and light exposure, achieving a discharge rate that maximizes biomass production while reducing environmental impact and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a reaction mixture that is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone, including a reaction mixture that is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation, is provided. The reaction mixture includes phototrophic biomass that is operative for growth within the reaction zone. In one aspect, the carbon dioxide supply is modulated in response to detected process parameters. In another aspect, inputs to the reaction zone are modulated based on changes to the carbon dioxide supply. In another aspect, dilution of the carbon dioxide-comprising supply is effected. In another aspect, pressure of the carbon dioxide-comprising supply is increased. In another aspect, water is condensed from the carbon dioxide-comprising supply and recovered for re-use. In another aspect, the produced phototrophic biomass is harvested at a rate which approximates a predetermined mass growth rate of the phototrophic biomass.