Selective Oxygen Pump for Photobioreactor Gas Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas transfer systems in photobioreactors lack effective control over selective gas ratios and pressure management, particularly for oxygen, which is crucial for optimal operation and carbon dioxide utilization in microorganism cultivation.
Innovation Solution
A photobioreactor transfer device equipped with a selective oxygen pump unit utilizing a zirconium oxide element as an ion conductor and solid electrolyte, allowing for targeted oxygen transfer and pressure control, independent of prevailing gas mixtures, and featuring a heating element for optimal operation and a measuring unit for monitoring voltage differences and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional pump system is used for gas transfer, then gas can be transferred between chambers, but selective control of oxygen transfer and gas ratio is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical pump systems with an electrochemical oxygen pump that uses electric current to drive selective oxygen ion transfer through a zirconium oxide electrolyte membrane. This substitution enables precise selective control of oxygen transfer while simplifying the overall system structure by eliminating complex mechanical components and valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by applying different currents to the electrochemical pump to control the rate and direction of oxygen transfer. By adjusting the current magnitude and polarity, the system can selectively transfer oxygen in either direction between chambers, providing versatile control without increasing mechanical complexity.
2Stress or pressure
If gas transfer is increased to manage pressure, then pressure control is improved, but selective control of gas ratio is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical pump replaces pressure-based gas transfer mechanisms with electrically-controlled selective oxygen ion transport. This allows independent control of oxygen partial pressure and total gas pressure, as only oxygen ions are transferred through the electrolyte while other gases remain in the original chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The zirconium oxide electrolyte membrane provides local selectivity by allowing only oxygen ions to pass through while blocking other gas molecules. This local quality enables selective oxygen transfer to control gas ratios in each chamber independently, while overall pressure can be managed by adjusting the transfer rate.
3Measurement precision
If conventional pumping methods are used, then gas transfer can be achieved, but control precision for oxygen concentration is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical pump provides precise oxygen concentration control by using electric current as a directly measurable and controllable parameter. The amount of oxygen transferred is stoichiometrically related to the current applied, enabling accurate control without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where oxygen concentration sensors monitor the chambers and adjust the pump current accordingly. This closed-loop control achieves high measurement precision for oxygen concentration while maintaining ease of operation through automated regulation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a selective oxygen pump is implemented, then selective gas transfer and gas ratio control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The selective oxygen transfer function is localized to the zirconium oxide electrolyte membrane, which inherently provides oxygen ion selectivity. This concentrates the complexity in a single passive component rather than requiring complex active control mechanisms throughout the pump system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical pump unit serves multiple functions: selective oxygen transfer, pressure control, and gas ratio regulation, all through a single integrated device. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate systems for each function.
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
Enables precise control of oxygen concentration and pressure in photobioreactors, enhancing oxygen production rates and reducing resource requirements, with a robust and flexible pumping system that operates electrically and requires minimal maintenance, suitable for use in various environments including space applications.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one pump unit is designed as a selective oxygen pump. The pump unit is an electrochemical oxygen pump
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a zirconium oxide element as an ion conductor and solid electrolyte
Implementation Method 3
The zirconium oxide element is designed for the selective transfer of oxygen from the first chamber to the second chamber
Implementation Method 4
featuring a heating element for optimal operation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a transfer device with at least one pump unit (12) which is designed for a defined gas transfer between a first enclosed space (14) of a system (16), in particular a photobioreactor system, and a second space (18) separate from the first space (14). It is proposed that the at least one pump unit (12) be configured as a selective oxygen pump.