Spherical LED Lamp Assembly for Algae Cultivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photobioreactors face challenges such as poor algae production due to seasonal and daily climatic changes and contamination, with productivity limited by the intensity of sunlight, which varies with photoperiod and season.
Innovation Solution
A photobioreactor design featuring a substantially spherical vessel with a lamp assembly comprising multiple circuit boards arranged in a spherical shape, each with a planar surface for LEDs, surrounded by a spherical barrier, providing a controlled electromagnetic source in the visible light spectrum for optimal algae cultivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sunlight is used as the light source in photobioreactors, then the system is simple and low-cost, but productivity is limited by seasonal and daily climatic changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces natural sunlight with artificial LED lighting systems that can be controlled independently of environmental conditions. The LED panels are positioned to provide consistent illumination throughout the photobioreactor, eliminating dependence on seasonal and daily climatic variations while maintaining high productivity levels year-round.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the light source parameters from natural sunlight (variable intensity and spectrum) to controlled LED lighting (consistent intensity and可调 spectrum). This allows optimization of light parameters for specific algae species and growth stages, improving productivity while reducing climatic dependence.
2Reliability
If shallow lagoons with paddle wheels are used for agitation, then the device complexity is low, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the paddle wheel agitation system entirely, replacing it with a gas sparging system that provides mixing through bubble-induced convection. This extraction of the mechanical agitation component eliminates potential contamination points while maintaining effective mixing through the liquid culture medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses gas sparging (pneumatic system) to achieve agitation and mixing instead of mechanical paddle wheels. Gas bubbles rising through the culture create convection currents that effectively mix the algae suspension, reducing contamination risk while maintaining low device complexity.
3Productivity
If LED arrays are used to provide consistent light, then productivity improves, but heat emission from LEDs increases temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary cooling medium that flows between the LED panels and the culture medium. This water layer absorbs heat from the LEDs before the heat can transfer to the algae culture, allowing high-intensity LED lighting to be used without overheating the photosynthetic organisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic cooling system where water circulates through channels positioned between the LED arrays and the culture medium. This continuous water flow actively removes heat generated by the LEDs, enabling high-productivity lighting while maintaining optimal temperature for algae growth.
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 design enhances the growth and density of photosynthetic organisms, maximizing bioconversion efficiencies and product yields, including biomolecules like fatty acids and biofuels, while minimizing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
an opposing second planar surface comprising light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Implementation Method 2
cultivation including, for example, propagation of a photosynthetic organism
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods and materials for the cultivation and/or propagation of a photosynthetic organism. Such methods may comprise the use of a lamp assembly that comprises a plurality of circuit boards, each comprising at least three edges, arranged in a substantially spherical shape defining an interior lamp assembly volume, wherein the plurality of circuit boards comprise a first planar surface in contact with the interior lamp assembly volume and an opposing second planar surface comprising light emitting diodes (LEDs); and a barrier that surrounds the plurality of circuit boards forming the substantially spherical shape.