Spiral Photobioreactor for Algae Cultivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microalgae photobioreactors face issues such as inhibited photosynthesis, low production efficiency, small natural lighting area, low light energy utilization, complex and costly equipment, high energy consumption, and unsuitability for large-scale cultivation.
Innovation Solution
A photobioreactor design featuring a bottom-sealed irregular tubular shape with a transparent separation unit dividing the reactor into two spaces and a first aeration device connected to the bottom for upward aeration, combined with a transparent tube bank structure and LED lighting, and an algae cultivation system incorporating a gas-liquid heat exchanger and wind-driven air compressor for efficient mixing, temperature control, and gas exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional enclosed photobioreactors are used for microalgae cultivation, then cultivation conditions are easy to control and cultivation density is high, but construction and operation costs are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The photobioreactor is divided into multiple functional sections: a reaction section with spiral tube for algae cultivation, a sedimentation section for solid-liquid separation, and a storage section for culture solution. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function efficiently while using simple, cost-effective structures rather than complex enclosed systems throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The spiral tube structure serves both as the reaction vessel and provides natural convection currents for mixing. The sedimentation section directly receives culture solution from the reaction section, eliminating the need for separate pumping and transfer systems between stages.
2Illumination intensity
If tubular photobioreactors with three-dimensional tube structures are used, then light harvesting is improved, but the structure becomes complex and large-scale equipment is difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction section uses a spiral tube configuration where the tube winds in a curved path. This curved structure increases the light path length and improves light harvesting efficiency compared to straight tubes, while maintaining a compact footprint that is easier to scale up than complex three-dimensional tube arrangements.
3Area of stationary object
If vertical positioning of reactor is used to achieve large-scale production, then floor area is reduced, but transporting culture solution from bottom to top requires lots of energy and shearing force on algal filament is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The sedimentation section is positioned at the same horizontal level as the reaction section, connected by a horizontal pipeline. This equipotential arrangement eliminates the need for energy-intensive vertical pumping, allowing culture solution to flow horizontally under gravity or low pressure while reducing shear force on algal filaments compared to vertical transport.
4Productivity
If gas desorbing devices and parallel transparent tubes are used for gas exchange, then gas exchange efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost and operating cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral tube configuration in the reaction section generates natural convection currents that automatically facilitate gas exchange between the culture medium and headspace. This self-service mechanism eliminates or reduces the need for complex mechanical gas desorbing devices, lowering both manufacturing and operating costs while maintaining effective gas exchange.
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 design enhances light energy utilization, reduces gas consumption, and enables efficient four-dimensional mixing of the algae solution, allowing for timely oxygen release and carbon absorption, thus improving microalgae growth conditions while being energy-efficient and cost-effective for large-scale cultivation.
Implementation Method 1
the reactor main body has a bottom-sealed irregular tubular shape, and is made of a transparent material
Implementation Method 2
the first aeration device is connected with the bottom of either space of the reactor main body, and aerates upwards
Implementation Method 3
Their cells act like sunshine-driven organic-producing factories that utilize light energy to absorb CO2 and H2O, and convert them into chemical energy such as carbohydrate, protein and fat and release O2 through their efficient photosynthesis
Implementation Method 4
achieving four-dimensional circulating mixing of algae solution in upward, downward, forward and backward directions
Data Source
AI summary
The present application belongs to the technical field of biology. Provided is a photobioreactor used for algae cultivation, said photobioreactor comprising: a reactor main body, a separation unit, and a first aeration device. The reactor main body is a sealed irregular tubular shape, the separation unit is located within the reactor main body, and divides the reactor main body into two spaces, a left space and a right space, and the first aeration device is connected to a bottom portion of the reactor main body. Also provided is an algae cultivation system, comprising the photobioreactor, the second aeration device, and a temperature control system, and being capable of regulating the temperature of an algae solution.