Triangular LED Carrier for Bioreactor Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioreactors using LED lamps for algae growth face inefficiencies due to heat production, which causes caking and local heat stress, reducing the effectiveness of algae growth.
Innovation Solution
A carrier device with a triangular arrangement for LED arrays allows for efficient cooling by spacing the longitudinal axes of LED arrays 120° apart, minimizing heat-related issues and preventing algae caking, thereby enhancing growth efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LED lamps are submerged in algal growth medium for efficient light delivery, then light efficiency is improved, but heat production causes caking of algae onto the housing surface and local heat stress
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple cooling zones with separate cooling channels distributed along the length of the housing. Each zone can be independently cooled, allowing targeted heat removal from different LED array sections. This segmentation prevents localized overheating and reduces caking in specific areas while maintaining efficient light delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance between the heat-generating LED arrays and the algal growth medium. The cooling fluid absorbs heat from the LED arrays through internal channels and carries it away, preventing direct heat transfer to the algae and eliminating the harmful thermal effects while preserving the beneficial light delivery.
2Productivity
If LED arrays are arranged closely to maximize light output, then productivity is improved, but heat accumulation increases causing detrimental effects on algae growth
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the housing provide different thermal environments through the cooling system. Areas with higher LED density or greater heat generation receive enhanced cooling through dedicated channels, while other areas receive appropriate cooling levels. This local differentiation allows maximum LED array density for productivity while preventing harmful heat accumulation through zone-specific thermal management.
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 solution effectively reduces heat-related stress and caking, improving the efficiency of algae growth in bioreactors by maintaining optimal temperature control and light exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The walls are oriented with respect to each other to define a space of substantially equilateral triangular cross section, in which first and second hollow compartments are provided, which serve, when in operation, as a passage for a cooling liquid to effect cooling of the LEDs
Implementation Method 2
the first closing means comprises an inlet for introducing a cooling liquid into the first hollow compartment, and an outlet for passing the cooling liquid out of the second hollow compartment
Implementation Method 3
LED arrays mounted to the carrier device - i.e. LED lamps according to the invention
Implementation Method 4
Organisms capable of photosynthesis convert light energy into chemical energy by converting carbon dioxide and water into the end-products oxygen and carbohydrates
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a carrier device for LED arrays, a LED lamp comprising this device and a bioreactor comprising this lamp. The invention also relates to a method for growing organisms capable of photosynthesis in an aqueous liquid wherein the LED lamp is used.