Variable-Front-Face Photobioreactor for Scalable Sunlight Cultivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photobioreactor technologies face challenges in achieving large-scale, cost-effective, and efficient cultivation of microorganisms, particularly for biofuels and CO2 fixation, due to issues such as low productivity, contamination, and high installation costs, making them unsuitable for industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A photobioreactor design comprising two sections with a variable front face angle optimized for sunlight incidence, modular construction, and use of robust materials, allowing for scalable and automated systems for microorganism cultivation and liquid processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If closed tubular reactors are used, then productivity is improved, but construction difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photobioreactor is divided into a lower section (3) and an upper section (2) that can be assembled separately. The lower section contains the supply tube (6) with gas outlet holes (7), while the upper section has the front face (4) optimized for sunlight exposure. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the productivity benefits of a closed system.
2Productivity
If plastic bags are used for large-scale production, then productivity per volume is improved, but productivity per occupied area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The photobioreactor transitions from a horizontal/planar configuration to a vertical three-dimensional structure. The lower section (3) provides a compact base while the upper section (2) extends vertically with an optimized front face (4) for sunlight exposure. This vertical arrangement increases productivity per occupied area by utilizing the vertical dimension for light capture and biomass production.
3Ease of manufacture
If raceway tanks are used, then installation cost is reduced, but productivity decreases due to poor insolation
Solution Approach 1:
The front face (4) of the upper section (2) is designed with a variable angle (15) between 0° and 90° relative to the horizontal axis. This dynamic angular design allows optimization of sunlight incidence at different times of day and seasons, maximizing photosynthetic efficiency and productivity while maintaining a simple modular structure for cost-effective installation.
4Ease of manufacture
If raceway tanks are used, then installation cost is reduced, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photobioreactor is segmented into a lower section (3) and an upper section (2) connected by fixing means (12) with an o-ring (13) seal. This segmentation creates a closed system that prevents contamination from bacteria, protozoa, and fungi while maintaining cost-effective installation through simple modular assembly. The seal between sections ensures sterility without requiring complex contamination control systems.
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
Enhances productivity and reduces costs by optimizing sunlight exposure, enabling large-scale cultivation of microorganisms and efficient liquid evaporation, suitable for industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
The front face (4) is arranged in an angle (15) that varies between 0° and 90°, which is defined by the inclination at the point of intersection of the front face (4) with a horizontal axis (H) that is parallel to the lower section (3)
Implementation Method 2
a removable supply tube (6) arranged on the periphery of the lower section (3) with gas outlet holes (7) arranged on the length of the supply tube (6)
Implementation Method 3
an o-ring (13) inserted on the periphery of the lower section (3)
Implementation Method 4
Photobioreactor for the culture of macro or microorganisms, liquid evaporation or liquid fermentation
Data Source
AI summary
A photobioreactor (1) for the culture of macro or microorganisms such as algae, fungi or bacteria, with further applications in the treatment of liquids, capture and mitigation of CO2 and greenhouse gases, processes of liquid evaporation or liquid fermentation. The photobioreactor (1) comprises two sections, an upper section (2) and a lower section (3), in which the upper section (2) comprises a front face (4) with a slope angle that varies between 0° and 90°, to arrange the front face (4) perpendicularly to the incident sunlight when the sun is in its zenith.