Vertical Algae Substrates for High-Density Production
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current algae production systems are limited in yield per unit area and require significant maintenance due to strain on substrates, and they often break algae filaments during harvesting, reducing their effectiveness in open water bodies.
Innovation Solution
A modular apparatus with vertically oriented substrates perpendicular to the water surface, optimized to maximize packing density and reduce strain, allowing for increased algae growth at greater depths and enabling efficient harvesting by leaving a standing crop attached to the substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If substrates are oriented horizontally in water, then algae can grow on the substrate surface, but the yield per unit area of open water is limited and substrates experience significant strain leading to frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal substrate orientation to vertical orientation, changing the dimensional arrangement of substrates in the water column. This vertical configuration increases the cumulative substrate area per unit area of open water while reducing water current strain on substrates, thereby simultaneously improving productivity and reliability
2Quantity of substance
If harvesting removes all algae from substrates, then complete harvest is achieved, but subsequent production rates decrease due to loss of standing crop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial harvesting by leaving a substantial standing crop (5-50% of algae) attached to substrates after harvest. This partial action approach ensures complete removal of harvestable algae while maintaining sufficient standing crop to sustain high subsequent production rates, resolving the contradiction between harvest quantity and future productivity
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 approach significantly increases algae production per unit area, reduces maintenance costs, and allows for higher yields even in turbid waters, with the ability to harvest algae while minimizing damage to the substrates and maintaining productivity.
Implementation Method 1
The optical qualities of water allow algae to grow at a significant depth below the water surface
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method are described for producing and harvesting algae. The orientation of the production substrates is critical for maximizing production as a function of water area utilized. By employing an array of algae production substrates in a vertical configuration relative to the water surface, the yield of algae production per area of open water is increased substantially relative to prior art algae production systems.