Vertical Tank Photobioreactor for Accelerated Algae Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing algae growth processes lack efficiency in producing algae at an accelerated rate, do not utilize recycled waste materials effectively, and fail to achieve high output production of crude oil using the same strain of algae under controlled conditions, resulting in environmental impact and limited scalability.
Innovation Solution
A vertical tank photobioreactor system using recycled waste water, internal LED lighting, compressed air for CO2 supply, and a harvester dryer to produce a high yield of Nannochloropsis oculata algae, with byproducts recycled for sustainable energy and water reuse, generating clean air, water, and electricity, and producing crude oil for internal combustion engine fuels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional algae growth processes are used, then algae production can be achieved, but the growth rate is not accelerated and productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through controlled circulation cycles in the photobioreactor, where algae culture is continuously circulated between growth zones and harvesting zones. This periodic movement optimizes light exposure, nutrient distribution, and CO2 supply throughout the growth cycle, accelerating algae production while maintaining sustainable growth rates
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by controlling multiple variables simultaneously including light intensity from LED arrays, temperature through climate control, CO2 concentration from compressed air injection, and nutrient composition in recycled water. These optimized parameter combinations create ideal growth conditions that accelerate algae productivity without compromising growth sustainability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If waste materials are not recycled, then the process is simpler, but environmental impact increases and resource efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by harvesting a portion of algae biomass from the photobioreactor while returning the remaining culture to continue growing. Additionally, waste heat from the process is recovered for heating purposes, and CO2 from combustion is captured and reused as a nutrient source for algae, transforming waste streams into valuable resources and minimizing environmental impact
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service through integrated recycling loops where the algae production process generates its own inputs. The system uses recycled water containing nutrients for algae growth, captures CO2 from combustion for carbonation, and generates heat from biomass combustion for process heating. This self-sustaining approach reduces external resource requirements and environmental footprint while managing process complexity through integration
3Productivity
If high output production is achieved, then crude oil production increases, but resource consumption and environmental footprint may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts harm into benefit by using combustion of algae biomass or associated waste materials to generate heat and CO2, which are then fed back into the system. The combustion process produces thermal energy for heating the photobioreactor and generates CO2 that serves as a essential nutrient for algae growth. This transforms potential waste and emissions into valuable resources, enabling high output crude oil production while minimizing energy loss and environmental impact
4Reliability
If sustainable recycling processes are implemented, then environmental sustainability improves, but process complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing components that perform multiple functions. The photobioreactor serves both as a growth chamber and a circulation system. The compressed air system provides both oxygen for algae and CO2 through controlled decomposition. The heating system uses heat exchangers that can both heat and cool the culture as needed. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate infrastructure components needed while maintaining sustainable recycling processes
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 system achieves accelerated algae growth, high output production with minimal environmental footprint, using renewable resources and recycling byproducts to create a self-sustaining process for producing aviation fuel, gasoline, and diesel fuel, with no carbon emissions or contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a photobioreactor, which incorporates internal LED light sources of an optimal wavelength to grow the algae source within the bioreactor
Implementation Method 2
the algae product supplied in wet or dry form for the further production of biofuels through the conversion of the algae to crude oil
Implementation Method 3
a compressed air source to supply the bioreactor with air to provide CO2 to the algae culture within the bioreactor and also to move the biomass algae within the bioreactor at a gentle flow without damage to the algae
Implementation Method 4
a harvester condenser for removal of excess water from the harvested algae from the bioreactor
Implementation Method 5
a steam powered electrical generator to supply the system with electric power using the water taken from the primary harvester and harvester dryer
Implementation Method 6
with garbage, trash, wood waster, rubbish and other combustible waster to supply heat to the process, to generate CO2 for the growth of the algae
Data Source
AI summary
A process for accelerated and sustainable algae growth using a vertical tank photobioreactor, which includes steps involving the sustainable algae growth, preferably of the strain nannochloropsis oculata, the harvest of a portion of the algae in a harvester apparatus, the reduction and recycling of byproducts using recycled waste and conversion of gasses to useable and sustainable recycling within the process, the algae product supplied in wet or dry form for the further production of biofuels through the conversion of the algae to crude oil.