Journal Article

FZJ-2021-03218

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png How Do Operational and Design Parameters Effect Biomass Productivity in a Flat-Panel Photo-Bioreactor? A Computational Analysis

Loomba, V. ; von Lieres, E. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; Huber, G. (Corresponding author)FZJ*

2021
MDPI Basel

This record in other databases:  

Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/28571  doi:10.3390/pr9081387

Abstract: Optimal production of microalgae in photo-bioreactors (PBRs) largely depends on the amount of light intensity received by individual algal cells, which is affected by several operational and design factors. A key question is: which process parameters have the highest potential for the optimization of biomass productivity? This can be analyzed by simulating the complex interplay of PBR design, hydrodynamics, dynamic light exposure, and growth of algal cells. A workflow was established comprising the simulation of hydrodynamics in a flat-panel PBR using computational fluid dynamics, calculation of light irradiation inside the PBR, tracing the light exposure of individual cells over time, and calculation the algal growth and biomass productivity based on this light exposure. Different PBR designs leading to different flow profiles were compared, and operational parameters such as air inlet flowrate, microalgal concentration, and incident light intensity were varied to investigate their effect on PBR productivity. The design of internal structures and lighting had a significant effect on biomass productivity, whereas air inlet flowrate had a minimal effect. Microalgal concentration and incident light intensity controlled the amount of light intensity inside the PBR, thereby significantly affecting the overall productivity. For detailed quantitative insight into these dependencies, better parameterization of algal growth models is required.

---

Contributing Institute(s):

1. Biotechnologie (IBG-1)
2. Pflanzenwissenschaften (IBG-2)

Research Program(s):

1. 2171 - Biological and environmental resources for sustainable use (POF4-217) (POF4-217)

Appears in the scientific report 2021

---

Database coverage:
; ; ; ; Article Processing Charges ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Engineering, Computing and Technology ; DOAJ Seal ; Essential Science Indicators ; Fees ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

---