A numerical framework to predict the performances of a tubular photobioreactor from operating and sunlight conditions

Laifa, Ryma; Morchain, Jérôme; Tiruta-Barna, Ligia; Guiraud, Pascal

doi:10.1016/j.algal.2021.102550

Cited by 9 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 71 publications

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“…In order to save computational resources, the angular discretization might be kept coarse, which, however, can lead to significant errors in the computed radiation field, particularly in case of small or diffuse light sources [204][205][206]. An alternative method for radiative transfer calculations is the Monte Carlo method [207,208], which does not suffer from the need of angular discretization, but has the drawback that computations can be very time-consuming for microalgae cultures since the strong absorbance requires many photons to be traced before smooth results are achieved. Recently, lattice Boltzmann methods as another class of methods were developed to solve the Radiative transfer equation [13,21,[209][210][211][212] and some models are included in open software codes [213].…”

Section: Radiative Transfer Equationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling and Simulation of Photobioreactors with Computational Fluid Dynamics—A Comprehensive Review

Luzi¹,

McHardy

2022

Energies

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Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) have been frequently applied to model the growth conditions in photobioreactors, which are affected in a complex way by multiple, interacting physical processes. We review common photobioreactor types and discuss the processes occurring therein as well as how these processes have been considered in previous CFD models. The analysis reveals that CFD models of photobioreactors do often not consider state-of-the-art modeling approaches. As a comprehensive photobioreactor model consists of several sub-models, we review the most relevant models for the simulation of fluid flows, light propagation, heat and mass transfer and growth kinetics as well as state-of-the-art models for turbulence and interphase forces, revealing their strength and deficiencies. In addition, we review the population balance equation, breakage and coalescence models and discretization methods since the predicted bubble size distribution critically depends on them. This comprehensive overview of the available models provides a unique toolbox for generating CFD models of photobioreactors. Directions future research should take are also discussed, mainly consisting of an extensive experimental validation of the single models for specific photobioreactor geometries, as well as more complete and sophisticated integrated models by virtue of the constant increase of the computational capacity.

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Section: Radiative Transfer Equationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling and Simulation of Photobioreactors with Computational Fluid Dynamics—A Comprehensive Review

Luzi¹,

McHardy

2022

Energies

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“…This indicates that the mixing time is important but is not the only parameter limiting PBR performance. In terms of PBR performance at least the light penetration should be also considered [ 29 ].…”

Section: Main Textmentioning

confidence: 99%

Establishment of a simple method to evaluate mixing times in a plastic bag photobioreactor using image processing based on freeware tools

Wurm

Sandmann

2021

BMC Res Notes

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Objective Accurate determination of the mixing time in bioreactors is essential for the optimization of the productivity of bioprocesses. The aim of this work was to develop a simple optical method to determine the mixing time in a photobioreactor. The image processing method should be based on freeware tools, should not require programming skills, and thus could be used in education within high schools and in early stages of undergraduate programs. Results An optical method has been established to analyze images from recorded videos of mixing experiments. The steps are: 1. Extraction of a sequence of images from the video file; 2. Cropping of the pictures; 3. Background removal; and 4. Image analysis and mixing time evaluation based on quantification of pixel-to-pixel heterogeneity within a given area of interest. The novel method was generally able to track the dependency between aeration rate and mixing time within the investigated photobioreactor. In direct comparison, a pearson correlation coefficient of rho = 0.99 was obtained. Gas flow rates between 10 L h−1, and 300 L h−1 resulted from mixing times of between 48 and 14 s, respectively. This technique is applicable without programming skills and can be used in education with inexperienced user groups.

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“…By a similar approach, Wang et al, and Hinterholz et al developed and optimized the internal structure of a bioreactor by introducing inclined baffles which were seen to improve the swirling features of the flow. Through Lagrangian cell tracking combined with a solar radiation transfer model, Laifa and coauthors related the overall growth rate to the broth velocity, and by applying CFD simulations, Zhang et al studied the adhesion of cells and the biofilm growth on the walls of a bioreactor at varying surface roughness. Also, models aimed at coupling the biokinetics of microalgae growth and the equipment hydrodynamics have been devised − and seem to compare well with experimental data.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advanced Design and Characterization of a Flat Panel Photobioreactor Equipped with a Customizable Light-Emitting Diode Lighting System

Carone,

Frungieri,

Costamagna

et al. 2024

ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng.

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Microalgae-based biorefinery processes are gaining particular importance in producing high-quality biomass and energy feedstock for several industrial markets. However, there are still several factors that contribute to poor yields of microalgae growth in the current technologies. These include inadequate light management, inefficient gas exchange, limited control over temperature and pH, and susceptibility to contamination. Additionally, challenges associated with the scalability and high operational costs of photobioreactors (PBR) further hinder the achievement of optimal yields in microalgae cultivation. This work presents a detailed characterization of a novel flat-panel PBR equipped with a tunable LED lighting system. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study was conducted to characterize in detail the equipment from a hydrodynamics point of view. CFD results showed that the flow field has several peculiar features, such as vortices and a bypass current, that can be expected to affect the light absorbance statistics and the microalgae and nutrients spatial distributions. Considerations for both the system optimization and modeling of its behavior during operation were drawn. Additionally, two different microalgae strains, namely, the green microalga Acutodesmus obliquus and the red extremophile Galdieria sulphuraria, each with specific growth parameters and spectra irradiation requirements, were successfully cultivated using tailored light spectra. The biomass concentrations and yields achieved (yields on light of 0.58 and 0.45 g mol ph −1 for A. obliquus and G. sulphuraria, respectively) were consistent with currently reported productivities for both species, highlighting the effectiveness of the adopted strategy for light management and the PBR overall design.

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A numerical framework to predict the performances of a tubular photobioreactor from operating and sunlight conditions

Cited by 9 publications

References 71 publications

Modeling and Simulation of Photobioreactors with Computational Fluid Dynamics—A Comprehensive Review

Modeling and Simulation of Photobioreactors with Computational Fluid Dynamics—A Comprehensive Review

Establishment of a simple method to evaluate mixing times in a plastic bag photobioreactor using image processing based on freeware tools

Advanced Design and Characterization of a Flat Panel Photobioreactor Equipped with a Customizable Light-Emitting Diode Lighting System

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