Considerations for Photobioreactor Design and Operation for Mass Cultivation of Microalgae

Abstract

Microalgae have great biotechnological potential for production of substances through photosynthesis. Light capture process and electron transportation imply energy losses due to reflection, fluorescence emission, and energy dissipation as heat, giving a maximum theoretical value of -% for microalgae energy capture efficiency and conversion to biomass. For development of full potential of microalgae the knowledge of the light capture process is required. High yields can only be obtained linking photobioreactor design with biological process taking place inside. In massive microalgae cultures, light gradients are generated and this depends on the biomass concentration, cellular types, cells sizes, and pigment content, and also on geometry, hydrodynamic, and light conditions inside the photobioreactor. In the present chapter we explain the relationship between light energy capture process and photobioreactor design and operation conditions, like turbulence, gas exchange, and nutrient requirements. Finally, the productivity and costs are discussed, and the parameters that determine the economic viability of any microalgae culture.

Photobioreactor cultivation strategies for microalgae and cyanobacteria

“…The alpha system consists of five flat panels arranged in a triangular shape with air supplied at the intersection of two legs. The conical flat panel PBR consists of tubes that run vertical at the two ends and cross diagonally between the two ends . As future research is directed at improving the feasibility of production systems using PBRs, we do not believe there will be a “one size fits all” regarding PBR design.…”

Estimation of States in Photosynthetic Systems via Chained Observers:design for a Tertiary Wastewater Treatment by Using Spirulina Maxima on Photobiorreactor

“…Photosynthesis is the photochemical process carried out by special kind of cells to produce the inverse effect of mineralizing, i.e. converting inorganic matter into organic matter, by fixing the energy from the sun (Cañedo & Lizárraga, 2016). The origin of life on earth began with a reduced atmosphere.…”

“…This situation can be related to the high photosynthetic performance and the main and cleanest source of energy: solar energy. Compared to other living organisms such as terrestrial plants whose growth is limited by the availability of CO 2 , massive cultivation of microalgae leads to a high potential for algae biomass production of several tens of tons per hectare per year (Cañedo & Lizárraga, 2016).…”

Cyanobacterial Farming for Environment Friendly Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Innovations and Perspectives

“…However, production of biomass at large scale is required for the application of cyanobacteria in above mentioned purposes. Cyanobacterial cultivation does not compete for resources with agricultural crops, and moreover, they have better aerial productivity than plants (Dismukes et al, 2008;Cañedo and Lizárraga, 2016;Ooms et al, 2016). Genetic modification of cyanobacteria and their usefulness have been studied mainly in the laboratory; however, for commercial production, the process needs to be standardized and applied outdoors.…”

“…Generally, the raceway or circular type shallow open ponds are used for mass cultivation of cyanobacteria and microalgae (Cañedo and Lizárraga, 2016). These systems are usually large raceways or open ponds where natural light is the source of energy ( Figure 3A).…”