- Title
- Mass transfer of photosynthetic gases within a multiphase microalgae production system
- Creator
- Moberg, Annelie; Ellem, Gary; Jameson, Graeme; Herbertson, Joe
- Relation
- CHEMECA 2009 Conference. CHEMECA 2009: Engineering Our Future: Are We Up to the Challenge?: CD with Proceedings (Perth, W.A. 27-30 September, 2009)
- Relation
- http://www.icms.com.au/chemeca2009/abstract/303.asp
- Publisher
- Engineers Australia
- Resource Type
- conference paper
- Date
- 2009
- Description
- Successful large-scale production of microalgae could supply the world with a new source of protein for food and feed, oil for renewable fuel and biomass for energy or carbon sequestration purposes. Closed, fully controllable photobioreactors would allow for high areal productivity. Modelling of the reactor environment aids understanding of critical parameters and subsequent optimization of reactor performance. The presented study is based on a novel photobioreactor, designed to be productive, scalable and low cost. As a first part of an engineering analysis of the reactor, a simplified two-phase liquid-gas system is considered and local concentrations of dissolved gases predicted. Later research will aim to use the knowledge gained about the fluid dynamics to tailor this environment to suit the specific light-requirements of microalgae and optimize biomass growth. The main focus of the initial analysis is the mass transfer of the photosynthetic gases carbon dioxide and oxygen. Carbon dioxide is supplied as a gas, but can only be utilized by microalgae in its dissolved form. Produced oxygen will accumulate in the liquid phase and inhibit algae photosynthesis if the liquid-gas mass flux is insufficient. Hence, it is essential that sufficient mass transfer between phases is attained to sustain optimal growth and reactor efficiency. Mathematical modelling is used to predict local concentrations of dissolved gases and the optimal level of mass transfer for peak productivity and energy efficiency. Results of this study will be used to enhance the novel reactor design and will be key in developing operation and control systems.
- Subject
- microalgae; photobioreactors; two-phase liquid-gas systems; photosynthetic gases
- Identifier
- uon:9070
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/920093
- Identifier
- ISBN:9780858259225
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