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Photobioreactor technology

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From: mk_thisisit

Photobioreactor technology, as showcased at the West Pomeranian University of Technology’s OZ 2.0 laboratory, represents a unique global initiative focused on the comprehensive cycle of microalgae biomass production for energy purposes [00:01:48]. This system is a closed method for cultivating algae, designed to maximize efficiency and control over the growth process [00:04:09].

How Photobioreactors Work

Photobioreactors require specific conditions to cultivate algae effectively:

  • Light Algae need light for photosynthesis. The system uses LED lighting, specifically red-blue diodes, because these wavelengths are the most photosynthetically active for algae, minimizing energy consumption in biomass production [00:04:57]. While mostly red-blue, about 10% white light is also added [00:05:41]. For optimal light reception, bioreactors should ideally be placed on building facades [00:13:50].
  • Water Water is essential for algae growth [00:04:45]. Studies have shown that algae can be grown on sewage, which serves as a nutrient source, leading to more intensive multiplication and larger biomass yields than synthetic media [00:21:44].
  • Carbon Dioxide Algae require carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, making it possible to inject industrial carbon dioxide into the system [00:22:44].
  • Nutrients Fertilizers and other nutrients are added to support algae development [00:04:49].
  • Temperature While algae can develop across a wide temperature range, the most beneficial range is 20-30 degrees Celsius [00:05:59]. For industrial production, the goal is to adapt to environmental conditions rather than strict optimal temperatures [00:06:18]. The maximum temperature limit for algae is around 40-45 degrees Celsius, depending on the species [00:06:42].

Algae Cultivation and Harvesting

Algae cultivation can be periodic, with harvests every 7 to 10 days, or continuous [00:06:58]. This continuous, year-round harvest capability is a significant advantage over traditional biomass, which is limited by growing seasons [00:07:37]. Unlike open pond systems, photobioreactors prevent pollution and evaporation [00:08:02].

After cultivation, the biomass must be dehydrated and separated from the culture medium [00:08:38]. This can be achieved through:

  • Sedimentation [00:09:11]
  • Flocculation (adding natural or synthetic reagents to group tiny algal cells) [00:09:15]
  • Filtration [00:09:49]
  • Centrifugation, especially for large volumes, which yields a paste [00:10:13]

The resulting biomass paste can be used wet or dried for longer storage without losing quality or energy stability [00:11:05], [00:14:31].

Products and Applications

Algae are highly effective energy stores because they convert light more intensively than plants, leading to a rapid accumulation of valuable components such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins [00:23:47], [00:14:00]. This allows for much larger yields per unit surface area compared to traditional energy plants [00:24:07].

Biofuels and Energy

The technology enables the production of various types of biofuels:

This biomass acts as a “green energy storage,” providing energy independence [00:10:29], [00:12:55]. In 2011, the first passenger plane flight was conducted entirely on fuel from algae [00:00:33], [00:15:54].

Other Industrial Uses

The versatility of algae biomass extends beyond fuel, offering multiple applications:

  • Pharmaceuticals [00:17:15]
  • Cosmetics [00:17:18]
  • Biofertilizers Algae can be used to create ecological biofertilizers in capsules made from alginate (produced from algae), which slowly decompose in the soil, releasing valuable ingredients adapted to plant needs [00:17:18], [00:18:12]. This slow release prevents the issue of excess nutrients leaching into water bodies, contributing to eutrophication [00:18:30]. Algae also act as biopesticides and growth supporters [00:17:54].

The ability to derive multiple products from the same biomass makes algae cultivation economically viable today, addressing past challenges related to the price of traditional fuels [00:16:50].

Environmental Benefits

The processes involved in bioenergy production from algae offer significant environmental advantages:

  • Oxygen Production Algae produce most of the oxygen on Earth, making life on the planet possible [00:00:43], [00:23:26].
  • Waste Utilization The ability to grow algae on sewage means converting waste into a valuable resource, providing water and nutrients without additional purchase [00:21:44], [00:22:36].
  • Carbon Capture Algae consume carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, offering a way to utilize industrial CO2 emissions [00:22:44].
  • Reduced Pollution The use of algae-based biofertilizers with slow-release mechanisms helps mitigate eutrophication by preventing excess nutrients from entering aquatic environments [00:18:30].

The professor, a microbiologist, expresses deep passion for this field, highlighting the incredible possibilities of biomass processing and the huge pro-environmental profit it offers [00:03:01], [00:21:03]. The ultimate goal is to commercialize this technology, making it widely available and contributing to a more sustainable future [00:19:05].

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