Assessment of hydrodynamics based on Computational Fluid Dynamics to optimize the operation of hybrid tubular photobioreactors

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F68407700%3A21220%2F21%3A00350520" target="_blank" >RIV/68407700:21220/21:00350520 - isvavai.cz</a>

Result on the web

<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2021.105768" target="_blank" >https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2021.105768</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2021.105768" target="_blank" >10.1016/j.jece.2021.105768</a>

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Assessment of hydrodynamics based on Computational Fluid Dynamics to optimize the operation of hybrid tubular photobioreactors

Original language description

Appropriate hydrodynamic conditions are crucial in photobioreactors (PBR) in order to prevent sedimentation of microalgal biomass and to ensure the uniform exposure of microalgae cells to light and nutrients. Hydrodynamic conditions are also important to guarantee efficient mass transfer and proper shear stress on the transparent walls of the PBR, which can avoid the formation of undesired biofilm. Numerical simulations based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can assist to improve the hydrodynamic design and optimization of PBRs. In this study, CFD was used as a tool to investigate the hydrodynamics of a hybrid horizontal tubular PBR designed for microalgae cultivation and wastewater treatment. The flow regime, average circulation time and shear stress distribution in the tubes were evaluated. To establish the reliability of the simulation study, the CFD model was validated using tracer experimental tests and ultrasonic flow meter measurements. Results showed that the hydrodynamic conditions in the tubes resembled plug flow with small axial dispersion. The simulated velocity profile in the tube corresponded to the analytical velocity profile based on experimental data. Simulations also showed that, even increasing flow velocities, low velocity zones were present in some zones of the PBR. The shear stress distribution in the tubes showed values higher enough to reduce or avoid the formation of biofilm, nevertheless the shear stress value is not sufficient to remove the already formed biofilm. Based on the numerical investigation and practical evaluation, this study demonstrated that CFD is a useful tool to optimize PBR design and operation in order to enhance microalgae production and boost the scale-up of this technology.

Czech name

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Czech description

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Type

J_imp - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database

CEP classification

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OECD FORD branch

20402 - Chemical process engineering

Project

<a href="/en/project/EF16_019%2F0000753" target="_blank" >EF16_019/0000753: Research centre for low-carbon energy technologies</a><br>

Continuities

P - Projekt vyzkumu a vyvoje financovany z verejnych zdroju (s odkazem do CEP)<br>S - Specificky vyzkum na vysokych skolach

Publication year

2021

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Name of the periodical

Journal of Environmental CHemical Engineering

ISSN

2213-2929

e-ISSN

2213-3437

Volume of the periodical

9

Issue of the periodical within the volume

5

Country of publishing house

AT - AUSTRIA

Number of pages

10

Pages from-to

1-10

UT code for WoS article

000714639400003

EID of the result in the Scopus database

2-s2.0-85107798194