Computational fluid dynamics coupled to biokinetic models: Numerical methodology for microalgae cultivation optimization

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F68407700%3A21220%2F24%3A00369713" target="_blank" >RIV/68407700:21220/24:00369713 - isvavai.cz</a>

Result on the web

<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2023.11.038" target="_blank" >https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2023.11.038</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2023.11.038" target="_blank" >10.1016/j.psep.2023.11.038</a>

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Computational fluid dynamics coupled to biokinetic models: Numerical methodology for microalgae cultivation optimization

Original language description

Mixing of the algal culture medium in a photobioreactor (PBR) is a crucial factor to enhance microalgae culti- vation and production, since it ensures microalgae cells can homogeneously access nutrients and light radiation. Hydrodynamic conditions in an industrially applicable PBR cannot be tested in laboratory cultivation systems since the scale-up methodology is not specified; hence requiring complex tests at a demonstrative scale or the application of mathematical models. In this study, a three-dimensional numerical model of the hydrodynamic conditions in a hybrid horizontal tubular PBR was developed to investigate the mixing of the culture medium under various operating conditions, in order to optimize biomass production in this type of system. The PBR consists of two open tanks connected through sixteen polyethylene transparent tubes, at a demonstrative scale (total volume 11.7 m3). Microalgae cells movement inside the tubes was simulated. Cell trajectory prediction allows to simulate the intensity of mixing of the culture medium. Subsequent coupling with the biokinetic BIO_ALGAE model allows to monitor the influence of hydrodynamic conditions on the distribution of light in the culture medium and the yield of microalgae. The simulations were experimentally validated. The more intense mixing of the culture medium caused by increasing flow rate (Re = 23,700–46,200) allows more frequent exposure of the microalgae cells to the light source, which according to the results obtained can increase the microalgal yield by 14% in the summer cultivation period and by 151% in the winter period.

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)

Publication year

2024

Confidentiality

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

Name of the periodical

Process Safety and Environmental Protection

ISSN

0957-5820

e-ISSN

1744-3598

Volume of the periodical

181

Issue of the periodical within the volume

2024

Country of publishing house

NL - THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS

Number of pages

10

Pages from-to

367-376

UT code for WoS article

001127522800001

EID of the result in the Scopus database

2-s2.0-85178137438