- Title
- Process engineering fundamentals of microalgae production
- Creator
- Moberg, Annelie K.
- Relation
- University of Newcastle Research Higher Degree Thesis
- Resource Type
- thesis
- Date
- 2012
- Description
- Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Description
- This thesis addresses the process engineering fundamentals of a new design of photobioreactor and determines the practical range of operating parameters to support high productivity algae growth. The fluid dynamic conditions within the reactor are important in designing for high performance. Liquid phase mass transfer controls the transfer rates of the photosynthetic gases in and out of the culture. Radial mixing impacts on the effectiveness of the light regime, as individual algae cells move between lighter and darker regions of the culture. These phenomena have been studied for the distinguishing design features of the system, in which the culture circulates through oating, partially filled, horizontal tubular solar receivers. Key variables, including liquid velocities, gas compositions, reactor lengths and tube diameters, have been analyzed and optimum conditions identified. Investigations included the use of an experimental prototype, CFD modeling, particle tracking, and the development of process modeling algorithms and simulations. Results showed that the photobioreactor under study can be configured and operated to create a culture environment likely to support the high productivity target of 55 g m⁻² day⁻¹ using a gas phase of flue gas composition. Suitable mass transfer rates at the solar receiver free surface can be achieved at liquid velocities of 0.3-0.5 m s⁻¹, and makes a substantial difference to the maximum tube lengths possible without excessive oxygen accumulation compared to tubes operating full. Lengths of 100 m are likely to support high productivity and stable pH regimes. Under these fluid dynamic conditions, the algae cell light/dark cycling frequency range is of the order of 1 Hz where productivity increases may be expected. Scale-up of the reactor design to the commercial demonstration stage by the industry partner has been made possible following a detailed engineering feasibility study based on fundamental insights, design parameters and practical tools developed in this work.
- Subject
- photobioreactor; microalgae; mass transfer; fluid dynamics; radial mixing
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/940358
- Identifier
- uon:12993
- Rights
- Copyright 2012 Annelie K. Moberg
- Language
- eng
- Full Text
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| View Details Download | ATTACHMENT02 | Thesis | 7 MB | Adobe Acrobat PDF | View Details Download |