Simulation of algae growth in a bench-scale bubble column reactor

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Marine Biology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Marine microalgae cultivation is crucial for biofuels and bioproducts.
• Bubble-column photobioreactors offer scalable cultivation but require optimized design.
• Understanding microalgae kinetics under varying conditions is essential for efficient production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a dynamic model for Porphyridium sp. growth in a bubble-column photobioreactor.
• To integrate photosynthesis, photoinhibition, and fluid dynamics within the model.
• To predict optimal photobioreactor configurations and reduce computational time.

Main Methods:

• Simulated Porphyridium sp. growth using a dynamic model.
• Integrated kinetic data (photosynthesis, photoinhibition) with fluid dynamics and shear stress effects.
• Utilized a hybrid method for approximate equation solutions.
• Validated the model against experimental biomass growth data.

Main Results:

• The model successfully integrated algal kinetics with bubble-column fluid dynamics.
• A hybrid solution method significantly reduced calculation time.
• Model extrapolations suggested optimal bubble column assembly diameters.
• Satisfactory agreement was achieved between simulated and experimental biomass growth.

Conclusions:

• The developed model provides a robust tool for simulating and optimizing microalgae cultivation in bubble-column photobioreactors.
• The integration of shear stress effects enhances model accuracy.
• This approach facilitates the prediction of optimal photobioreactor designs for enhanced biomass production.