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Published on: August 14, 2020
A simple algal production system designed to utilize the flashing light effect.
E A Laws1, K L Terry, J Wickman
1University of Hawaii, Department of Oceanography, 1000 Pope Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822 and Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, P.O. Box 1346, Kaneoche, Hawaii 96744.
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
|October 1, 1983
Summary
Algal mixing using foil arrays enhances solar energy conversion efficiency by creating vortices. This inexpensive method boosts efficiency in dense algal cultures, leveraging the flashing light effect for better yields.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Renewable Energy
- Aquaculture
Background:
- Dense algal cultures are crucial for biofuel production and carbon capture.
- Efficient light utilization is a key challenge in scaling up algal cultivation.
- The flashing light effect in microalgae can be harnessed to improve photosynthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of foil arrays in enhancing mixing within algal culture flumes.
- To assess the impact of foil-induced mixing on solar energy conversion efficiency in microalgae.
- To determine if this method can optimize the flashing light effect for dense cultures.
Main Methods:
- Arrays of wing-like foils were installed in an algal culture flume.
- Water flow rates were maintained at 30 cm/s to generate vortices.
- Solar energy conversion efficiencies were measured over a three-month period comparing foil arrays to controls.
Main Results:
- Foil arrays generated vortices with rotation rates of 0.5-1.0 Hz.
- Solar energy conversion efficiencies increased 2.2-2.4 fold with foil arrays.
- Average efficiencies reached 3.7%, with peaks of 10% over three months.
Conclusions:
- Foil arrays provide systematic mixing in algal cultures.
- This method effectively utilizes the flashing light effect in dense algal systems.
- Foil arrays offer an inexpensive and effective solution for improving algal cultivation efficiency.
