Light footprint of microalgae cultivation system addressed by modified Cornet model

The cultivation of microalgae is significantly influenced by light intensity and utilization efficiency. This study developed a modified Cornet (M-Cornet) model to assess the distribution of light intensity and flux in microalgae cultivation systems. Algal biofilm cultivation represents a more concentrated approach of algal suspension cultivation. Both follow the M-Cornet model and exhibit the same growth rates when cultured under identical conditions. Algal pigments and morphologies greatly impact the light absorption and scattering, resulting in light attenuation in intensity, penetration distance and light flux distribution. Algae varieties exhibit diverse light flux characteristics. 37% - 90% of the incident light is absorbed, of which, 80% to 90% is dissipated as heat. 10% to 63% of the incident light is scattered off the photobioreactor. The overall light utilization efficiency ranges 6% to 13%. The light footprint using the M-Cornet model offers valuable insights for photobioreactors designing and cultivation operating.