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Scenario analysis of large scale algae production in tubular photobioreactors

Author

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  • Slegers, P.M.
  • van Beveren, P.J.M.
  • Wijffels, R.H.
  • van Straten, G.
  • van Boxtel, A.J.B.

Abstract

Microalgae productivity in tubular photobioreactors depends on algae species, location, tube diameter, biomass concentration, distance between tubes and for vertically stacked systems, the number of horizontal tubes per stack. A simulation model for horizontal and vertically stacked horizontal tubular reactors was made to quantify the effect of these decision variables on production yield. The model uses reactor dimensions, dynamic sunlight patterns over the day and year, and growth characteristics of algae species as inputs. Scenario studies were done to study the effect of decision variables on reactor performance in The Netherlands, France and Algeria. Results indicate that the areal biomass productivity in vertically stacked photobioreactors is 25–70% higher than in plain horizontal systems. Reactor design is location specific because light conditions differ. In The Netherlands, the best horizontal distance between tubes is 0.05m for horizontal and 0.25m for vertical systems. For France and Algeria, the best horizontal distance between vertical systems is 0.20m and 0.15m respectively. System performance can be improved further by using light reflection materials on the ground surface. Improving the transparency properties of tube material does not significantly affect areal productivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Slegers, P.M. & van Beveren, P.J.M. & Wijffels, R.H. & van Straten, G. & van Boxtel, A.J.B., 2013. "Scenario analysis of large scale algae production in tubular photobioreactors," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 395-406.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:105:y:2013:i:c:p:395-406
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2012.12.068
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Slegers, P.M. & Wijffels, R.H. & van Straten, G. & van Boxtel, A.J.B., 2011. "Design scenarios for flat panel photobioreactors," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(10), pages 3342-3353.
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    1. Peter, Angela Paul & Koyande, Apurav Krishna & Chew, Kit Wayne & Ho, Shih-Hsin & Chen, Wei-Hsin & Chang, Jo-Shu & Krishnamoorthy, Rambabu & Banat, Fawzi & Show, Pau Loke, 2022. "Continuous cultivation of microalgae in photobioreactors as a source of renewable energy: Current status and future challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    2. Lenka Wimmerova & Zdenek Keken & Olga Solcova & Kamila Vavrova, 2022. "A Comparative Analysis of Environmental Impacts of Operational Phases of Three Selected Microalgal Cultivation Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-14, December.
    3. Pérez-López, Paula & de Vree, Jeroen H. & Feijoo, Gumersindo & Bosma, Rouke & Barbosa, Maria J. & Moreira, María Teresa & Wijffels, René H. & van Boxtel, Anton J.B. & Kleinegris, Dorinde M.M., 2017. "Comparative life cycle assessment of real pilot reactors for microalgae cultivation in different seasons," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 205(C), pages 1151-1164.
    4. van Boxtel, A.J.B. & Perez-Lopez, P. & Breitmayer, E. & Slegers, P.M., 2015. "The potential of optimized process design to advance LCA performance of algae production systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 154(C), pages 1122-1127.
    5. Pawar, Sanjay, 2016. "Effectiveness mapping of open raceway pond and tubular photobioreactors for sustainable production of microalgae biofuel," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 640-653.
    6. Riccardo De-Luca & Fabrizio Bezzo & Quentin Béchet & Olivier Bernard, 2019. "Meteorological Data-Based Optimal Control Strategy for Microalgae Cultivation in Open Pond Systems," Complexity, Hindawi, vol. 2019, pages 1-12, January.
    7. Ma, Shiyan & Huang, Yun & Zhu, Xianqing & Xia, Ao & Zhu, Xun & Liao, Qiang, 2024. "Growth-based dynamic light transmission modeling and optimization in microalgal photobioreactors for high efficiency CO2 fixation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 197(C).
    8. Yang, Perry Pei-Ju & Quan, Steven Jige & Castro-Lacouture, Daniel & Stuart, Ben J., 2018. "A Geodesign method for managing a closed-loop urban system through algae cultivation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 231(C), pages 1372-1382.
    9. Kim, Sungwhan & Kim, Donghyun & Ryu, Byung-Gon & Chang, Yong Keun, 2020. "Design optimization of large-scale attached cultivation of Ettlia sp. to maximize biomass production based on simulation of solar irradiation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 279(C).
    10. Zhu, Liandong & Hiltunen, Erkki & Shu, Qing & Zhou, Weizheng & Li, Zhaohua & Wang, Zhongming, 2014. "Biodiesel production from algae cultivated in winter with artificial wastewater through pH regulation by acetic acid," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 103-110.
    11. Behera, Bunushree & Unpaprom, Yuwalee & Ramaraj, Rameshprabu & Maniam, Gaanty Pragas & Govindan, Natanamurugaraj & Paramasivan, Balasubramanian, 2021. "Integrated biomolecular and bioprocess engineering strategies for enhancing the lipid yield from microalgae," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).

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