Language selection

Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

Search

Marine and fresh water growth and harvesting in a single photobioreactor : advantages and challenges

From National Research Council Canada

AuthorSearch for: 1; Search for: 1; Search for: 1; Search for: 1; Search for: 1; Search for: 2; Search for: 2
Affiliation
  1. National Research Council of Canada. Energy, Mining and Environment
  2. National Research Council of Canada. Aquatic and Crop Resource Development
FormatText, Article
ConferenceThe 4th International Conference on Algal Biomass, Biofuels and Bioproducts, June 15-18, 2014, Sante Fe, New Mexico
Abstract
Growth and harvesting are the two main steps contributing to high production costs of microalgae. These two steps were combined using a single vessel to grow marine (Pavlova pinguis) and fresh water (Chlorella vulgaris) microalgae. Combining growth and harvesting steps in a single vessel reduces capital as well as operation and maintenance (O&M) costs. Following the algae growth stage, biomass harvesting was obtained by electroflotation (EF) – electrocoagulation (EC) using a series of flat aluminum electrodes. These electrodes were inserted into the reactor between aligned grooves drilled on opposing sides. Electrical energy consumption during the harvesting stage was optimized as a function of the size and number of electrodes, and current density. Concentrated algal biomass was collected from the tip surface using a scoop. After harvesting, the spent water was assayed for residual nutrients and adjusted for a second growth cycle. Characteristics of the second and first growth cycles were compared. Energy, capital and operations cost savings were estimated. Challenges and solutions of the proposed photobioreactor (PBR) design are presented. For example, to reduce heat load transparent conductive oxide (TCO) coated glass materials were used to construct the PBR. Our recently acquired data show that TCO coated glass improved algae growth by almost 50%, compared to a non-coated control. TCO-coated glass blocks infrared radiation and eliminates the need for water spray cooling. More recently we have developed novel flexible TCO-coated plastic materials that could replace float glass for the construction of high efficiency and cost effective PBR.
Publication date
In
  • The 4th International Conference on Algal Biomass, Biofuels and Bioproducts (18 June 2014).
LanguageEnglish
NRC numberNRC-EME-55648
NPARC number21272091
Export citationExport as RIS
Report a correctionReport a correction (opens in a new tab)
Record identifierb1c0cd43-082d-4069-8dd4-825003c67f01
Record created2014-07-18
Record modified2020-04-22
Date modified: