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A CFD coupled photo-bioreactive transport modelling of tubular photobioreactor mixed by peristaltic pump. Chem Eng Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2023.118525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
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2
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Modeling and Simulation of Photobioreactors with Computational Fluid Dynamics—A Comprehensive Review. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15113966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) have been frequently applied to model the growth conditions in photobioreactors, which are affected in a complex way by multiple, interacting physical processes. We review common photobioreactor types and discuss the processes occurring therein as well as how these processes have been considered in previous CFD models. The analysis reveals that CFD models of photobioreactors do often not consider state-of-the-art modeling approaches. As a comprehensive photobioreactor model consists of several sub-models, we review the most relevant models for the simulation of fluid flows, light propagation, heat and mass transfer and growth kinetics as well as state-of-the-art models for turbulence and interphase forces, revealing their strength and deficiencies. In addition, we review the population balance equation, breakage and coalescence models and discretization methods since the predicted bubble size distribution critically depends on them. This comprehensive overview of the available models provides a unique toolbox for generating CFD models of photobioreactors. Directions future research should take are also discussed, mainly consisting of an extensive experimental validation of the single models for specific photobioreactor geometries, as well as more complete and sophisticated integrated models by virtue of the constant increase of the computational capacity.
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3
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Fernández Del Olmo P, Acién FG, Fernández-Sevilla JM. Productivity analysis in tubular photobioreactors using a dynamic photosynthesis model coupled to computational fluid dynamics particle tracking. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 344:126277. [PMID: 34752890 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Tubular photobioreactors (TPBRs) are closed devices used for the mass culture of microalgae. TPBRs are supposed to be well-mixed, but the influence of their specific fluid dynamics in photosynthesis efficiency has never been studied in detail. Here, we use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) coupled to a dynamic photosynthesis model to analyze the efficiency of the photosynthetic response in the loop of TPBRs of different sizes (14, 24, 44, 64, and 84 mm) and circulation velocities (0.4 to 1 m s-1). The results show that only the smallest diameters cause enough radial mixing for a photosynthesis-enhancing light regime (integration factor Γ = 0.199 for D = 14 mm and v = 1 m s-1) while high circulation velocities in larger diameters (up to 1 m s-1) increase operating costs but do not enhance photosynthetic productivity. It is also shown the relevance of the characteristic frequency of the strain (β), which is crucial for high productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Fernández Del Olmo
- Institute for Research in Agriculture and Fisheries, Junta de Andalucía, E04720 Almería, Spain
| | - F G Acién
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Almería / Centre (CIESOL), Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, Ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - J M Fernández-Sevilla
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Almería / Centre (CIESOL), Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, Ctra. Sacramento s/n, 04120 Almería, Spain.
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4
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Facilitating the industrial transition to microbial and microalgal factories through mechanistic modelling within the Industry 4.0 paradigm. Curr Opin Chem Eng 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2021.100713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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5
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How Do Operational and Design Parameters Effect Biomass Productivity in a Flat-Panel Photo-Bioreactor? A Computational Analysis. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9081387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimal production of microalgae in photo-bioreactors (PBRs) largely depends on the amount of light intensity received by individual algal cells, which is affected by several operational and design factors. A key question is: which process parameters have the highest potential for the optimization of biomass productivity? This can be analyzed by simulating the complex interplay of PBR design, hydrodynamics, dynamic light exposure, and growth of algal cells. A workflow was established comprising the simulation of hydrodynamics in a flat-panel PBR using computational fluid dynamics, calculation of light irradiation inside the PBR, tracing the light exposure of individual cells over time, and calculation the algal growth and biomass productivity based on this light exposure. Different PBR designs leading to different flow profiles were compared, and operational parameters such as air inlet flowrate, microalgal concentration, and incident light intensity were varied to investigate their effect on PBR productivity. The design of internal structures and lighting had a significant effect on biomass productivity, whereas air inlet flowrate had a minimal effect. Microalgal concentration and incident light intensity controlled the amount of light intensity inside the PBR, thereby significantly affecting the overall productivity. For detailed quantitative insight into these dependencies, better parameterization of algal growth models is required.
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Fernández Del Olmo P, Acién FG, Fernández-Sevilla JM. Analysis of productivity in raceway photobioreactor using computational fluid dynamics particle tracking coupled to a dynamic photosynthesis model. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 334:125226. [PMID: 33964810 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Raceway photobioreactors (RWPs) are the most common and affordable device for the mass culture of microalgae but due to geometry and the requirement of low input power, its photosynthetic performance is low. The fluid dynamics of RWPs have been studied for information such as energy dissipation and shear rate, CFD has never been used to analyze photosynthesis efficiency by coupling dynamic photosynthesis models with microalgae trajectories. In this work, we investigate by CFD simulation the effect of circulation velocities between 0.2 and 0.8 m s-1in a 0.15 m-1 deep RWPs under standard outdoor conditions to shows that in all circumstances the RWP from the point o view of photosynthesis operates as a perfectly segregated device (no mixing) and that the average growth rate is the result of the integration of the local growth rates at different depths (integration factor Γ = 0).
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Affiliation(s)
- P Fernández Del Olmo
- Institute for Research in Agriculture and Fisheries, Junta de Andalucía, E04720 Almería, Spain
| | - F G Acién
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Almería, Spain
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Vasile NS, Cordara A, Usai G, Re A. Computational Analysis of Dynamic Light Exposure of Unicellular Algal Cells in a Flat-Panel Photobioreactor to Support Light-Induced CO 2 Bioprocess Development. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:639482. [PMID: 33868196 PMCID: PMC8049116 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.639482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacterial cell factories trace a vibrant pathway to climate change neutrality and sustainable development owing to their ability to turn carbon dioxide-rich waste into a broad portfolio of renewable compounds, which are deemed valuable in green chemistry cross-sectorial applications. Cell factory design requires to define the optimal operational and cultivation conditions. The paramount parameter in biomass cultivation in photobioreactors is the light intensity since it impacts cellular physiology and productivity. Our modeling framework provides a basis for the predictive control of light-limited, light-saturated, and light-inhibited growth of the Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 model organism in a flat-panel photobioreactor. The model here presented couples computational fluid dynamics, light transmission, kinetic modeling, and the reconstruction of single cell trajectories in differently irradiated areas of the photobioreactor to relate key physiological parameters to the multi-faceted processes occurring in the cultivation environment. Furthermore, our analysis highlights the need for properly constraining the model with decisive qualitative and quantitative data related to light calibration and light measurements both at the inlet and outlet of the photobioreactor in order to boost the accuracy and extrapolation capabilities of the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò S Vasile
- Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cordara
- Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Giulia Usai
- Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Angela Re
- Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
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Schrimpf M, Esteban J, Warmeling H, Färber T, Behr A, Vorholt AJ. Taylor‐Couette
reactor: Principles, design, and applications. AIChE J 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/aic.17228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Schrimpf
- Molecular Catalysis Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion Mülheim an der Ruhr Germany
| | - Jesús Esteban
- Molecular Catalysis Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion Mülheim an der Ruhr Germany
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, School of Engineering The University of Manchester Manchester United Kingdom
| | - Helge Warmeling
- Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, Chair of Technical Chemistry Technical University of Dortmund Dortmund Germany
| | - Tobias Färber
- Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, Chair of Technical Chemistry Technical University of Dortmund Dortmund Germany
| | - Arno Behr
- Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, Chair of Technical Chemistry Technical University of Dortmund Dortmund Germany
| | - Andreas J. Vorholt
- Molecular Catalysis Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion Mülheim an der Ruhr Germany
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Effect of granular properties on hydrodynamics in coarse-grid riser flow simulation of Geldart A and B particles. POWDER TECHNOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2019.09.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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10
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A numerical model coupling bubble flow, light transfer, cell motion and growth kinetics for real timescale microalgae cultivation and its applications in flat plate photobioreactors. ALGAL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2019.101727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Zhu C, Chi Z, Bi C, Zhao Y, Cai H. Hydrodynamic performance of floating photobioreactors driven by wave energy. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2019; 12:54. [PMID: 30923562 PMCID: PMC6420745 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-019-1396-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unlike conventional cultivation systems, liquid mixing in floating photobioreactors (PBRs) is solely induced by their hydrodynamic movement in response to waves, and this movement is affected by the wave conditions (wave height and wave period), the PBR configuration and the culture depth. However, to the best of our knowledge, a practical study of the hydrodynamic movements of PBRs has not been previously conducted. RESULTS This study aims to investigate the hydrodynamic performance of floating PBRs in response to wave conditions. First, the effects of the experimental wave height (2-10 cm) and wave period (0.8-1.8 s) on movement was investigated using two 1.0 m2 PBR models: a square PBR (1.0 m/1.0 m; length/width) and a rectangular PBR (1.7 m/0.6 m). The results indicated that wave movement became not only more intense with increasing wave height, but also less intense when the wave period decreased. However, the square PBR experienced more intense movement than the rectangular PBR, but also little mooring force. The effects of culture depth (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 cm) were investigated and the results showed that the culture depth significantly affected the hydrodynamic movements of the PBRs; however, the mooring forces were unaffected. Finally, the movement and mooring-line forces of PBRs equipped with different mooring systems were investigated. The use of two different mooring systems had little effect on PBR movement; however, a mooring system with floaters was able to significantly reduce the mooring line forces compared to a system without floaters. During this study, the greatest force (10.5 N) was found for the rectangular PBR using a mooring system without floaters, whereas the lowest force (0.67 N) was observed for a rectangular PBR using a mooring system with floaters. CONCLUSIONS These studies have provided basic data describing the fluid dynamics of floating PBRs; as well as their structural design and scale up. These results also provide guidance for the selection of ocean fields with suitable wave conditions; as well as a proper mooring methods to ensure safe operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenba Zhu
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024 China
- State Key Laboratory of Coastal and Offshore Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024 China
| | - Zhanyou Chi
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024 China
| | - Chunwei Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Coastal and Offshore Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024 China
| | - Yunpeng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Coastal and Offshore Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024 China
| | - Haibo Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
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Qin C, Wu J. Influence of successive and independent arrangement of Kenics mixer units on light/dark cycle and energy consumption in a tubular microalgae photobioreactor. ALGAL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2018.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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13
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Gao X, Kong B, Vigil RD. Simulation of algal photobioreactors: recent developments and challenges. Biotechnol Lett 2018; 40:1311-1327. [DOI: 10.1007/s10529-018-2595-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Abstract
In this study, an experimentally validated computational model was developed to investigate the hydrodynamics in a rotor-stator vortex agglomeration reactor RVR having a rotating disc at the centre with two shrouded outer plates. A numerical simulation was performed using a simplified form of the reactor geometry to compute the 3-D flow field in batch mode operations. Thereafter, the model was validated using data from a 2-D Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) flow analysis performed during the design of the reactor. Using different operating speeds, namely 70, 90, 110, and 130 rpm, the flow fields were computed numerically, followed by a comprehensive data analysis. The simulation results showed separated boundary layers on the rotating disc and the stator. The flow field within the reactor was characterized by a rotational plane circular forced vortex flow, in which the streamlines are concentric circles with a rotational vortex. Overall, the results of the numerical simulation demonstrated a fairly good agreement between the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model and the experimental data, as well as the available theoretical predictions. The swirl ratio β was found to be approximately 0.4044, 0.4038, 0.4044, and 0.4043 for the operating speeds of N = 70, 90, 110, and 130 rpm, respectively. In terms of the spatial distribution, the turbulence intensity and kinetic energy were concentrated on the outer region of the reactor, while the circumferential velocity showed a decreasing intensity towards the shroud. However, a comparison of the CFD and experimental predictions of the tangential velocity and the vorticity amplitude profiles showed that these parameters were under-predicted by the experimental analysis, which could be attributed to some of the experimental limitations rather than the robustness of the CFD model or numerical code.
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15
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Light/dark cycle enhancement and energy consumption of tubular microalgal photobioreactors with discrete double inclined ribs. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2018. [DOI: 10.1186/s40643-018-0214-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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16
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McHardy C, Luzi G, Lindenberger C, Agudo JR, Delgado A, Rauh C. Numerical analysis of the effects of air on light distribution in a bubble column photobioreactor. ALGAL RES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2018.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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17
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Gao X, Kong B, Vigil RD. Multiphysics simulation of algal growth in an airlift photobioreactor: Effects of fluid mixing and shear stress. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2018; 251:75-83. [PMID: 29272771 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A multiphysics model has been developed to predict the effects of fluid mixing and shear stress on microalgal growth in an airlift photobioreactor. The model integrates multiphase flow dynamics, radiation transport, shear stress, and algal growth kinetics using an Eulerian approach. The model is first validated by comparing its predictions with experimental data, and then the radiation transport and algal growth kinetics submodels are added to predict biomass accumulation under different flow conditions. The simulations correctly predict biomass growth curves for a wide range of superficial gas flow rates and demonstrate that biomass productivity increases with increased gas flow rate due to better light delivery to microorganisms. However, at the higher gas flow rates considered, shear stress on microorganisms inhibits biomass growth. Lastly, it is shown that the Eulerian approach used here provides a less cumbersome computational approach and provides better predictions than the circulation time and Lagrangian approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Gao
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States.
| | - Bo Kong
- Ames Laboratory, Ames, IA 50011, United States
| | - R Dennis Vigil
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States.
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Gao X, Kong B, Dennis Vigil R. Comprehensive computational model for combining fluid hydrodynamics, light transport and biomass growth in a Taylor vortex algal photobioreactor: Eulerian approach. ALGAL RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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