Dynamic model of microalgal production in tubular photobioreactors.
A dynamic model for microalgal culture is presented. The model takes into account the fluid-dynamic and mass transfer, in addition to biological phenomena, it being based on fundamental principles. The model has been calibrated and validated using data from a pilot-scale tubular photobioreactor but it can be extended to other designs. It can be used to determine, from experimental measurements, the values of characteristic parameters. The model also allows a simulation of the system's dynamic behaviour in response to solar radiation, making it a useful tool for design and operation optimization of photobioreactors. Moreover, the model permits the identification of local pH gradients, dissolved oxygen and dissolved carbon dioxide; that can damage microalgae growth. In addition, the developed model can map the different characteristic time scales of phenomena inside microalgae cultures within tubular photobioreactors, meaning it is a valuable tool in the development of advanced control strategies for microalgae cultures.
Departamento de Lenguajes y Computación, Universidad de Almería, E04120 Almería, Spain.
I
I
Fernández
F G
FG
Acién
J M
JM
Fernández
J L
JL
Guzmán
J J
JJ
Magán
M
M
Berenguel
D018533:Biomass; D002138:Calibration; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D058086:Microalgae / Q000254:growth & development*; D008954:Models, Biological; D010100:Oxygen / Q000032:analysis; D058433:Photobioreactors / Q000382:microbiology*; D044444:Scenedesmus / Q000254:growth & development*; D013997:Time Factors
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D010100:Oxygen