The economic sustainability of microalgae-based
processes is still
a major issue hindering the industrial application of such technologies.
In this work, a mathematical model describing microalgae in varying
light and temperature conditions is used to propose an optimized operation
policy to increase productivity. The model is calibrated experimentally
to describe the growth of Scenedesmus sp. cultivated in two outdoor pilot photobioreactors with different
volumes and then used to maximize algal biomass productivity by proposing
a new harvesting policy of the culture. Experimental tests showed
that a significant productivity increase is achievable using the optimized
procedure. Simulated tests also highlighted that the additional implementation
of an optimal temperature control strategy may lead to double biomass
production.
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