Cost-effective implementation of microalgae as a solar-to-chemical energy conversion platform requires extensive system optimization; computer modeling can bring this to bear. This work uses modified versions of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC) in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers' water-quality code (CE-QUAL) to simulate hydrodynamics coupled to growth kinetics of algae (Phaeodactylum tricornutum) in open-channel raceways. The model allows the flexibility to manipulate a host of variables associated with raceway-design, algal-growth, water-quality, hydrodynamic, and atmospheric conditions. The model provides realistic results wherein growth rates follow the diurnal fluctuation of solar irradiation and temperature. The greatest benefit that numerical simulation of the flow system offers is the ability to design the raceway before construction, saving considerable cost and time. Moreover, experiment operators can evaluate the impacts of various changes to system conditions (e.g., depth, temperature, flow speeds) without risking the algal biomass under study.
Major scientific challenges hinder the success of an industrial-scale algal biofuels program. Four broad areas of R&D needs have been identified for economically viable, industrial-scale cultivation of algae: culture sustainability; system productivity; nutrient source scaling and sustainability; and water conservation, management, and recycling. Progress in each of these areas is limited by significant knowledge gaps in fundamental algal biology. This SAND report summarizes research conducted as part of an LDRD project (FY10-FY12) to address this shortcoming. We have developed a novel, multidisciplinary, multiscale approach utilizing Sandia's core expertise in bioanalytical spectroscopy, chemical imaging, remote sensing, genomics, and computational modeling in collaboration with researchers at University of New Mexico and Arizona State University to investigate the effects that dynamic abiotic and biotic stressors have on algal photosynthesis, growth, and lipid production. The discoveries will enable gains in productivity and sustainability that are critical for cost-effective, industrial-scale algal facilities. 5 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
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