A Novel Photo-bioreactor Application for Microalgae Production as a Shading System in Buildings

Pagliolico, Simonetta Lucia; Verso, Valerio Roberto Maria Lo; Bosco, Francesca; Mollea, Chiara; Forgia, Cinzia La

doi:10.1016/j.egypro.2017.03.017

Cited by 27 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 15 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…As an ongoing topic of debate and research, PBR technology shows a growing interest in both scientific and industrial communities, as demonstrated by the increasing number of scientific publications over the past forty years [11]. More and more investigations and projects have been focusing on the application of PBRs as elements in the built environment [2][3][4][5]. For the purposes of this study, a brief state of the art on technological advancement and scientific data in the field of PBRs was compiled in support of an informed design solution.…”

Section: State Of the Artmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This ability to absorb large quantities of CO2 provides an attractive alternative for the sequestration of CO2 emissions from industrial activities and has led to the conception of PBRs. Species considered among the main carbon sequesters are the Chlorococcum, Chlorella, Euglena and Scenedesmus genera [4][5][19][20].…”

Section: Cultivation and Grow Rate Of Micro-algaementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Pagliolico et al [4,5] demonstrated that transparent polyethylene, flexible hanging bags with small circular compartments, allowed the cultivation of Scenedesmus Obliquus for at least 21 days, under natural light/dark cycles, and at controlled indoor environmental temperature without the need for mixing.…”

Section: Photobioreactor Designmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The relatively stable and temperate climate could also prove to be an ideal testing ground for the intensive cultivation of microalgae and practical applications of PBRs in architecture. Some recent studies estimate the optimal thermal range for operating PBR systems to be between 15°C and 25°C [4,5,22].…”

Section: Needs and Requirements Of Algae Pbr As Shading System For Thmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The structural definition of the PBR system led to an exploration of novel design techniques and construction methods in concrete casting for complex geometries, making use of parametric design software to produce biomimetic forms reinforcing the theme of nature and organicism. Few cases exist on the use PBRs as static screening elements in architecture [2][3][4][5], which were used as references to support the development of the new proposal elaborated in this study. PBRs in architecture show great potential for positive environmental impact, and the cultivation of microalgae provides numerous benefits; not the least of which regards the bio-sequestration of CO2, the principal manmade contributor to the increase of greenhouse gases and global warming concerns [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Photobioreactors as a Dynamic Shading System Conceived for an Outdoor Workspace of the State Library of Queensland in Brisbane: Study of Daylighting Performances

Verso¹,

Javadi²,

Pagliolico³

et al. 2019

Journal of Daylighting

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

In the field of responsive shading systems, the use of photobioreactors (PBRs) containing microalgae seems to be a promising technology. Within this framework, this paper presents a case study where a PBR was specifically conceived as a shading system for an external workspace located on an open terrace of the State Library of Queensland (SLQ) in Brisbane. The proposed shading system makes use of PBRs as translucent screening elements, capable of regulating natural light to provide adequate visual comfort for a multipurpose workspace, despite exposure of the site to direct sunlight and fluctuating weather conditions. The microalgae (Scenedesmus Obliquus) cultivated within the shading elements contribute to improving the environment by bio-sequestrating CO2 and producing oxygen. They are also a valuable raw material containing bioactive compounds with various applications including nutraceutical products, livestock feed, and biofuel synthesis. In addition, their green pigmentation is visually engaging and allows for the filtration of solar radiation. The paper focuses on analyzing the daylight performance in the outdoor workplace under the PBR shade. The biomass density of the PBR is adjustable across a wide range of light transmittances (10%-80%) to counter the highly variable outdoor conditions. For different Tv values, illuminance values were calculated using the simulation tool DIVA-for-Rhino and then analyzed as both point-in-time illuminance in June, September and December, and through climate-based daylight metrics such as the Daylight Autonomy and the Useful Daylight Illuminance. As a further step, the daylighting performances were compared to two other climates (Turin, Italy, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates), to verify which setting of the PBR may be suitable for different boundary conditions, thus making the system more widely applicable. The results in Brisbane showed that for clear sky conditions, higher levels of biomass saturation are needed (Tv < 20%) to remain in the 300-3000 lx 'optimal' illuminance comfort range, with lower concentrations (Tv < 30%) to remain within the 300-6000 lx 'acceptable' illuminance comfort range. Differently, in overcast sky conditions, the optimal range of illuminance is easily obtained with reduced levels of biomass saturation (Tv < 80%).

show abstract

Section: State Of the Artmentioning

confidence: 99%