Mapping the performance of photobioreactors for microalgae cultivation. Part II: equatorial and tropical climate zone

Abstract

BACKGROUND Considering that the greatest proportion of microalgae commercial production is realized outdoors, it is critically important to highlight the role of the local climate in the performance of the processes. Currently, there is a tendency to identify locations with suitable climates for the large‐scale implementation of microalgae‐based processes. Therefore, this study proposed to map the performance of photobioreactors for microalgae culture. Fourteen types of climates distributed in 33 geographical locations representative of the equatorial and tropical zones of the world were evaluated. The simulated climatic elements were solar irradiation, temperature and photoperiod. RESULTS The results showed that the tropical with dry winter (Aw), tropical with dry summer (As), tropical monsoon (Am), tropical fully humid (Af), hot steppe (BSh) and hot desert (BWh) climates favored the system productivities. The highest biomass productivity (0.347 g L–1 d–1) and lipid (0.048 g L–1 d–1) were registered in the Aw simulation. CONCLUSION The results of this study provide a useful database of the effects of climate for the microalgae photoautotrophic production. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry

Climate‐Simulated culturing suggests high microalgal biomass and oil productivities in most of the South American continent

“…In close agreement with the results of our study, the highest biomass and lipids productivities at 0.347 g · L −1 · d −1 or 0.048 g · L −1 · d −1 , respectively, corresponded to tropical dry winter weather, including those of Northeastern Brazil. [ 27 ] Thus, a major trend appears to be consistently observed regardless of differences in the cultivation systems (closed PBRs or open raceway ponds, as simulated in eBPRs).…”

“…, respectively, corresponded to tropical dry winter weather, including those of Northeastern Brazil. [27] Thus, a major trend appears to be consistently observed regardless of differences in the cultivation systems (closed PBRs or open raceway ponds, as simulated in eBPRs). This low seasonality would allow an almost year-round steady production in this vast region, surpassing NREL-DOE target of summer to winter productivity ratio of 3:1.…”

“…Another recent study aimed at estimating the maximum achievable productivity of Scenedesmus obliquus in Brazilian simulated‐climate in photobioreactors showed higher biomass and lipid productivity in the most tropical areas of the country. [ 26,27 ]…”

“…[25] Another recent study aimed at estimating the maximum achievable productivity of Scenedesmus obliquus in Brazilian simulated-climate in photobioreactors showed higher biomass and lipid productivity in the most tropical areas of the country. [26,27] The goal of the present study was to provide an estimation of biomass and oil productivity of S. obliquus in open raceway ponds under South America simulated-climate. The study also simulated different pond's depth, CO 2 supplementation and seasonal variation in algal productivity at different geographical sites.…”

The Role of Photo-Cycles in the Modulation of Growth and Biochemical Profile of Microalgae: Part I—Food Interest Compounds

“…However, it also has certain disadvantages such as day/night cycles, changing weather conditions, and seasonal changes. In addition, all these factors are site-specific [ 11 ]. These luminosity variations can be avoided when applied in cultivation systems controlled through closed photobioreactors [ 12 ].…”