The Follow-up Photobioreactor Illumination System for the Cultivation of Photosynthetic Microorganisms

Brzychczyk, Beata; Hebda, Tomasz; Fitas, Jakub; Giełżecki, Jan

doi:10.3390/en13051143

Cited by 8 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…Even if the large part of pond, tubular and plate reactors are "thin" constructions, at high, e.g., Chlorella sp. concentrations, production rates are often described as light limited [149][150][151].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mass Cultivation of Microalgae: I. Experiences with Vertical Column Airlift Photobioreactors, Diatoms and CO2 Sequestration

et al. 2022

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From 2015 to 2021, we optimized mass cultivation of diatoms in our own developed vertical column airlift photobioreactors using natural and artificial light (LEDs). The project took place at the ferrosilicon producer Finnfjord AS in North Norway as a joint venture with UiT—The Arctic University of Norway. Small (0.1–6–14 m3) reactors were used for initial experiments and to produce inoculum cultures while upscaling experiments took place in a 300 m3 reactor. We here argue that species cultivated in reactors should be large since biovolume specific self-shadowing of light can be lower for large vs. small cells. The highest production, 1.28 cm3 L−1 biovolume (0.09–0.31 g DW day−1), was obtained with continuous culture at ca. 19% light utilization efficiency and 34% CO2 uptake. We cultivated 4–6 months without microbial contamination or biofouling, and this we argue was due to a natural antifouling (anti-biofilm) agent in the algae. In terms of protein quality all essential amino acids were present, and the composition and digestibility of the fatty acids were as required for feed ingredients. Lipid content was ca. 20% of ash-free DW with high EPA levels, and omega-3 and amino acid content increased when factory fume was added. The content of heavy metals in algae cultivated with fume was well within the accepted safety limits. Organic pollutants (e.g., dioxins and PCBs) were below the limits required by the European Union food safety regulations, and bioprospecting revealed several promising findings.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mass Cultivation of Microalgae: I. Experiences with Vertical Column Airlift Photobioreactors, Diatoms and CO2 Sequestration

et al. 2022

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“…Spectral sensors measure light absorption and reflection, aiding in the detection of nutrient deficiency [109]. Optical sensors also contribute to light management, with quantum sensors measuring available light for photosynthesis, enabling farmers to adjust artificial lighting setups [110]. Additionally, multispectral sensors can assess plant health through changes in color and reflectance.…”

Section: Plant Monitoring and Control Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Technological Trends and Engineering Issues on Vertical Farms: A Review

Kabir,

Reza,

Chowdhury

et al. 2023

Horticulturae

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Vertical farming has emerged as a promising solution to cope with increasing food demand, urbanization pressure, and limited resources and to ensure sustainable year-round urban agriculture. The aim of this review was to investigate the evolving technological landscape and engineering considerations, with a focus on innovative developments and future prospects. This paper presents technological trends in vertical farming, covering advances in sensing technologies, monitoring and control systems, and unmanned systems. It also highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in contributing to data-driven decision-making and the optimization of vertical farms. A global perspective on vertical farming is presented, including the current status and advanced technological trends across regions like Asia, the USA, and Europe. Innovative concepts and upcoming enterprises that could shape the future of vertical agriculture are explored. Additionally, the challenges and future prospects of vertical farming are also addressed, focusing on crop production limitations, environmental sustainability, economic feasibility, and contributions to global food security. This review provides guidance on the state of vertical farming, technological advancements, global trends, challenges, and prospects, offering insights into the roles of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in advancing sustainable vertical agriculture and food security.

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“…It is also worth noting that, unlike most multicellular plants, algae do not need soil and have limited spatial requirements. Therefore, algae can be grown in specially prepared containers or photobioreactors, which eliminates the influence of climatic conditions on their growth [23,24]. Such a solution not only allows algae to be grown all year round but also allows conditions such as light wavelength [25], light intensity, and even the shape of the container [26] to be adjusted to find the optimal growth rate.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Automation of the Photobioreactor Lighting System to Manage Light Distribution in Microalgae Cultures

Brzychczyk,

Giełżecki,

Kijanowski

et al. 2023

Energies

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Automation of the lighting system for phototrophiccultures in photobioreactors is a process of automation and control of lighting inside. Photosynthetic microorganisms, in order to develop and grow, require a species-specific type of visible light radiation. The automation of the lighting system was based on the industrial PLC Modicon TM221C24T controller according to the submitted and received patent No. 242154. The system was integrated with a quantum sensor, which allows for setting the colour of light and controlling the intensity and exposure time based on protocols set by the operator. The data obtained from the PAR photosynthetically active radiation sensor make it possible to adjust the distribution of light to the actual needs of the culture’s radiant energy. The unit also allows for remote control of multiculture farms. It allows you to simulate sunrise and sunset using the astronomical clock function set for a given species of microalgae. Ultimately, the work was undertaken on the implementation and use of a system for measuring the light spectrum at each point of the bioreactor using a fibre-optic immersion probe.

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The Follow-up Photobioreactor Illumination System for the Cultivation of Photosynthetic Microorganisms

Cited by 8 publications

References 28 publications

Mass Cultivation of Microalgae: I. Experiences with Vertical Column Airlift Photobioreactors, Diatoms and CO2 Sequestration

Mass Cultivation of Microalgae: I. Experiences with Vertical Column Airlift Photobioreactors, Diatoms and CO2 Sequestration

Technological Trends and Engineering Issues on Vertical Farms: A Review

Automation of the Photobioreactor Lighting System to Manage Light Distribution in Microalgae Cultures

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