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Maximizing the production of Scenedesmus obliquus in photobioreactors under different irradiation regimes: experiments and modeling

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Abstract

Maximizing biomass productivity and photosynthetic efficiency are key factors to develop large-scale microalgae cultivation for biodiesel production. If the photobioreactor (PBR) is not operated under proper conditions, productivity and efficiency values drop considerably. In this work, the growth of Scenedesmus obliquus in continuous flat-panel PBR is considered. Experimental data and simulations were used with the aim of determining suitable working conditions to achieve maximum productivity. Microalgae concentration and productivity have been measured in a continuous 250 mL flat-panel PBR as a function of the space–time τ. Simulations were performed at both low and high irradiance values, with different light regimes (constant light and day–night profiles). Model parameters were optimized based on laboratory-scale experimental data, and the importance of the maintenance energy requirement as a function of light intensity was outlined. The effect of different extent of axial mixing on PBR performances was investigated. Results obtained show how to determine optimum working conditions and how they could be used in the design of a large-scale PBR to achieve maximum microalgal productivity.

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Abbreviations

PBR:

Photobioreactor

EROEI:

Energy return on energy investment

OP:

Open pond

CFD:

Computational fluid dynamics

CSTR:

Continuous-flow stirred tank reactor

PFR:

Plug flow reactor

LHV:

Lower heating value, MJ kg−1

PFD:

Photon flux density, µmol m−2 s−1

PAR:

Photosynthetically active radiation

OD:

Optical density

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Industrial Engineering DII, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131, Padua, Italy

    Elena Barbera, Eleonora Sforza & Alberto Bertucco

Authors
  1. Elena Barbera
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  2. Eleonora Sforza
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  3. Alberto Bertucco
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Correspondence to Elena Barbera.

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Barbera, E., Sforza, E. & Bertucco, A. Maximizing the production of Scenedesmus obliquus in photobioreactors under different irradiation regimes: experiments and modeling. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 38, 2177–2188 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00449-015-1457-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00449-015-1457-9

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