EP4229173A1

EP4229173A1 - Photobioreactor, in particular for the production of microorganisms such as microalgae

Info

Publication number: EP4229173A1
Application number: EP21798956.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Anita MEIER
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-10-14
Filing date: 2021-10-13
Publication date: 2023-08-23
Also published as: WO2022079109A1; DE102020127005A1; US20230392101A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a photobioreactor (1), in particular for the production of microorganisms, the photobioreactor (1) being designed as a closed reactor which has a plurality of reactor containers (2) which are open at the top and are closed with a top wall (7) of the photobioreactor (1) and in which a nutrient medium can be held. According to the invention, at least a part of the reactor containers (2) are designed as individual containers, wherein mutually adjacent reactor containers (2) form a gap (13) between a front wall (3) and a rear wall (4), said gap being closed at the top side by an overflow wall region (12) and having a container overflow opening (16) between the adjacent reactor containers (2). A least one lighting element (29) is held in the gap (13). In addition, each of the reactor containers (2) contains a partition (6) which divides the reactor container (2) into a front reactor chamber (8) and a rear reactor chamber (9), wherein at least one partition through-flow opening (10) between the front and rear reactor chambers (8, 9) is provided in the partition (6) in the region close to the bottom wall. At least one or at least a part of the reactor containers (2) has at least one supply device (33), by which a CO2-containing medium can be introduced from outside of the reactor container (2) into at least one reactor container (2), the CO2-containing medium being a CO2-containing gas or CO2 obtained from a CO2-containing gas. The invention further relates to a reactor container and a method.

Description

description

Photobioreactor, in particular for the production of microorganisms such as microalgae

The invention relates to a photobioreactor, in particular for the production of microorganisms, according to the preamble of claim 1, a biogas plant with at least one photobioreactor according to the preamble of claim 29, a reactor for the gasification of fuels according to the preamble of claim 30, a reactor container for a photobioreactor according to the preamble of claim 31 and a method for the production of microorganisms, in particular microalgae, according to the preamble of claim 32.

Microalgae are prokaryotic and eukaryotic photosynthetic microorganisms characterized by simple cell material. Depending on the species, the size of the microalgae can vary from a few micrometers to several hundred micrometers (pm). Microalgae can either live as single cells or form colonies. Depending on their size, microalgae can be divided into four main categories: microplankton (20 - 1000 pm), nanoplankton (2 - 100 pm), ultraplankton (0.5 - 15 pm) and picoplankton (0.2 - 2 pm). Important types of microalgae for industrial production include Chlorella vulgaris, Spirulina (Arthrospira) and Nannochloropsis, to name just a few.

Due to their morphological and physiological properties, microalgae are used in various biotechnological processes, such as the production of antioxidants, drugs, immunostimulants, biofuels, peptides, polymers, toxins, sterols and dietary supplements, to name just a few. Depending on the type of microalgae used, the biomass cultivation and the subsequent processing, valuable molecules and compounds such as fat, oil, polyunsaturated fatty acids, natural dyes, various polysaccharides, pigments, bioactive molecules, etc. can also be obtained from microalgae. In addition to lipids, carbohydrates are also valuable raw materials for microalgae. Various studies indicate that microalgae proteins are of high value and comparable to conventional plant proteins. The simple cellular structure of microalgae also allows for easier genetic manipulation compared to, for example, plants.

The most important criteria affecting the quality of the microalgae biomass produced are the selection of the microalgae, the selection of the appropriate bioreactor system, the selection of the optimal conditions for microalgae cultivation, and the selection of the process for separating the desired microbial product. The conditions of microalgae cultivation in a bioreactor and the selected bioreactor system therefore have a major impact on the production of microalgae.

Biotechnological microalgae production takes place in open or closed bioreactor systems. Natural watercourses, lakes and lagoons as well as man-made channels and pools are mostly used as open systems.

For the subject matter of the present invention closed bioreactor systems, there are various constructive solutions, such as bioreactors in the form of pipes or plates in which the movement of the always liquid nutrient medium (often referred to as growth medium or nutrient solution) in which the microalgae form, takes place through the use of pumps.

These bioreactors, with the help of which microorganisms such as microalgae can be produced, i.e. cultivated and multiplied, are often also referred to as photobioreactors, since they use carbon dioxide (CO2) and light in a known manner for the growth and multiplication of microorganisms to carry out photosynthesis.

A closed photobioreactor for the production of phytoplankton is already known from EP 3 041 924 B2, in which a housing contains a nutrient solution and several vertically aligned plates which are arranged at a horizontal distance from one another and which should not extend to the opposite wall and from which at least a part is attached to the top of the housing to a vertically meandering form flow. The panels are attached alternately either to the bottom or to the top of the housing, with lighting means being attached to the end faces of the panels located in the region of the attachment. The plates themselves consist of a transparent solid material in which light-scattering particles are embedded with such a particle density that the density of the light emission over the surface of the plate is approximately constant. However, such a large-scale production plant is relatively complex in construction and therefore expensive to manufacture.

Furthermore, EP 2 326 706 B1 discloses a closed photobioreactor for rearing and reproducing microorganisms, which has a tank system with a nutrient suspension, the tank system having a vertical meandering system formed by at least partially translucent partition walls in order to ensure a substantially vertical flow of the nutrient suspension in to reach the pool area. In a technically extremely complex manner, the dividing walls here are hollow and filled with a dispersive liquid for dissipating light into the nutrient suspension.

In contrast, the object of the present invention is to create a photobioreactor, in particular for the production of microorganisms, most preferably microalgae, which is structurally simple, which is also easy to maintain and with which a high yield in connection with a high-quality product is achievable. Another object of the present invention is to provide a suitable reactor vessel for such a photobioreactor. And finally, it is a further object of the invention to provide a suitable method for producing microorganisms, in particular microalgae, using such a photobioreactor.

These objects are solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous configurations are the subject matter of the subclaims which refer back thereto.

According to claim 1, a photobioreactor, in particular for the production of microorganisms, most preferably microalgae, is provided, the photobioreactor being designed as a closed reactor which has a plurality of reactor containers which are open at the top and are equipped with at least one or one one-part or multi-part, preferably removable, top wall of the photobioreactor are closed (preferably sealed gas and / or liquid-tight) and in which a nutrient medium can be accommodated. The basic function of the ceiling wall is that of a lid to reduce contamination of the nutrient medium or produced microorganisms with impurities (e.g. airborne solid particles, bacteria, spores, etc.), resulting in high quality of produced microorganisms. The top wall can preferably be opened at any time in order to facilitate access to the nutrient or growth medium and to facilitate cleaning of the reactor vessels. A nutrient medium is understood here as meaning any suitable liquid growth medium which is inoculated with nutrients in order to initiate the production of the microorganisms desired in each case. In the case of microalgae, for example, this can be reverse osmosis water that has been inoculated with nutrients.

According to the invention, at least some of the reactor vessels, preferably all the reactor vessels, of the photobioreactor are designed as individual vessels which, viewed in cross section, each have a U-shape with a front wall extending in the direction of the vertical axis and a front wall spaced apart from it in the longitudinal direction and also extending in the direction of the vertical axis Has rear wall, which are connected to each other on the bottom side by a bottom wall. The reactor vessels of the photobioreactor, designed as individual vessels as described above, are arranged one behind the other, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the photobioreactor (or flow direction of the nutrient medium), in such a way that a front reactor vessel, viewed in the longitudinal direction, has a rear wall that is translucent at least in some areas, forming a gap or gap spacing adjoins an at least partially translucent front wall of a rear reactor vessel viewed in the longitudinal direction, the free end areas of the front and rear walls adjoining one another to form the gap having a common overflow wall area closing the gap from above in relation to the direction of the vertical axis, which at least one vessel overflow opening between the adjacent reactor vessels. The nutrient medium can then flow via this container overflow opening from a reactor container at the front, seen in the direction of flow, into a reactor container at the rear, on the other hand. The front wall and the rear wall of the reactor vessel or the reactor vessel are preferably rectangular and/or plate-shaped. The overflow wall area, which can also be referred to as an overflow wall area element, extends up to the top wall and is adjacent to it. This adjoining preferably takes place in such a way that the overflow wall area adjoins the top wall in a gas-tight and/or liquid-tight manner and/or is possibly even connected to it (preferably detachably connected).

At least one light-emitting element is accommodated in the gap between adjacent reactor vessels (and thus below the overflow wall area, viewed in the direction of the vertical axis), by means of which light is transmitted through the respectively assigned front and/or rear wall, which is designed to be at least partially translucent, into one of the two adjacent reactor vessels or into both adjacent reactor vessels can be radiated.

Furthermore, in each of the reactor vessels designed as individual vessels, an intermediate wall is provided, preferably connected to the base wall and/or rectangular and/or plate-shaped, which extends from the base wall in the direction of the vertical axis upwards to the top wall and adjoins it, preferably gas and/or is adjacent to it in a liquid-tight manner and/or possibly even connected to it (preferably detachably connected), so that the partition wall divides the reactor vessel, in relation to the longitudinal direction or flow direction, into a front reactor chamber and a rear reactor chamber.

Furthermore, at least one through-flow opening between the front and rear reactor chambers is provided in the partition wall, in the adjoining and/or connection area of the partition wall to the base wall near the bottom wall.

At least one or at least part of the reactor vessel also has at least one feed device, by means of which a CO2-containing medium can be introduced from outside the reactor vessel into at least one reactor vessel, with the CO2-containing medium being a CO2-containing gas or from a CO2-containing gas produced is CO2.

With such a structure, a recorded in the front reactor chamber of a front reactor vessel nutrient medium through the at least flow through an intermediate wall throughflow opening into the rear reactor chamber of the front reactor vessel and then further upwards from the rear reactor chamber of the front reactor vessel or through the at least one vessel overflow opening into a front reactor chamber of a rear reactor vessel (vertical meandering flow).

The particular advantage of the solution according to the invention is that a plurality of essentially individual reactor vessels, preferably designed as identical parts, can be provided here, which can be produced easily, for example could also be produced using 3D printing. The individual reactor vessels can be joined together in basically any number and order to form a desired photobioreactor, with the joining then taking place in such a way that in a gap or space between the respective rear wall and front wall of adjacent reactor vessels in an advantageous dual function at the same time the for the light-giving lighting elements required for photosynthesis can be arranged easily and reliably. The gap or intermediate space between the adjoining reactor vessels is quickly accessible in a simple manner, in particular also in connection with maintenance and assembly work, so that lighting elements with their luminous bodies can be exchanged and replaced in a simple manner. A technically complex solution according to the prior art, in which lighting elements are to be arranged on the end face of plates, in which light-scattering particles are also to be embedded in a particularly complex manner in a specific particle density, can thus be completely dispensed with with the solution according to the invention as well as on the provision of disperse liquids in hollow partitions, which is also known from the prior art. In the solution according to the invention, the lighting means only have to be arranged at the desired height in the gap accessible from the outside between the front and rear walls of adjacent reactor vessels.

This solution also has the advantage over the solutions of the prior art that the illumination or lighting of the reactor containers or reactor chambers can be individually adapted and changed in a simple manner. For this it is sufficient, for example, the arrangement and Change alignment of the light-emitting elements, which can be done easily from outside the reactor vessel only by engaging in the gap between the adjacent reactor vessels. In addition, the respective lighting conditions inside the reactor vessels can be easily specified, for example to the effect that areas of different brightness are formed when viewed in the direction of flow, which is advantageous for the growth of microorganisms, in particular microalgae, and is explained in more detail below.

In addition, the solution according to the invention with the individual reactor vessels also has the advantage that in the event of any damage to an individual reactor vessel or individual parts of a reactor vessel, only this individual reactor vessel has to be replaced.

In addition, this results in a particularly advantageous modular system that can be supplemented or reduced by one or more reactor vessels in a particularly simple manner if this should be necessary in the practical operation of the photobioreactor.

A particularly advantageous connection between the adjacent reactor vessels is the common overflow wall area that closes the gap from above and, as will be explained in more detail below, is formed integrally with one or possibly even both of the adjacent reactor vessels can be or alternatively can be formed by a separate component.

The feed device, by means of which a CO2-containing medium can be introduced from outside the reactor vessel into at least one reactor vessel, with the CO2-containing medium being a CO2-containing gas or CO2 obtained from a CO2-containing gas, also causes CO2 or a CO2-containing gas can be introduced into the reactor vessel or vessels in a targeted manner, which has a particularly advantageous effect on photosynthesis.

At this point, it should be expressly clarified again that it is preferred according to the present inventive idea that all reactor containers of the photobioreactor are designed as individual containers, like the one above has been described and will be further described below. However, the scope of protection also expressly includes configurations of a photobioreactor in which only part, ie for example at least two, of the reactor vessels of the photobioreactor are designed as such individual vessels and the rest of the reactor vessels are structured differently. Although the advantages according to the invention then only arise for the individual containers designed according to the invention and arranged one behind the other, they are nevertheless present, so that such embodiments are also expressly included in the scope of protection of the solution according to the invention. This must always be observed in principle in all of the following statements and further developments, even if this is no longer expressly repeated.

Here, as in the following, the term LI-shape is always and expressly to be understood in a broad sense and refers above all to the U-shaped flow taking place in the individual containers. In this respect, a U-shaped container naturally also includes V-shaped and thus tapered container configurations, in which the bottom wall is formed by the tip and the areas directly adjoining it.

The CO2-containing gas can in principle be any CO2-containing exhaust gas produced during combustion, for example during the combustion of fuels, in particular exhaust gas from a power plant or an industrial plant. However, a CO2-containing biogas that is obtained by fermenting biomass in a biogas plant is particularly suitable as a CO2-containing gas. The biogas is produced there by a preferred anaerobic decomposition of organic material by microorganisms, releasing methane and - the product desired here - carbon dioxide (CO2), for example in at least one fermenter of the biogas plant. Biogas production essentially takes place in four consecutive stages: In the hydrolysis phase, the solid substances (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) are broken down (hydrolyzed) by bacterial enzymes into simpler components (e.g. amino acids, glucose, fatty acids), which are now water-soluble . In the subsequent second phase (acidification), the dissolved substances are further broken down into organic acids (acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid), lower alcohols, aldehydes, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and other gases such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. The acidification happens very quickly until the bacteria through their own degradation products in their degradation process are inhibited (low pH value). In the third phase (acetogenic stage), the intermediate products are further converted to acetic acid. In the fourth and final phase (methane formation), the end products methane and carbon dioxide are formed from acetic acid, hydrogen and carbon dioxide in a strictly anaerobic environment, preferably at a pH of 6.7 to 8.0. Biogas usually consists of about 40 to 75% methane and about 25 to 60% carbon dioxide.

Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the CO2-containing gas is a CO2-containing synthesis gas from a reactor for the gasification of fuels, in particular for the gasification of carbon-containing solid fuels (for example biomass and here in particular wood or similar substances). In particular, thermo-chemical biomass gasification is a process that aims to convert a biogenic solid fuel into a combustible gas as completely as possible under the influence of heat. The biomass is reacted with a gasification agent (air, oxygen, water vapor or carbon dioxide) that introduces bound or free oxygen into the process. Thermal decomposition and partial oxidation produce a product gas which, depending on the starting material, reaction conditions and gasification agent, mainly consists of different concentrations of hydrogen (H2), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor (H2O), methane (CH4) and - in the case of gasification with air - nitrogen (N2). In addition to the product gas, charcoal or ash with different residual carbon contents and condensable low-molecular hydrocarbons, which are usually collectively referred to as tars, are produced as products of incomplete gasification. The gasification process consists of 4 phases, namely drying, pyrolysis, oxidation and reduction. The proportion of CO2 in the synthesis gas is less than that in the biogas and is usually between 10 and 30%, also depending on the selected fuel and/or gasification agent.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a gas scrubber is provided, by means of which the CO2-containing gas can be separated from the gas (biogas or synthesis gas) by gas scrubbing, preferably by chemical absorption. In concrete terms, the gas scrubber can have an absorber column for this purpose, for example a countercurrent absorber column, in which the CO2 present in the gas is absorbed by a solvent. In addition, a stripping column is then preferably provided as a further component of the gas scrubber, in which the CO2 can be separated from the solvent. In other words, this means that the CO2 present in the gas is preferably first absorbed by a solvent in an absorber column and then the CO2 is separated off from the solvent in a stripping column. If necessary, the gas can also be pre-cleaned before the gas is fed into the absorber column, for example by feeding the raw gas into a gas washing column equipped with packing and by-gases, for example H2S and traces of NH3 in the case of biogas, being washed out. The term "column" is here, as well as below, always to be understood in a broad sense and should expressly include any apparatus with which the desired operation can be carried out, ie not only apparatus with but also without internals.

An embodiment in which the solvent laden with CO2 is fed into the top of the stripping column and trickles down there is particularly preferred, with a steam feed device being provided by means of which steam, preferably steam, can be introduced into the stripping column, whereby the CO2 is released and is discharged, preferably at the top of the column. It is particularly preferred here that the CO2-free solvent can be drawn off from the stripping column by means of a withdrawal device and returned to the countercurrent absorber column, because this ensures that the CO2-free solvent is then removed from the stripping column and returned to the absorber column is returned.

As the above explanations make clear, the preferred integration or coupling of the photobioreactor in a biogas plant and/or in a reactor for the gasification of fuels, in particular for the gasification of carbonaceous solid fuels, can achieve an advantageous synergistic effect in that the existing or emerging CO2 is supplied to the photobioreactor, in which it is required for the implementation of photosynthesis.

In principle, CO2 or the CO2-containing gas can be fed in continuously, for example in such a way that the CO2 or the CO2-containing gas is continuously introduced, preferably injected, into the selected reactor container or containers. However, particularly preferred is a structure in which a pulsation device is provided, by means of which the CO2 and/or the CO2-containing gas can be introduced into the at least one reactor vessel in pulses or pulsations, preferably in such a way that individual gas bubbles with a size of less than 3 cm, preferably from 3 μm to 1 μm, 0 cm, most preferably from 20 μm to 1.0 cm, can be introduced into the at least one reactor vessel. The size of these gas bubbles is perfectly adequate to achieve adequate mixing of the nutrient medium with the CO2 in the respective reactor vessel. As the investigations carried out by the inventors have shown, the desired very fine distribution of the CO2 can be controlled very easily, above all by the pulse frequency and/or the arrangement of the feed device, in particular by providing a plurality of feed nozzles, and cavitation damage to the reactor vessel, such as reliably avoid them, especially when there are large gas bubbles.

A wide variety of substrates are used in biogas plants, such as liquid manure, corn silage or organic waste. These contain water and organic compounds such as carbohydrates (sugar, starch, hemicellulose, cellulose), proteins, fats and other compounds in varying proportions. A large proportion of these organic compounds are broken down by microorganisms during the anaerobic biogas process. As already mentioned, the most important degradation products in terms of quantity are methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). In addition, small amounts such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3) are initially included. The degradation processes turn the viscous to solid substrate into liquid to viscous digestate with a high water content, which also contains significant amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur and trace elements. Digestate can therefore be regarded as a high-quality organic fertiliser. Accordingly, according to a further particularly preferred embodiment, it is particularly advantageous that a metering device is provided, by means of which fermentation residue from the biogas plant, in particular from a post-fermenter of a biogas plant, can be metered into at least one reactor container, preferably controlled by a control device as a function of a predetermined pH Value in the nutrient medium, i.e. depending on a pH value in the nutrient medium that is optimal for algae growth. This pH value is preferably around 7 to 8. The controlled addition of the digestate thus adds a fertilizer to the nutrient medium, which considerably promotes the growth of algae. According to a particularly preferred specific embodiment, it is provided that the base wall, which is preferably curved in an arc shape, the intermediate wall, the front wall, the rear wall and the overflow wall area of at least one or at least a part of the reactor vessels, preferably of all reactor vessels, is between two in Transversely opposite, preferably rectangular and/or plate-shaped, side walls and adjoin them, in particular adjoin gas-tight and/or liquid-tight and/or are possibly even connected to them (preferably detachably connected). The side walls each extend up to the top wall and border on this in order to provide the overall closed structure of the reactor vessel. The side walls adjoin the top wall in particular in a gas-tight and/or liquid-tight manner. Alternatively or additionally, the side walls can even be connected to the top wall.

A configuration is particularly preferred in which the bottom wall of the reactor vessel is curved in an arc shape, the apex of the curvature being located at the lowest point of the reactor vessel, viewed in the direction of the vertical axis. With such an arcuately curved bottom wall area, a particularly advantageous geometry results, which follows the course of the flow and has no dead zones in which material, for example algae material, can accumulate in an undesired manner. In addition, it is particularly advantageous in this connection if the opposite, preferably rectangular and/or plate-shaped side walls extend downwards in the direction of the vertical axis at least as far as the apex of the bottom wall and form a ground contact area. In this way, in spite of the arched base wall area, overall stable reactor vessels are made available.

Particularly preferred in connection with a separate construction of the reactor vessels is a structure in which each individual reactor vessel designed as an individual vessel has two separate opposite side walls. Because, as already described above, a separate component that is particularly easy to handle is thereby formed. In principle or alternatively, however, there is of course also the possibility that two opposite, large side walls form the side walls for several or all reactor vessels. This does not stand in the way of the individual container concept, which in this embodiment is then formed by the front wall, the intermediate wall and the rear wall.

In order to allow light to enter the interior of the reactor vessel, it is necessary, as described above, for the front wall or the rear wall of the reactor vessel, which is or are assigned lighting elements, to be translucent at least in this area of assignment. However, a structure in which at least one or at least part of the reactor vessel and/or the top wall is/are translucent as a whole, preferably made of a translucent glass or plastic material, is particularly advantageous and easy to manufacture. Also preferred is a structure in which the individual walls are made of the same material and/or are made in one piece and are therefore inexpensive.

As already explained above, it is also particularly advantageous if the front wall and/or the rear wall and/or the intermediate wall and/or the overflow wall area and/or the side walls are rectangular and/or plate-shaped. Such rectangular and/or plate-shaped wall elements can be produced easily and allow an overall simple construction of the reactor vessel, in particular with regard to the formation of identical parts.

The one-part or multi-part overflow wall area can, for example, be formed integrally with the front wall and/or the rear wall of a reactor vessel, in particular with their free end areas. According to a first embodiment of this, the overflow wall area can, for example, be formed integrally with either the front wall or the rear wall of a reactor vessel, in particular with their free end areas. To form the common overflow wall area, a free end area of a rear wall or front wall of an immediately adjacent reactor vessel is then also connected to the overflow wall area. In this embodiment, the overflow wall area then forms an integral part of a single reactor vessel and the associated wall area of the adjoining reactor vessel can then be connected very simply to the overflow wall area. This reduces the variety of components. In addition, such integral composite solutions can be produced easily and inexpensively.

An integral design with both the front wall and the rear wall is also possible, for example if the overflow wall area is designed in two parts and has both a front wall and a rear wall overflow wall area element that can be connected to one another. Alternatively, the overflow wall area could also be designed in one piece with both the front wall and the rear wall in the integral design and the interface, in the event that individual reactor areas should be separated at all, could be provided somewhere else, i.e. not in the area of the Overcurrent wall area will be provided.

An integral design within the meaning of the two paragraphs above preferably means a material-uniform and/or one-piece connection between the overflow wall area (or its individual elements) and the front and/or rear wall of adjacent reactor vessels, so that these reactor vessels then form modules, which can be easily installed as part of final assembly.

At this point, it should also be expressly mentioned that it is not absolutely necessary to assemble the photobioreactor according to the invention from a number of individual reactor containers during assembly, even if this is a preferred embodiment. The photobioreactor according to the invention with its several reactor containers can of course also be designed in one piece overall, for example produced in one piece and with the same material using the 3D printing process. The individual reactor vessels then form an overall cohesive structure.

According to a further alternative embodiment, the overflow wall area can also be formed by a one-part or multi-part separate component which can be or is firmly connected to the front wall and/or to the rear wall of the two adjacent reactor vessels, in particular with their free end areas will. These are preferably such embodiments in which the overflow wall area is formed by a separate component or by a plurality of separate components, the or with the Front wall and / or the rear wall of the respective reactor vessel or the respective reactor vessel are connected as part of a pre-assembly, so that these pre-assembled reactor vessels then form pre-assembly modules that are only installed as part of a subsequent final assembly.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the overflow wall area is formed by a peripheral frame with a container overflow opening surrounded by the frame. Such a peripheral frame ensures that the overflow wall area is particularly stable. According to an embodiment that is particularly preferred for this purpose, it is provided that a frame part area that is lower in the direction of the vertical axis forms a connection area for the free end area of the front wall and/or the rear wall of the respectively assigned reactor vessel and/or that an upper frame part area in the direction of the vertical axis adjoins the top wall, in particular gas and/or in a liquid-tight manner and/or possibly even connected to it (preferably detachably connected).

The overflow wall area can also have at least one flow guide element projecting into the container overflow opening and/or a plurality of container overflow openings, preferably lying next to one another in the transverse direction. The multiple container overflow openings can have the same or different shapes. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that in order to form a plurality of container overflow openings, at least one connecting web running between frame parts, preferably at least one running in the vertical axis direction and between opposite frame parts in the vertical axis direction, is provided, in particular in a dual function as a flow guide element. Such an arrangement with at least one flow guide element and/or with several overflow openings and/or with at least one connecting web leads to advantageous smaller turbulences and turbulences in the area of the overflow wall area, which has a particularly advantageous effect on the flow guidance and distribution of the microorganisms produced in the nutrient medium , since this counteracts any tendency to settling or accumulation that might otherwise be present. In conjunction with such flow guide elements or connecting webs, of course, different shapes of the container overflow openings can also be formed, which can also contribute in a targeted manner to forming certain desired flow conditions in the overflow wall area.

The at least one lighting element can be designed in different ways and, for example, have one or more lighting elements whose beam angle and thus light cone are either fixed or adjustable when the at least lighting element is installed. In connection with an illuminant whose beam angle and thus light cone can be adjusted in the installed state, the illumination or illumination of the respective reactor chambers of the reactor vessels can be adapted and/or changed in an advantageous manner. As the statements made above show, the term “lighting element” within the meaning of the invention is expressly to be interpreted in a general manner and can be understood to include all suitable lighting means, such as LEDs and/or OLEDs. Incandescent lamps, halogen spotlights or fluorescent tubes can also be understood just as well. The lighting elements used according to the invention, for example LED lights, emit light with an optimum wavelength and intensity, which is matched to the growth of the respective microorganisms, and are preferably also characterized by high energy efficiency.

Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the at least one light-emitting element is arranged in the gap between the adjacent reactor vessels in such a way that in the at least one reactor chamber illuminated by the at least one light-emitting element, the adjacent reactor vessels are illuminated with different levels of brightness, in particular as defined light/dark areas , can be trained or are being trained. It is particularly preferred if areas that are illuminated with different levels of brightness and lie one behind the other in the direction of flow, in particular as defined light/dark areas, are formed. This is based on the finding by the inventors that it is of particular advantage when cultivating and multiplying microorganisms, in particular microalgae, not to illuminate continuously and uniformly as seen in the direction of flow. Long-term uniform lighting can lead to excessive light intensity and thus to photoinhibition, which reduces the growth rate of microalgae. Photoinhibition occurs when the intensity of light exceeds an intensity that ensures a maximum growth rate. Rather, according to the inventor's knowledge, it is of particular advantage for the growth of microorganisms, in particular microalgae, if lighter areas alternate with darker (less brightly lit) areas. In other words, this means that the microorganisms or microalgae then find a kind of quiet zone in the less brightly lit areas, which has an overall positive effect on the growth and reproduction of the microorganisms or microalgae.

An arrangement in which several light-emitting elements are accommodated spaced apart from one another in the vertical axis direction and/or in the transverse direction in the gap between the adjoining reactor vessels is particularly advantageous for the formation of such differently brightly illuminated areas, but also in general. With such an arrangement spaced apart in the vertical axis direction and/or in the transverse direction, it is possible to achieve advantageous lighting and illumination of the individual, different regions of the reactor chambers that is precisely tailored to the respectively desired individual case. In this case, it is particularly preferred that a plurality of rows of luminous elements are formed which extend in the transverse direction and are spaced apart from one another in the direction of the vertical axis, preferably evenly spaced apart from one another.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the rows of light elements extending in the transverse direction are formed by a plurality of light elements spaced apart from one another and/or by light strips.

According to a particularly preferred configuration, the distance between the light-emitting elements, in particular the rows of light-emitting elements, is between 10 and 40 cm, preferably between 15 and 30 cm, in the direction of the vertical axis.

As already explained above, in connection with the arrangement of lighting elements according to the invention, a wide variety of lighting conditions can be set and achieved in the individual reactor vessels or in their reactor chambers. For example, this can be arranged in the direction of the vertical axis spaced and successive light-emitting elements or rows of light-emitting elements that a light-emitting element / a row of light-emitting elements or a first part of Light-emitting elements/rows of light-emitting elements emits light through the rear wall (alternatively front wall) of the front (alternatively rear) reactor vessel, while the next light-emitting element/light-emitting element row in the direction of the vertical axis or the next part of the light-emitting elements/light-element rows in the vertical-axis direction emits light through the front wall (alternatively the rear wall) of a rear ( alternatively front) reactor vessel emits. Such an arrangement would of course also be possible as an alternative or in addition in relation to the transverse direction.

Alternatively, the light-emitting elements or rows of light-emitting elements can emit light both through the rear wall of a front reactor vessel and through the front wall of a rear reactor vessel. Other arrangements in groups are also possible in principle.

The statements just made show that there are a number of different possibilities for arranging the lighting element(s) in the gap between adjacent reactor vessels in order to create lighting conditions that are tailored to the respective purposes and applications. With the arrangement according to the invention of the light-emitting elements in the gap between adjacent reactor vessels, this is possible in a particularly simple and advantageous manner, in contrast to the prior art.

In addition, lighting elements can also be arranged on the ceiling wall, for example on the underside of the ceiling wall. Alternatively or additionally, however, lighting elements can also be arranged on the outside and top of the ceiling wall, specifically in connection with the preferably used translucent ceiling walls.

Furthermore, a stiffening element can be provided in the gap between the adjacent reactor vessels in the transition area from the front and/or rear wall to the bottom wall, preferably a stiffening element closing the gap downwards, which extends over a predetermined length in the transverse direction, in particular in Transverse direction extends completely between opposite side walls and is adjacent there. Such an additional stiffening element, which is spaced below the overflow wall area, serves to stabilize the structure as a whole. Furthermore, in the wall area close to the bottom wall, the intermediate wall can have a frame area running all the way around the edge with an intermediate wall through-flow opening surrounded by the frame area. It is preferably provided that a lower frame portion in the direction of the vertical axis adjoins the bottom wall, in particular adjoins it in a gas-tight and/or liquid-tight manner and/or is connected to it (preferably detachably connected).

Furthermore, the partition preferably has at least one flow guide element protruding into the partition through-flow opening and/or a plurality of partition through-flow openings, preferably lying next to one another in the transverse direction. In this context, it can be provided, for example, that the several intermediate wall flow openings have the same or different shapes. Furthermore, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that at least one connecting web running between frame parts, preferably at least one running in the vertical axis direction and between opposite frame parts in the vertical axis direction, is provided for the formation of several intermediate wall flow openings, in particular in a dual function as a flow guide element. The same advantages result here as has already been explained above in connection with the container overflow opening of the overflow wall area, i.e. such an arrangement with at least one flow guide element and/or with several throughflow openings and/or with at least one connecting web in the area of the intermediate wall leads to advantageous smaller turbulences and turbulences, which has a particularly advantageous effect on the flow guidance and distribution of the microorganisms produced in the nutrient medium, since this counteracts any tendency to settling or accumulation that might otherwise exist.

In connection with such flow guide elements or connecting webs, of course, different shapes of the intermediate wall through-flow openings can also be formed, which can also contribute in a targeted manner to the formation of certain desired flow conditions there.

According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that at least one or at least a part of The reactor vessel has at least one feed nozzle as the feed device, preferably a plurality of feed nozzles spaced apart in the transverse direction as the feed device. An embodiment is particularly preferred in which at least one or at least some of the reactor vessels, preferably all of the reactor vessels, has a plurality of feed nozzles spaced apart in the transverse direction, by means of which a medium, in particular CO2 or a medium containing CO2, is fed from outside the reactor vessel into can be introduced into the reactor vessel. A configuration is particularly preferred in which the at least one feed nozzle, preferably a plurality of feed nozzles spaced apart in the transverse direction, is arranged in the area of the reactor vessel near the bottom wall, specifically preferably in the area of the rear reactor chamber on the bottom wall and/or on the rear wall is. With feed nozzles of this type, with which a predetermined medium, in particular CO2 or a medium containing CO2, can be introduced into the reactor vessel from outside the reactor vessel, photosynthesis can be supported in an advantageous manner. Due to the injection in the area of the reactor vessel close to the bottom wall, and here preferably in the area of the rear reactor chamber on the bottom wall or on the rear wall, it is also advantageously achieved that no material can accumulate there.

The at least one feed nozzle is particularly preferably aligned with its orifice in the direction of flow, so that when the medium is injected, the flow of the nutrient medium is supported in the direction of flow.

The photobioreactor is further preferably designed in such a way that an inlet for the nutrient medium is provided on the front reactor vessel in the longitudinal direction or flow direction, preferably in the top wall and/or in the front wall and/or in the side wall of the front reactor vessel in the longitudinal direction or flow direction which is preferably an inlet by means of which the nutrient medium can be fed to the front reactor chamber of the foremost reactor vessel.

This inlet is preferably coupled to a conveying device, by means of which a part of the nutrient medium, preferably a part of the nutrient medium drawn off from a rear area of the photobioreactor, most preferably a part of the nutrient medium drawn off from the rearmost reactor vessel in the longitudinal direction or flow direction, can be fed to the front reactor vessel is. The conveying device serves at the same time as a circulating device for the liquid nutrient medium.

In general, the liquid nutrient medium in the photobioreactor should be circulated with a conveying device of whatever type in such a way that a vertically meandering flow through the individual reactor containers is formed.

In principle, the conveying device can also be formed by a conventional pump, which, however, has the disadvantage that the cell walls of the cultured microorganisms may be damaged. For this reason, in the solution according to the invention, the conveying device is formed, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, by an air lifting arrangement, in which a working medium, preferably air, most preferably air enriched with CO2 and/or filtered, is introduced into a nutrient medium line leading to the inlet. so that the working medium promotes the nutrient medium in the direction of the inlet, in particular entrains it in the manner of a carrier medium and promotes it in the direction of the inlet. As the statements made above show, the lifting arrangement is referred to here as an "air" lifting arrangement, but this does not imply any restriction to the preferably gaseous working medium used. Instead of air as the working medium, another carrier medium, for example an inert gas, can also be used, to name just another example of a working medium.

Furthermore, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that an outlet for the nutrient medium is provided on the rearmost reactor vessel in the longitudinal direction or flow direction, preferably in the top wall and/or in the rear wall and/or in the side wall of the rearmost reactor vessel in the longitudinal direction or flow direction. The outlet is preferably designed in such a way that it can be used to discharge the nutrient medium from the rear reactor chamber of the rearmost reactor vessel. The outlet is designed here, for example, as a drain, in particular as an overflow, and/or is coupled to an extraction device, by means of which the nutrient medium can be extracted from the rearmost reactor vessel in the longitudinal direction or flow direction, in particular depending on the density of the Photobioreactor, for example in the rearmost reactor vessel, microorganisms generated is deductible.

The outlet is more preferably downstream of an endless belt filter, in particular a self-cleaning endless belt filter, in which an endless filter cloth is circulated between a filtering section and a section in which the filtered product is removed from the filter cloth. If the desired density of the microorganisms produced, in particular the desired algae density, is reached, the nutrient medium can be discharged at least partially via the outlet from the photobioreactor and the desired product can then be separated from the nutrient medium in a separate station. With the endless belt filter, the product is obtained particularly gently, which, unlike the centrifuges usually used for this purpose, does not destroy the cell walls of the microorganisms obtained.

It goes without saying that the photobioreactor is operated in a closed circuit with regard to the liquid nutrient medium, i.e. the nutrient medium preferably present at the end of the photobioreactor and provided with microorganisms or microalgae is fed back to the inlet and this process is repeated until the desired density of the respective product is reached and renewed (partial) rejection can take place. It is further understood that due to the consumption of the nutrient medium, nutrient medium must of course be periodically replenished.

According to a further particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that a heating and/or cooling element is provided on the outside of at least one reactor vessel, preferably on the bottom wall and/or in the area near the bottom wall of the front wall and/or the rear wall and/or the side walls of at least one reactor vessel be arranged, by means of which the temperature of the nutrient medium accommodated in the reactor vessel can be controlled.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the top wall, which is designed in one or more parts, is preferably designed in the form of a plate, so that it can be easily handled, for example, in connection with lifting it off. Also particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the ceiling wall is provided with at least one ventilation device, preferably with at least one ventilation fan, by means of which a gas, in particular oxygen-containing gas, accumulating between the ceiling wall and the nutrient medium can be removed from the interior of the photobioreactor, in particular from the reactor vessels, is removable, it being preferably provided that each reactor vessel is assigned an aeration device on the top wall side. This makes it possible in particular to extract the oxygen that is generated between the ceiling wall and the nutrient medium. In this way, the partial pressure of oxygen above the nutrient medium is lowered, with the result that the proportion of oxygen in the nutrient medium decreases. This is advantageous because too high a concentration of oxygen in the nutrient medium would result in lower productivity of, for example, microalgal biomass. The provision of a ventilation device also has the advantage that condensation on the ceiling wall is minimized, which reduces cleaning and maintenance costs.

Also particularly preferred is a structure in which, in connection with a photobioreactor with several reaction vessels, all reactor vessels have the same U-shaped basic structure with a front wall and a rear wall of essentially the same height, both of which have a gap distance to the top wall and both of which extend from the extending up to the ceiling wall and adjoining the partition wall. The gap distance to the top wall in the adjoining area of two reactor vessels is bridged by the overflow wall area, which extends to the top wall and borders on it. Furthermore, the front wall of the foremost reactor vessel in the longitudinal direction or through-flow direction has a first wall-like and/or plate-like bridging element, which extends to the top wall and is adjacent there. The rear wall of the rearmost reactor vessel in the longitudinal direction or direction of flow has a second wall-like and/or plate-like bridging element which extends to the top wall and is adjacent there. It is also provided that the first and second wall-like and/or plate-like bridging element, like all existing front walls, intermediate walls and rear walls as well as the at least one overflow wall area, extends in the transverse direction between the side walls, which also extend to the top wall and adjoin there, and there adjacent, so that when the ceiling wall is mounted, a closed reactor is trained. With a structure of this type, the reactor vessels are essentially designed as identical parts, so that production and manufacture are significantly simplified.

In the present invention, “adjacent” of components to other components (in particular “adjacent” of walls, wall areas or elements to other walls, wall areas or elements) is preferably understood to mean that the components are in direct contact with one another and/or without a gap abut one another, that is to say the components are in direct contact with one another when they abut and, for example, one wall abuts the other wall in a contact connection and is therefore adjacent to it. According to a further particularly preferred embodiment, each of these contact connections can be gas-tight and/or liquid-tight. Where, in connection with the adjoining of two components, a possible connection between the two components is also mentioned as an optional configuration, this connection can preferably be designed as a detachable connection, for example as a form-fit and/or snap-in connection, to give just one example to name. With such a preferred abutment and contact connection of the individual components, an overall stable structure results, since the individual walls or wall areas can then extend, for example, up to the ceiling wall and can be supported there. This applies equally to the photobioreactor according to the invention as well as to the reactor container according to the invention and the method according to the invention.

The reactor vessel according to the invention for a photobioreactor, in particular for a photobioreactor as has been described above, is characterized in that the reactor vessel is designed as an upwardly open vessel which, viewed in cross section, has an LI shape with a vertical axis direction extending, preferably rectangular and/or plate-shaped front wall and a preferably rectangular and/or plate-shaped rear wall spaced apart from it in the longitudinal direction and also extending in the direction of the vertical axis, which are connected to one another on the bottom side by a bottom wall. In the reactor vessel there is also a partition wall, preferably connected to the bottom wall and/or rectangular and/or plate-shaped, which extends upwards from the bottom wall in the direction of the vertical axis, so that the partition wall Reactor vessel, based on the longitudinal direction, divided into a front reactor chamber and a rear reactor chamber. At least one through-flow opening between the front and rear reactor chambers is provided in the partition wall in the adjoining and/or connection area of the partition wall to the base wall near the bottom wall. As has already been explained above in connection with the photobioreactor according to the invention, such a reactor vessel is characterized by a very compact and simple design, with this reactor vessel as a single vessel being easily combined with other reactor vessels of the same type or of a similar type in order to form a photobioreactor with a desired number of cascaded reactor vessels arranged one behind the other.

As already explained above in connection with the photobioreactor, the reactor vessel, in particular the free end area of the front wall and/or the rear wall of the reactor vessel, can be assigned a one-part or multi-part overflow wall area, for example integrally connected thereto or as a separate component connected thereto, the overflow wall portion extending transversely across the width of the reactor vessel and having at least one vessel overflow opening. With regard to the resulting advantages and other related design variants, we refer to the statements made above.

Also advantageous is a configuration of the reactor vessel with side walls lying opposite one another in the transverse direction, so that the bottom wall, which is preferably curved in an arc shape, the intermediate wall, the front wall, the rear wall and the overflow wall area of the reactor vessel extend between the two side walls lying opposite one another in the transverse direction and on these adjoin, in particular adjoin gas-tight and/or liquid-tight there and/or are connected to these. Here, too, the side walls are again preferably rectangular and/or plate-shaped.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the bottom wall of the reactor vessel is curved in an arc shape, with the apex of the curve being located at the lowest point of the reactor vessel in the direction of the vertical axis. The opposing side walls, which are preferably rectangular and/or plate-shaped, extend in the direction of the vertical axis Viewed at least down to the apex of the bottom wall, they form a ground contact area. Here, too, we refer to the statements made above on the photobioreactor with regard to the further design and the resulting advantages.

The latter also applies to the other particularly preferred embodiment of the reactor vessel as being translucent overall, preferably made of a translucent glass or plastic material.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that at least one feed nozzle, preferably a plurality of feed nozzles spaced apart in the transverse direction, is provided on the reactor vessel, by means of which a medium, in particular CO2 or a medium containing CO2, can be introduced into the reactor vessel from outside the reactor vessel. It is preferably provided that the at least one feed nozzle, preferably a plurality of feed nozzles spaced apart in the transverse direction, is arranged in the area of the reactor vessel near the bottom wall, specifically preferably in the area of the rear reactor chamber on the bottom wall and/or on the rear wall. In this regard, too, we refer to the statements made above in connection with the photobioreactor with regard to the further configurations and/or the resulting advantages.

Here, too, according to a preferred embodiment, the reactor vessel, which is open at the top as such, can be closed by at least one, preferably plate-shaped and/or removable, top wall, preferably gas-tight and/or liquid-tight, in order to create a closed reactor vessel, in particular in connection with a photobioreactor consisting of several reactor vessels.

The reaction vessel also preferably has a U-shaped basic structure with a front wall and a rear wall of essentially the same height, both of which have a gap distance to the top wall and both of which are surmounted by the intermediate wall that extends to the top wall and is adjacent there. The gap distance can be bridged by an overflow wall area and/or by a wall and/or plate-like bridging element which, in the mounted state, extends to the top wall and is adjacent to it. It is further provided that the wall and / or plate-like The bridging element and/or the overflow wall area in the installed state extends in the transverse direction between the side walls which also extend up to the top wall and border there and adjoins them, so that when the top wall is installed a closed reactor vessel is formed. The resulting benefits have also previously been extensively appreciated in connection with the photobioreactor. In this respect, to avoid further repetitions, we refer to the statements made there.

In addition, the invention claims a biogas plant with at least one photobioreactor according to the invention or a reactor for the gasification of fuels, in particular for the gasification of carbonaceous solid fuels, with at least one photobioreactor according to the invention. The resulting advantages have already been extensively appreciated before. In this respect, reference is made to the statements made there.

And finally, a method according to the invention for the production of microorganisms, in particular microalgae, by means of a photobioreactor, in particular by means of a photobioreactor as described above, is proposed, in which the photobioreactor is designed as a closed reactor which has a plurality of reactor containers which are open at the top are closed with a one-part or multi-part, preferably removable, top wall of the photobioreactor, preferably are closed gas-tight and/or liquid-tight, and in which a nutrient medium is accommodated.

According to the invention, at least part of the reactor vessel is designed as an individual vessel which, viewed in cross section, has a U-shape with a front wall extending in the direction of the vertical axis and a rear wall which is spaced apart from it in the longitudinal direction and also extends in the direction of the vertical axis and which has a bottom wall on the bottom side are connected to each other. The reactor vessels of the photobioreactor, designed in this way as individual vessels, are arranged one behind the other, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the photobioreactor (or flow direction of the nutrient medium), in such a way that a front reactor vessel, viewed in the longitudinal direction, with a rear wall that is translucent at least in some areas, forming a gap or gap spacing, is attached to a at least partially translucent front wall seen in the longitudinal direction the rear reactor vessel, the free end areas of the front and rear walls adjoining one another to form the gap having a common overflow wall area which closes the gap from above in relation to the direction of the vertical axis and which has at least one vessel overflow opening between the adjacent reactor vessels . The nutrient medium can then flow via this container overflow opening from a reactor container at the front, seen in the direction of flow, into a reactor container at the rear, on the other hand. The front wall and the rear wall of the reactor vessel or the reactor vessel are preferably rectangular and/or plate-shaped.

The overflow wall area, which can also be referred to as an overflow wall area element, extends to the ceiling wall and is adjacent to it. This adjoining preferably takes place in such a way that the overflow wall area adjoins the top wall in a gas-tight and/or liquid-tight manner and/or is possibly even connected to it, preferably detachably connected.

Furthermore, in the intermediate wall, in the adjoining and/or connecting area of the intermediate wall to the floor wall near the floor wall, there is at least one Provided intermediate wall flow opening between the front and the rear reactor chamber.

With such a structure, a nutrient medium accommodated in the front reactor chamber of a front reactor vessel can flow through the at least one intermediate wall flow opening into the rear reactor chamber of the front reactor vessel and then further upwards from the rear reactor chamber of the front reactor vessel or through the at least one vessel - Flow through an overflow opening into a front reactor chamber of a rear reactor vessel (vertically meandering flow), so that a nutrient medium received in the front reactor chamber of a front reactor vessel flows through the at least one intermediate wall flow opening into the rear reactor chamber of the front reactor vessel and further from the rear Reactor chamber of the front reactor vessel flows through the at least one vessel overflow opening into a front reactor chamber of a rear reactor vessel (vertical meandering flow).

The resulting advantages have already been extensively appreciated in connection with the photobioreactor, so that to avoid repetition, reference is made to the statements made there.

The invention is explained in more detail below, merely by way of example, with reference to a drawing.

Show it:

1 shows a schematic front view of an exemplary photobioreactor according to the invention with a view of the foremost reactor vessel in the direction of arrow Z in FIG. 2a,

Figure 2a shows a schematic longitudinal cross section along the line A-A of Figure 1,

FIG. 2b shows a schematic perspective sectional view of the photobioreactor from FIG. 2b with some features omitted, FIG. 3a shows a schematic exemplary embodiment of an overflow wall area formed by a separate component,

Figure 3b is a schematic sectional view along the line C-C of Figure 3a,

FIG. 3c shows a schematic representation of a further alternative embodiment of the overflow wall area,

FIG. 4a shows a schematic detailed illustration of a bridging element forming an outlet,

Figure 4b shows a section along the line D-D of Figure 4a,

FIG. 5 shows a schematic front view of a single reactor vessel,

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 5,

figure ? a perspective view of the individual reactor vessel of Figures 5 and 6 with side walls,

FIG. 8a shows an enlarged detailed representation of a partition wall in plan view,

FIG. 8b shows an alternative embodiment of the partition frame area of FIG. 8a,

FIG. 9a shows a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of an overflow wall area which is formed integrally with the free end area of the rear wall of a reactor vessel,

FIG. 9b shows a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of an overflow wall area which is formed integrally with the free end area of a front wall of a reactor vessel,

FIG. 10 shows a schematic representation of a further alternative embodiment of a two-part overflow wall area, the overflow wall area elements of which are integral with the free end area the rear wall and with the free end area of the front wall of a reactor vessel,

FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation of a biogas plant according to the invention with a photobioreactor according to the invention, and

FIG. 12 shows a schematic representation of a reactor according to the invention for the gasification of fuels with a photobioreactor according to the invention.

Figures 1, 2a and 2b show in their synopsis an exemplary embodiment of a photobioreactor 1 according to the invention for the production of microorganisms, in particular the production of microalgae. As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 2a and 2b, this photobioreactor 1 has a plurality of reactor containers 2 designed as individual containers, in which a nutrient medium is accommodated.

The individual reactor vessels 2, as can be seen in particular from the overview of Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8, all preferably have an essentially identical and/or U-shaped basic structure related to the flow, in which the reactor vessels 2 are each containers are open at the top and have a front wall 3 extending in the direction of the vertical axis z and a rear wall 4 spaced apart from it in the longitudinal direction x and also extending in the direction of the vertical axis z. The front wall 3 and the rear wall 3 are each connected to one another on the bottom side by a bottom wall 5 .

Both the front wall 3 and the rear wall 4 are here, for example, plate-shaped and rectangular in shape, while the bottom wall 5 is here, for example, curved in an arc shape.

The front wall 3 and the rear wall 4 have essentially the same height, as can be seen in particular from FIG. This intermediate wall 6 is also an example here plate-shaped and rectangular, which can also be seen in particular from FIG. 8a, which shows an individual representation of the intermediate wall 6.

In the installed state (see, for example, FIG. 2a), the intermediate wall 6 extends upwards from the bottom wall 5 in the direction of the vertical axis z to a top wall 7, which is only shown here with dashed lines for reasons of clarity and is also plate-shaped and rectangular, for example. In this case, the intermediate wall 6 adjoins the top wall 7 with its upper free end area in the direction of the vertical axis, preferably in a gas-tight and/or liquid-tight manner. If necessary, the intermediate wall 6 can also be connected to the top wall 7, in particular it can be detachably connected. The top wall 7 is shown here in one piece, but it can also be made in several parts if necessary.

As can be seen in particular from Figures 2a, 2b and 6, the partition 6 divides the reactor vessel, in relation to the longitudinal direction x, into a front reactor chamber 8 and a rear reactor chamber 9.

In the partition wall 6, as can be seen in particular from FIG Reactor chamber 9 allow.

The intermediate wall 6, like the front wall 3 and the rear wall 4, extends, viewed in the transverse direction y, between two opposite side walls 11 in the transverse direction y, which are also rectangular and plate-shaped here only by way of example, which can be seen in particular from Figures 2a, 2b and 7 is, in each case extend up to the top wall 7 and adjoin it, in particular adjoin it in a gas-tight and/or liquid-tight manner or are possibly even connected to it. The latter naturally also applies to the adjoining of the front wall 8, the intermediate wall 6 and the rear wall 4 to the side walls 11.

At this point it should be noted that the ceiling wall 7 is preferably designed as a removable ceiling wall, so that then between the ceiling wall 7 and the walls or wall areas adjoining them, either no connection may be provided or a detachable connection must be provided.

As can also be seen from Figures 2a and 7 in particular, the apex of the curvature of the bottom wall 5 of the reactor vessel is at the lowest point of the reactor vessel 2 as seen in the direction of the vertical axis z, so that the side walls 11 lying opposite one another as seen in the direction of the vertical axis z at least up to the apex this bottom wall 5 extend downwards and thus form a ground contact area.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a and 7, each individual reactor vessel 2 has two separate, opposite side walls 11. However, an alternative variant is shown in FIG. 2b, in which two opposite large-area side walls 11 each form the side walls for several or, in the case of FIG. 2b, for all reactor vessels 2.

Both the individual reactor vessels 2 and the top wall 7 are preferably made translucent overall, for example made of a translucent glass or plastic material.

As can also be seen from Figure 6 in combination with Figures 2a and 2b, all reactor vessels 2 have the same U-shaped basic structure with a front wall 3 and rear wall 4 of the same height, both of which have a gap distance to the top wall 7 and the both are surmounted by the intermediate wall 6 extending up to the ceiling wall 7 .

In order to bridge the gap distance to the top wall 7, the photobioreactor 1 has an overflow wall area 12, described below, in the area adjacent to two reactor vessels 2, which extends as far as the top wall 7 viewed in the vertical axis direction z and between the opposite side walls 11 in the transverse direction y and on this in each case adjoins, in particular adjoins it in a gas-tight and/or liquid-tight manner and/or is possibly even connected to it. This overflow wall area 12 is formed in the present example by a separate component (see FIG. 3a) which is firmly connected to the front wall 3 and the rear wall 4 of two adjacent reactor vessels 2 (see FIGS. 2a and 2b). As can also be seen from Figures 2a and 2b, the individual reactor vessels 2 are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction x in such a way that a front reactor vessel 2, seen in the longitudinal direction x, with a translucent rear wall, forming a gap 13 as a mounting space, is attached to a translucent front wall 3 of a seen in the longitudinal direction x rear reactor vessel 2 is adjacent. In the example shown here, the free end areas of the front and rear walls 3, 4 assigned to the overflow wall area 12 are each connected to a lower partial frame area 14 of a frame 15 running around the edge of the overflow wall area 12, in particular in a gas-tight and/or liquid-tight manner. As a result, the mutually assigned front and rear walls 3, 4 of the adjacent reactor vessels 2 each have a common overflow wall area 12, which closes the gap 13 from above in relation to the vertical axis direction z, and here, by way of example, several vessel overflow openings 16 having.

As can be seen in particular from Figure 3a, the lower frame section 14 in the vertical axis direction z forms the connection area for the free end sections of the front walls 3 and rear walls 4 of the associated reactor vessel 2, while an upper frame section 17 in the vertical axis direction z is adjacent to the top wall 7. in particular gas-tight and/or liquid-tight and/or possibly even connected to it, preferably detachably connected.

The several transversely adjacent container overflow openings 16 are formed here by several connecting webs 18 running in the vertical axis direction z between the upper frame portion 17 and the lower frame portion 14, which preferably simultaneously form flow guide elements.

As an alternative to this, however, only a single container overflow opening 16 without flow guide elements or connecting webs 18 could be provided (not shown), or else a container overflow opening 16 could be provided, in which protrude into one or more flow guide elements 18a, as is shown merely by way of example in FIG. 3c.

As can be seen in particular from the combination of Figures 2a and 2b, this arrangement of the overflow wall area 12 between the associated front and rear walls 3, 4 of adjacent reactor vessels 2 results in an upper overflow area, relative to the vertical axis direction z , through which a nutrient medium from a posterior

Reactor chamber 9 of a front reactor vessel 2 in a front

Reactor chamber 8 of a rear reactor vessel 2 can flow in or overflow.

According to an alternative embodiment, however, the overflow wall area 12 can also be formed integrally with the free end area of the rear wall 4 of the reactor vessel 2 . This is shown schematically in FIG. 9a. A free end area of a front wall 3 of an immediately adjacent reactor vessel 2 is then also connected to the overflow wall area 12 to form the common overflow wall area 12 (see arrow 42).

According to a further alternative configuration, however, the overflow wall area 12 can also be formed integrally with the free end area of the front wall 3 of the reactor vessel 2 . This is shown schematically in FIG. 9b. A free end area of a rear wall 3 of an immediately adjacent reactor vessel 2 is then also connected to the overflow wall area 12 to form the common overflow wall area 12 (see arrow 42).

9a and 9b also result in the same parts since the reactor vessels 2 only have to be rotated through 180° in order to form an overflow wall area 12 arranged on a front wall 3 or on a rear wall 4.

The latter also applies to the further alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 10, in which the overflow wall area 12 is designed in several parts and a first overflow wall area element 12a on the front wall side is integral with the free end area of the front wall 3 and a second overflow wall area on the rear wall side. Wall area element 12b is formed with the free end area of the rear wall 4 of the reactor vessel 2. The overflow wall area element 12a on the front wall and the overflow wall area element 12b on the rear wall of two adjacent reactor vessels 2 are then connected to one another to form the common overflow wall area 12, which is indicated by the arrow 44 in the illustration in FIG. Such a solution would in principle also be possible with overflow wall area elements 12a, 12b, which are designed as separate components and only have to be connected to the free end areas of the assigned walls during pre-assembly.

The partition wall 6 in connection with its partition through-flow openings 10, which have already been briefly discussed above, also shows a similar structure to the overflow wall region 12.

As can be seen in particular from Figure 8a, the intermediate wall 6 has a circumferential frame area 19 in the wall area near the bottom wall, the frame area 20, which is lower in the direction of the vertical axis 7, adjoins the bottom wall 6, in particular adjoins it in a gas-tight and/or liquid-tight manner and/or with it is optionally even connected, preferably detachably connected.

The partition 6 also has here, for example, a plurality of partition wall flow openings 10 lying next to one another in the transverse direction y, which are formed by a plurality of connecting webs 21 running between opposite frame parts, which preferably simultaneously form flow guide elements.

The nutrient medium can thus also flow from the front reactor chamber 8 into the rear reactor chamber 9 , so that the nutrient medium flows in the photobioreactor 1 in a meandering, vertical pattern overall.

As an alternative to this, however, only a single intermediate wall flow opening 10 without flow guide elements or connecting webs 21 could be provided (not shown), or else an intermediate wall

Flow-through opening 10 may be provided in one or more Flow guide elements 21a protrude, as is only shown as an example in Figure 8b.

As can also be seen in particular from Figures 2a and 2b, the front wall 3 of the foremost reactor vessel 2 in the longitudinal direction x or flow direction has a first wall- and/or plate-like bridging element 22, which extends from the free end area of the front wall 3 to the top wall extends and adjoins it, in particular adjoins it in a gas- and/or liquid-tight manner and/or is possibly even connected to it.

The same applies in an analogous manner to the rear wall 4 of the rearmost reactor vessel 2 in the longitudinal direction x or flow direction, which has a second wall-like and/or plate-like bridging element 23, which also extends to the top wall 7 and borders on it, in particular gas and / or liquid-tight adjacent and / or possibly even connected to this.

With such a structure of a photobioreactor 1, in which bridging elements 22, 23 are used in addition to overflow wall areas 12 in the adjoining region of two reactor vessels 2 on the opposite free end sides of the photobioreactor 1, it is ensured that reactor vessels with the same basic structure can be used in each case, and independent of the respective position of the reactor vessel in the photobioreactor.

The first and second bridging elements 22 and 23 are preferably separate components that have to be connected to the respective wall area of the reactor vessel 2 . However, this is not a mandatory measure. In principle, it would also be possible to form the front wall of the foremost reactor vessel 2 as well as the rear wall of the rearmost reactor vessel 2 with such a height from the outset that the front wall 3 of the foremost reactor vessel 2 as well as the rear wall 4 of the rearmost reactor vessel 2 extend in the direction of the vertical axis, e.g extends up to the ceiling wall 7 and is adjacent there.

As can also be seen in particular from the combination of FIGS. 4a and 4b, the second bridging element 23 can be designed essentially analogously to the overflow wall region 12 of FIGS. 3a and 3b in order to for example an outlet 24 with at least one outlet opening 25, preferably several outlet openings 25 form. Here, too, the plurality of outlet openings 25 are again formed by the provision of connecting webs 26 between opposite partial frame areas. In addition, a socket-like overflow connection 27 extends outwards from the mouth area of the outlet 24, so that a defined overflow is created, for example to a subsequent further photobioreactor of essentially identical or the same design or as an outlet to one shown here as an example Endless band filter 28. This endless band filter 28 will be described in more detail below.

Due to the fact that the intermediate wall 6 and the overflow wall area 12 and possibly also the bridging elements 22, 23 each extend up to the top wall 7 and adjoin it, preferably adjoining in a contact and abutment connection without a gap distance, preferably gas and/or or adjoin liquid-tight, there is an overall stable structure, since the individual walls or wall areas then extend to the top wall 7 and can be supported there, for example, can also be accommodated in a groove-shaped depression, for example, also be detachably ver steady be able. In addition to a particularly advantageous seal, the latter also allows a functionally reliable arrangement of the top wall 7 or the individual walls and wall areas in the desired position. For the intermediate wall 6, this also applies in an analogous manner to its connection to the bottom wall 5.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 2a in conjunction with FIG , 29c and 29d are provided, which are spaced apart from one another in the vertical axis direction z, specifically, as shown here by way of example, are preferably uniformly spaced apart from one another.

The individual rows of lighting elements 29a, 29b, 29c and 29d can, for example, be lighting elements 29 in the form of LED light strips, to name just one example, the LEDs of which, as luminous bodies, emit light both through the front wall 3 and through the rear wall 4 of two adjacent reactor vessel in the respective reactor chambers of the reactor vessel 2 can radiate. This is only shown as an example in connection with the two reactor vessels 2 on the left in the image plane of FIG. 2a.

Alternatively, the lighting elements 29, for example as LED light strips, can also be arranged or designed in the gap 13 such that light, as shown in connection with the two reactor vessels 2 on the right in the image plane of Figure 2a, alternately enters only one of the two associated reactor vessels 2 is radiated. In the example shown on the right-hand side of Figure 2a, which is not to be understood as being exhaustive, the light-emitting elements 29 arranged one above the other in the vertical axis direction z radiate here only by way of example alternately (seen from top to bottom) through the rear wall 4 of the front reactor vessel 2, then through the front wall 3 of the rearmost reactor vessel 2, then again through the rear wall 4 of the front reactor vessel 2 and finally again through the front wall 3 of the rearmost reactor vessel 2. Of course, other arrangements and x-rays are also possible at any time.

These two lighting situations, shown only as examples in FIG brightly lit areas 30, 31 are preferably areas lying one behind the other in the direction of flow of the vertical meandering flow. In the present example, the areas 30 are thus illuminated more brightly than the areas 31, resulting in a certain light/dark effect which has an advantageous effect on the growth of the microorganisms, in particular on the growth of phytoplankton such as microalgae.

In the solution according to the invention, the overflow through the intermediate wall 6 between the individual reactor chambers 8, 9 or the overflow through the overflow wall area 12 between the individual reactor vessels 2 then advantageously takes place through overflow openings 10, 16, which are tailored to the respective application and which are geometrically can be designed in such a way that a targeted influencing of the flow conditions of the vertically meandering flow can be achieved in the respective overflow area, for For example, in such a way that targeted slight turbulence or turbulence is caused there, which counteracts, for example, a settling movement of microorganisms produced, without impairing the course of the flow as such.

As can be seen from Figures 2a and 2b, a stiffening element 32, for example a stiffening element 32 closing the gap 13 downwards. This stiffening element 32 can extend over a predetermined length in the transverse direction y, for example also extend completely between the opposite side walls 11.

As can also be seen from the synopsis of Figures 1, 2a and 2b, in the area of the reactor vessel 2 near the bottom wall, here in the area of the rear reactor chamber 9 on the bottom wall 5, a plurality of feed nozzles 33 spaced apart in the transverse direction are provided by means of which a medium, in particular CO2 or a medium containing CO2, can be introduced from outside the reactor vessel 2 into the reactor vessel.

The feed nozzles are preferably aligned with their orifice in the direction of flow (compare in particular FIG. 2a), so that when the medium is injected, the flow of the nutrient medium is supported in the direction of flow. In addition, any deposits in the rear reactor chamber, in particular in the bottom wall area, can also be reliably avoided by means of such an injection.

As can be seen in particular from the combination of Figures 1 and 2a, the first bridging element 22 can be designed differently, for example as a closed wall element 22a (to the left of the dividing line T) or can be provided with overflow openings 22b analogous to the overflow wall area 12 (right from the dividing line T). This depends, for example, on how the photobioreactor 1 is specifically used or used. If the photobioreactor 1 is used as an individual reactor or as the first reactor in a reactor cascade, the first bridging element 22 can be designed as a closed wall element 22a and the nutrient medium via the inlet 34, which is shown only schematically in Figure 2a.

On the other hand, if the photobioreactor 1 is part of a reactor cascade and does not form the first photobioreactor here, it can be provided that the first bridging element 22 is provided with the overflow openings 22b, which are then fluidically coupled to the outlet 24 of a preceding photobioreactor 1 , preferably via the overflow connection 27 to which the first bridging element 22 is coupled (not shown in detail here).

In connection with FIGS. 2a and 2b, the first bridging element 22 is designed here as a closed wall element 22a, for example.

As can also be seen from FIG. 2a, the inlet 34 can also be coupled to a feed line 34a, by means of which fresh nutrient medium 34a can be fed to the photobioreactor 1 at given times.

The inlet 34 is also connected to a nutrient medium line designed here as a return line 34b, which here, for example, branches off from the last reactor vessel 2 and by means of which the nutrient medium is circulated via the inlet 34 . For this purpose, in principle, a pump can be switched into the return line 34b as a conveying device. However, the conveying device in the solution according to the invention is particularly preferably formed by an air lifting arrangement 35, in which a specific working medium, preferably air, most preferably air enriched with CO2 and/or filtered air, is introduced into the return line 34b leading to the inlet 34, which contains the nutrient medium promotes towards inlet 34.

As further shown, with this circulation of the nutrient medium, a portion of the nutrient medium is preferably drawn off from the rearmost reactor vessel 2 in the longitudinal direction x or through-flow direction and then fed back to the frontmost reactor vessel 2 in the longitudinal direction xb or through-flow direction. However, it is also possible to deviate from this, for example in such a way that a number of return lines are provided which branch off from a number of reactor vessels and are routed to the inlet. Likewise, alternatively or additionally an inlet in connection with other or further reactor vessels can be provided.

The air lifting arrangement 35 serves here simultaneously as a circulating device for the liquid nutrient medium in the photobioreactor 1, ie as a circulating device in order to guide the nutrient medium through the photobioreactor 1 in a vertically meandering manner in the desired manner. As already explained before, such an air lifting arrangement 35 is particularly gentle on the product. In principle, however, the invention can be implemented with any type of circulating device.

In the schematic, basic embodiment according to Figure 2a, the photobioreactor 1 is followed by the endless belt filter 28, in which an endless filter cloth 36 is circulated between a filtering section 37 and a section 38 in which the filtered product 39 is removed from the filter cloth 36 is. This is only shown extremely schematically in FIG. 2a.

As can also be seen from FIG. 2a, the filtered nutrient medium 40 can optionally be fed back into the circuit of the nutrient medium via a further return line 34c.

FIG. 2a also shows that the feed nozzles 33 can also be coupled to a feed line 33a, via which, for example, a medium enriched with CO2, for example air enriched with CO2, can be fed.

It goes without saying that valves, backflow preventers and other blocking elements or control elements can of course be arranged in the usual way in the respective media-carrying lines, with which the media flow is controlled or regulated.

Furthermore, a heating and/or cooling element 41 can be arranged on the bottom wall 5 of each of the reactor vessels, by means of which the nutrient medium contained in the respective reactor vessel 2 can be appropriately tempered. This is only shown as an example and schematically in FIG. And finally, the ceiling wall 7 with one or more

Ventilation devices 45 may be provided, for example by

Ventilation fans are formed. This is only shown extremely schematically and by way of example in FIG. 2a. By means of these ventilation devices 45 , a gas, in particular oxygen-containing gas, accumulating between the top wall 7 and the nutrient medium can be drawn off from the interior of the photobioreactor 1 , in particular from the reactor containers 2 . In principle, each reactor vessel 2 can be assigned an aeration device 45 on the top wall side.

FIG. 11 schematically shows an exemplary representation of a biogas plant 46 with a photobioreactor 1 according to the invention, which, as described above, has a plurality of reactor containers 2 . The biogas plant 46 is only shown very schematically here and has, among other things, a fermenter 47, in which the actual biogas is produced, and a repository 48, in which fermentation residues 49 are located.

As shown in FIG. 11, the biogas 50 is withdrawn from the fermenter 47 of the biogas plant 46 and fed to a countercurrent absorber column 51 in which the CO 2 present in the gas is absorbed by a solvent 52 circulated. A stripping column 53 is also provided, in which the CO2 is separated from the solvent. Specifically, the solvent 54 loaded with CO2 is fed into the top of the stripping column 53 and trickles down there. A steam supply device 55 is also provided, by means of which steam, preferably steam, can be introduced into the stripping column 53, whereby the CO2 or, depending on the degree of purification, a CO2-containing gas 56 is released and discharged, preferably at the top of the column.

The CO2-free solvent 57 is then withdrawn from the stripping column 53 by means of a withdrawal device 58 and returned to the countercurrent absorber column 51 again.

Furthermore, a plurality of pulsation devices 59 assigned to each individual reactor vessel 2 is provided here by way of example, by means of which the CO2 or the CO2-containing gas 56 is injected in pulses or pulsations into the respective reactor vessel 2, basically at any desired point, but preferably at the bottom. can be introduced in order to produce individual gas bubbles with a defined size, for example from 3 μm to 1.0 cm.

A dosing device 60 is also provided, by means of which fermentation residue 49 can be fed to one or more reactor containers 2 as fertilizer for the nutrient medium and/or to set a desired pH value in the nutrient medium. The supply is preferably controlled with a control device 61 shown here only as an example, for example as a function of a predetermined pH value in the nutrient medium. The control device 61 can also be used, as only shown schematically here, to control the CO 2 supply by means of the pulsation devices 59 .

Finally, FIG. 12 shows a structure corresponding to FIG. 11, but with the difference that instead of a biogas plant 46, a reactor 62 for gasifying fuels, for example coal or biomass (for example wood as biomass), is used here and accordingly the photobioreactor 1 is not charged with a fermentation residue. Instead of the biogas containing CO2, synthesis gas containing CO2 is fed here to the countercurrent absorber column 51 .

It goes without saying that the photobioreactor 1 can of course also be supplied with CO2-containing biogas from a biogas plant and CO2-containing synthesis gas from a reactor for gasifying fuels, even if this is no longer explicitly shown. Both CO2-containing gas streams can be fed to different or common gas scrubbers, as described above.

Reference character list

1 photobioreactor

2 reactor vessels

3 front wall

4 back panel

5 bottom wall

6 partition

7 ceiling wall

8 forward reactor chamber

9 rear reactor chamber

10 partition wall flow openings

11 side walls

12 overflow wall area

12a first overflow wall area element

12b second overflow wall area element

13 column

14 lower frame section

15 frames

16 container overflow openings

17 upper frame section

18 connecting bars

18a flow guide element

19 frame area

20 lower frame section

21 connecting bars

21a flow guide element

22 first bridging element

22a closed wall element

22b overflow openings

23 second bridging element

24 outlet

25 exhaust ports 26 connecting bridge

27 overflow connection

28 endless band filters

29 light elements

29a row of luminous elements

29b row of luminous elements

29c row of luminous elements

29d row of luminous elements

30 brighter illuminated area

31 darker illuminated area

32 stiffening element

33 feed nozzles

33a feed line

34 inlet

34a feed line

34b return line

34c return line

35 air lift assembly

36 filter cloth

37 filtering section

38 section

39 filtered product

40 filtered nutrient medium

41 heating and/or cooling element

42 arrow

43 arrow

44 arrow

45 ventilation device

46 biogas plant

47 fermenters

48 repositories

49 Digestate

50 biogas

51 countercurrent absorber column

52 solvents

53 stripping column 54 C02 laden solvent

55 steam

56 CO2 or gas containing C02

57 C02-free solvent 58 exhaust device

59 pulsation device

60 dosing device

61 control device

62 reactor 63 synthesis gas

Claims

Claims Photobioreactor (1), in particular for the production of microorganisms, the photobioreactor (1) being designed as a closed reactor which has a plurality of reactor containers (2) which are open at the top and which have a one-part or multi-part, preferably removable, top wall ( 7) of the photobioreactor (1) are closed and in which a nutrient medium can be accommodated, characterized in that at least part of the reactor container (2) is designed as an individual container which, viewed in cross section, has an LI shape with a front wall ( 3) and a rear wall (4) spaced apart from it in the longitudinal direction and also extending in the direction of the vertical axis, which are connected to one another on the bottom side by a bottom wall (5), so that the reactor containers (2) of the photobioreactor (1), which are designed as individual containers, are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction are arranged such that in the longitudinal direction g viewed from the front reactor vessel (2) with a rear wall (4) that is translucent at least in some areas, forming a gap (13) adjoins an at least partially translucent front wall (3) of a rear reactor vessel (2) viewed in the longitudinal direction, the free end areas of the under formation The front and rear walls (3, 4) adjoining one another of the gap (13) have a common overflow wall region (12) which closes the gap (13) from above in relation to the direction of the vertical axis and which has at least one container overflow opening (16 ) between the adjoining reactor vessels (2), that the overflow wall area (12) extends to the at least one top wall (7) and adjoins it, that in the gap (13) between adjoining reactor vessels (2) at least one light-emitting element (29) is received, by means of which light passes through the respectively assigned front and / or rear wall (3, 4) through into one of the two 49 adjoining reactor vessel (2) or into both adjoining reactor vessels (2), that in each of the reactor vessels (2) designed as individual vessels an intermediate wall (6) is provided which, starting from the bottom wall (5), extends upwards in the direction of the vertical axis of the top wall (7) and adjoins it, so that the intermediate wall (6) divides the reactor vessel (2), in relation to the longitudinal direction, into a front reactor chamber (8) and a rear reactor chamber (9) that in the intermediate wall (6), in the area near the bottom wall where the partition wall (6) adjoins and/or is connected to the bottom wall (5), at least one partition wall flow opening (10) is provided between the front and rear reactor chambers (8, 9), that at least one or at least some of the reactor vessels (2) have at least one feed device (33) by means of which a CO2-containing medium (54) is fed from outside the reactor vessel (2) into at least one reactor vessel (2) can be introduced, and that the CO2-containing medium (54) is a CO2-containing gas or CO2 obtained from a CO2-containing gas.

2. Photobioreactor according to claim 1, characterized in that the photobioreactor (1) is part of a reactor (62) for the gasification of fuels, in particular for the gasification of solid fuels containing carbon, and/or that the CO2-containing gas is a CO2-containing synthesis gas ( 63) consists of a reactor (62) for the gasification of fuels, in particular for the gasification of solid fuels containing carbon.

3. Photobioreactor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the photobioreactor (1) is part of a biogas plant (46) and/or that the CO2-containing gas is a CO2-containing biogas from a biogas plant (46).

4. Photobioreactor according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a gas scrubber is provided, by means of which the CO2-containing gas can be extracted from the gas (biogas or synthesis gas) by gas scrubbing, preferably by chemical absorption.

5. Photobioreactor according to claim 4, characterized in that 50 that the gas scrubber has an absorber column, preferably a countercurrent absorber column (51), in which the CO2 present in the gas is absorbed by a solvent (52), and that the gas scrubber further has a stripping column (52) in which the CO2 can be separated from the solvent (52). Photobioreactor according to Claim 5, characterized in that the solvent (54) laden with CO2 is fed into the top of the stripping column (52) and trickles down there, and that a steam supply device (55) is provided, by means of which steam, preferably steam, can be introduced into the stripping column (52), whereby the CO2 is released and, preferably at the top of the column, discharged, it being preferably provided that the CO2-free solvent (57) is removed from the stripping column by means of a withdrawal device (58), preferably a pump (52) can be removed and returned to the absorber column (51). Photobioreactor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a pulsation device is provided, by means of which the CO2 and/or the CO2-containing gas can be introduced into the at least one reactor vessel (2) in pulses or pulsations, preferably in such a way that individual gas bubbles with a size of less than 3 cm, preferably from 3 μm to 1.0 cm, most preferably from 20 μm to 1.0 cm, can be introduced into the at least one reactor vessel (2). Photobioreactor according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that a metering device (60), preferably a pump, is provided, by means of which at least one reactor container (2) digestate (49) from the biogas plant (46), in particular from a post-fermenter and / or a repository (48) of the biogas plant, is metered, preferably controlled with a control device (61) and / or depending on a predetermined pH value in the nutrient medium. Photobioreactor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 51 that the bottom wall (5), the intermediate wall (6), the front wall (3), the rear wall (4) and the overflow wall area (12) of the reactor vessel (2), preferably curved in an arc shape, are located between two opposite ones in the transverse direction Extending side walls (11) and adjoining them, and that the side walls (11) each extend up to the top wall (7) and adjoin them. Photobioreactor according to Claim 9, characterized in that the bottom wall (5) of the reactor vessel (2) is curved in an arc shape, the apex of the curvature being at the lowest point of the reactor vessel (2) seen in the direction of the vertical axis, and in that the opposite side walls (11) as seen in the direction of the vertical axis, extend downwards at least as far as the apex of the bottom wall (5) and form a ground contact area. Photobioreactor according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that each individual reactor vessel (2) has two separate opposite side walls (11). Photobioreactor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reactor vessel (2) and/or the top wall (7) is or are made translucent overall, preferably made of a translucent glass or plastic material. Photobioreactor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front wall (3) and / or the rear wall (4) and / or the intermediate wall (6) and / or the overflow wall area (12) and / or the side walls (11) is or are rectangular and/or plate-shaped. Photobioreactor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one-part or multi-part overflow wall area (12) is integral with the free end area of the front wall (3) and/or is formed with the free end area of the rear wall (4) of the reactor vessel (2). Photobioreactor according to Claim 14, characterized in that the overflow wall area (12) is formed integrally with the free end area of the front wall (3) or with the free end area of the rear wall (4) of the reactor vessel (2) and a free end area of a rear wall ( 4) or front wall (3) of an immediately adjacent reactor vessel (2) is also connected to the overflow wall area (12) to form the common overflow wall area (12), or that the overflow wall area (12) is designed in multiple parts and a first front wall-side overflow wall area element (12a) is formed integrally with the free end area of the front wall (3) and a second rear wall-side overflow wall area element (12b) is formed with the free end area of the rear wall (4) of the reactor vessel (2), with a front wall-side overflow - Wall area element (12a) and an overflow wall area element (12b) on the rear wall to form the common overflow wall area (1st 2) can be connected to each other. Photobioreactor according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the one-piece or multi-piece overflow wall area (12) is formed by a separate component which is joined to the front wall (3) and/or the rear wall (4) of the two adjacent reactor vessel (2), in particular with their free end areas, can be connected. Photobioreactor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overflow wall area has a peripheral frame (15) with a container overflow opening (16) surrounded by the frame (15), it being preferably provided that a frame part area ( 14) forms a connection area for the free end area of the front wall (3) and/or the rear wall (4) of the respectively assigned reactor vessel (2) and/or that an in Vertical axis direction of the upper frame section (17) adjoins the top wall (7).

18. Photobioreactor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overflow wall region (12) has at least one flow guide element projecting into the container overflow opening (16) and/or several container overflow openings (16) preferably lying next to one another in the transverse direction .

19. Photobioreactor according to claim 17 and 18, characterized in that for the formation of several container overflow openings (16) at least one connecting web (18) running between frame parts, preferably at least one running in the vertical axis direction and between opposite frame parts in the vertical axis direction, in particular as a flow guide element, is provided.

20. Photobioreactor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one light-emitting element (29) is arranged in the gap between the adjacent reactor containers (2) such that in the at least one of the at least one light-emitting element (29) illuminated reactor chamber ( 8, 9) of the adjoining reactor vessels (2) differently brightly illuminated areas (30, 31) can be formed, preferably differently brightly illuminated areas (30, 31) lying one behind the other in the direction of flow can be formed.

21. Photobioreactor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the gap (13) between the adjoining reactor vessels (2) a plurality of light-emitting elements (29) are accommodated spaced apart from one another in the vertical axis direction and/or in the transverse direction, it being preferably provided that a plurality , Luminous element rows (29a, 29b, 29c, 29d) extending in the transverse direction are provided, which are spaced apart from one another in the direction of the vertical axis, most preferably evenly spaced apart from one another.

22. Photobioreactor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate wall (6) near the bottom wall 54

Wall area has a peripheral frame area (19) with an intermediate wall through-flow opening (10) surrounded by the frame area (19), it being preferably provided that a lower partial frame area (20) in the direction of the vertical axis adjoins the bottom wall (5). Photobioreactor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the partition (6) has at least one flow guide element protruding into the partition through-flow opening and/or several partition through-flow openings (10) preferably lying next to one another in the transverse direction. Photobioreactor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one or at least a part of the reactor vessel (2) has at least one feed nozzle (33) as feed device, preferably a plurality of feed nozzles (33) spaced apart in the transverse direction as feed device. Photobioreactor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the frontmost reactor vessel in the longitudinal direction or flow direction, preferably in the top wall (7) and/or in the front wall (3) and/or in the side wall (11) of the frontmost one in the longitudinal direction or flow direction Reactor vessel, an inlet (34) is provided for the nutrient medium, preferably an inlet (34) with which the nutrient medium of the front reactor chamber (8) of the foremost reactor vessel can be fed. Photobioreactor according to Claim 25, characterized in that the inlet is coupled to a conveying device, preferably to a conveying device which also acts as a circulating device for the nutrient medium in the photobioreactor, by means of which part of the nutrient medium, preferably a part from a rear area of the photobioreactor (1) part of the nutrient medium drawn off, most preferably from the part of the nutrient medium drawn off from the rearmost reactor vessel in the longitudinal direction or through-flow direction, can be fed to the foremost reactor vessel. 55 Photobioreactor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the rearmost reactor vessel in the longitudinal direction or direction of flow, preferably in the top wall (7) and/or in the rear wall (4) and/or in the side wall (11) of the reactor vessel in the longitudinal direction or direction of flow rearmost reactor vessel, an outlet (24) is provided for the nutrient medium, preferably an outlet (24) with which the nutrient medium can be discharged from the rear reactor chamber (9) of the rearmost reactor vessel. Photobioreactor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all reactor containers (2) have the same U-shaped basic structure with a front wall (3) and a rear wall (4) of essentially the same height, both of which have a gap distance to the top wall (7). and both of which are surmounted by the intermediate wall (6) that extends to the top wall (7) and adjoins there, that the gap distance to the top wall (7) in the adjoining area of two reactor vessels (2) is bridged by the overflow wall area (12), which extends up to the ceiling wall (7) and borders there, that the front wall (3) of the foremost reactor vessel in the longitudinal direction or flow direction has a first wall-like and/or plate-like bridging element (22) which extends up to the ceiling wall (7) and there adjoins that the rear wall (4) of the rearmost reactor vessel in the longitudinal direction or flow direction has a second wall-like and/or plate-like overhang has a bridging element (23) which extends to the top wall (7) and borders there, and that the first and second wall-like and/or plate-like bridging element (22, 23) as well as all existing front walls (3), intermediate walls (5 ) and rear walls (4) as well as the at least one overflow wall area (12) in the transverse direction between the side walls (11) which also extend to the top wall (7) and adjoins there, so that when the top wall (7) is mounted, a closed reactor is formed is. 56 biogas plant with at least one photobioreactor according to one of the preceding claims. Reactor for the gasification of fuels, in particular for the gasification of solid fuels containing carbon, with at least one photobioreactor according to one of the preceding claims. Reactor vessel (2) for a photobioreactor (1), in particular for a photobioreactor according to one of Claims 1 to 28, characterized in that the reactor vessel (2) is designed as a vessel which is open at the top and which, viewed in cross section, has an LI shape with a preferably rectangular and/or plate-shaped front wall (3) extending in the direction of the vertical axis and a rear wall (4) which is spaced apart from it in the longitudinal direction and also extends in the direction of the vertical axis and is preferably rectangular and/or plate-shaped and which is connected to the bottom by a bottom wall (5) are connected to one another, that in the reactor vessel (2) there is an intermediate wall (6), preferably connected to the bottom wall (5) and/or rectangular and/or plate-shaped, which extends upwards from the bottom wall (5) in the direction of the vertical axis extends, so that the intermediate wall (6) the reactor vessel (2), based on the longitudinal direction, in a front reactor terkammer (8) and into a rear reactor chamber (9), and that in the partition wall (6), in the area near the base wall adjoining and/or connecting the partition wall (6) to the base wall (5), at least one partition wall flow opening (10 ) between the front and the rear reactor chamber (8, 9) is provided that the reactor vessel (2) has at least one feed device, in particular at least one feed nozzle (33), by means of which a medium containing CO2 from outside the reactor vessel (2) can be introduced, and that the CO2-containing medium is a CO2-containing gas or CO2 obtained from a CO2-containing gas. 57 Method for the production of microorganisms, in particular for the production of microalgae, by means of a photobioreactor, in particular by means of a photobioreactor according to one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the photobioreactor (1) is designed as a closed reactor which has a plurality of reactor containers ( 2) which are closed with a one-part or multi-part, preferably removable, top wall (7) of the photobioreactor (1) and in which a nutrient medium can be accommodated, characterized in that at least part of the reactor vessel (2) is designed as an individual vessel , which, viewed in cross section, has an LI shape with a front wall (3) extending in the direction of the vertical axis and a rear wall (4) spaced apart from it in the longitudinal direction and also extending in the direction of the vertical axis, which are connected to one another on the bottom side by a bottom wall (5), that the reactor vessels designed in this way as individual vessels (2) of the photobioreactor (1) are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction in such a way that a front reactor vessel (2), seen in the longitudinal direction, with a rear wall (4) that is translucent at least in regions, forming a gap (13), is attached to a front wall (3 ) of a rear reactor vessel (2) viewed in the longitudinal direction, wherein the free end regions of the preferably rectangular and/or plate-shaped front and rear walls (3, 4) which adjoin one another to form the gap (13) have a common, the gap (13 ), relative to the direction of the vertical axis, have an overflow wall area (12) that closes from above and has at least one container overflow opening (16) between the adjacent reactor vessels (2), so that the overflow wall area (12) extends to the top wall (7) extends and adjoins it, in particular adjoins it in a gas-tight and liquid-tight manner and/or is connected to it and that in the gap (13) between adjacent reactor vessels (2) at least one light-emitting element (29) is accommodated, by means of which light passes through the respectively assigned front and/or rear wall (3, 4), which is designed to be translucent at least in some areas, into one of both 58 adjoining reactor vessel (2) or into both adjoining reactor vessels (2), that in each of the reactor vessels (2) designed as individual vessels there is an intermediate wall (6 ) is provided, which extends from the bottom wall (5) upwards in the direction of the vertical axis to the top wall (7) and adjoins it, preferably adjoins it in a gas-tight and liquid-tight manner and/or is connected to it, so that the intermediate wall ( 6) subdivides the reactor vessel (2), in relation to the longitudinal direction, into a front reactor chamber (8) and a rear reactor chamber (9) that in the partition wall (6), in the adjacent and/or connection area of the partition wall (6 ) on the bottom wall (5), at least one intermediate wall through-flow opening (10) is provided between the front and the rear reactor chamber (8, 9), so that in the front reactor chamber (8 ) of a front reactor vessel (2) flows through the at least one intermediate wall flow opening (10) into the rear reactor chamber (9) of the front reactor vessel (2) and further from the rear reactor chamber (9) of the front reactor vessel (2). the at least one container overflow opening (16) flows through into a front reactor chamber (8) of a rear reactor container (2), so that at least one or at least a part of the reactor container (2) has at least one feed device, in particular at least one feed nozzle (33). , by means of which a medium containing CO2 can be introduced from outside the reactor vessel (2) into at least one reactor vessel (2), and that the medium containing CO2 is a gas containing CO2 or CO2 obtained from a gas containing CO2.