JP2000139444A - Apparatus for culturing algae - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus for culturing algae capable of utilizing both direct transmitting light and scattered light and increasing the amount of a culture solution per unit area at a lower cost. SOLUTION: This apparatus 1 for culturing algae is equipped with plural reactor modules 6 for culturing microalgae in a culture solution L. The reactor modules 6 are mutually separated and supported in a parallel state and each of the reactor modules 6 has each pair of transparent plates 8 forming culture spaces K for the microalgae between the mutual plates 8 and framelike supporting members 9, 10 and 11 for supporting the peripheral parts of each pair of the transparent plates 8 in a hermetically sealed state so that the culture solution L and a gas G containing gaseous carbon dioxide can be made to flow in the culture spaces K. The plural reactor modules 6 are stood to separate the mutual transparent plates 8 in the parallel state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an algal culture apparatus capable of culturing microalgae in a culture solution and removing carbon dioxide from exhaust gas by its photosynthetic function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, utilizing the photosynthetic function of microalgae such as chlorella, CO ₂ (carbon dioxide) contained in exhaust gas from power plants and the like is fixed to algae, removed from the exhaust gas, and multiplied. An algal culture device has been devised as a biological CO ₂ fixing system that makes effective use of the obtained algal cells.

[0003] There are many types of conventional algal culture devices, and the following two are typical. Direct light receiving type: what is called open pound,
It is circular or oblong, shallow (15-30 cm) in depth, and in contact with air at the liquid level. Both direct light and scattered light can be used, and are practically used for culturing Chlorella. Condensing type: condensing sunlight by lens or mirror,
It irradiates light into a reactor for culturing microalgae with optical fibers.

[0004]

However, the conventional algae culture apparatus described above has the following problems. In other words, in the above case, both the direct light and the scattered light are used, but a large site area is required in a plane, and contamination from the surroundings due to opening to the atmosphere, dilution of the culture solution by rainfall and temperature control are required. There is a disadvantage that it cannot be done. In addition, there is also an inconvenience that it is not possible to set the water depth deep due to the necessity of transmitting light. Further, in the above case, there is a problem that only direct light can be used because direct light of sunlight is collected. That is, there are direct light and scattered light in fine weather, but only scattered light in cloudy or rainy weather, and the scattered light cannot be used in the condensing type, and is greatly affected by the weather. Also, an expensive optical fiber cable was required to introduce the collected light into the reactor.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and provides an inexpensive algal culture apparatus that can use both direct light and scattered light, can increase the amount of culture solution per unit area, and can reduce the cost. With the goal.

[0006]

The present invention has the following features to attain the object mentioned above. That is, the algal culture apparatus according to claim 1 is an algal culture apparatus including a plurality of reactor modules for culturing microalgae in a culture solution, wherein the reactor modules are supported by being separated from each other in a parallel state. And a pair of transparent plates forming a culture space for the microalgae between each other, and sealing the peripheral portions of the pair of transparent plates so that the culture solution and gas containing carbon dioxide gas can flow through the culture space. A supporting member having a frame shape to support, the plurality of reactor modules,
A technique in which the transparent plates are erected in parallel with each other is adopted.

In this algae culture apparatus, a reactor module is supported in parallel with and spaced apart from each other, and a pair of transparent plates forming a microalgae culture space between each other; A frame-shaped support member that supports the peripheral edges of the pair of transparent plates in a sealed state so that gas containing gas can flow therethrough, and a plurality of reactor modules are erected with the transparent plates separated from each other in a parallel state. Therefore, direct light and scattered light pass through the transparent plate from between the reactor modules and enter the culture space, and photosynthesis by algae occurs in the culture space supplied with the culture solution and gas.
That is, the carbon dioxide gas is fixed. In addition, since the reactor module has a closed structure, contamination of the culture solution with contamination and the like is prevented.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the algal culture apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the transparent plate is formed of a plastic material or glass.

In this algae culture apparatus, since the transparent plate is formed of a plastic material or glass, the apparatus has appropriate strength and can be constructed at a low cost.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the algae culture apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein a temperature control water flow pipe through which cooling water or hot water can flow is provided at an intermediate portion between the pair of transparent plates. The technology arranged along the transparent plate is adopted.

In this algae culture apparatus, a temperature-regulated water flow pipe through which cooling water or hot water can flow is disposed along the transparent plate at an intermediate portion between the pair of transparent plates. When the cooling water is supplied, the culture liquid in the surrounding culture space can be cooled, and when the warm water is supplied to the temperature control water flow pipe, the culture liquid can be heated.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the algal culture apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein the temperature control water flow pipe is formed of a transparent material.

In this algae culture apparatus, since the temperature-adjusted water flow pipe is formed of a transparent material, the incident light can pass through the temperature-adjusted water flow pipe, and the light is blocked by the temperature-adjusted water flow pipe. Never be.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the algal culture apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein a culture solution flow for supplying and discharging the culture solution and the gas to and from the culture space is provided inside the support member. A technology is adopted in which a passage and a gas flow path, and a temperature-adjusted water flow path connected to the temperature-adjusted water flow pipe and supplying and discharging the cooling water or the hot water to the temperature-adjusted water flow pipe are formed.

In this algae culture apparatus, a culture solution flow path and a gas flow path for supplying and discharging a culture solution and the gas to and from the culture space inside the support member, and a temperature control water flow pipe connected to the temperature control water flow pipe. Since the temperature control water flow path for supplying and discharging the cooling water or the hot water is formed in the water distribution pipe, the support member has a manifold structure, so that it is possible to have the functions of the pipe and the strength member, and the size is reduced. It becomes possible. Further, the number of exposed external piping can be reduced.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the algal culture apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the culture medium flow path for supplying the culture medium to the culture space includes the gas flowing through the culture medium flow path. A technology in which a gas supply pipe for supplying the gas is inserted is adopted.

In this algal culture apparatus, the gas supply pipe for supplying the gas to the culture solution flow path is inserted into the culture solution flow path for supplying the culture solution to the culture space. Is supplied from a gas supply pipe to the culture space, and the gas is supplied to the culture space in a state of being dispersed in the culture solution. Further, even if the gas supply pipe is clogged or the like, the pipe can be easily pulled out and inserted.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the algal culture apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the pair of transparent plates and the support member are fixed to each other by a screw or a clamp. Technology is adopted.

In this algae culture apparatus, the pair of transparent plates and the support member are fixed to each other by screws or clamps, so that disassembly and assembly are easy, and ultraviolet light is compared with the case where an adhesive is used. There is almost no deterioration due to aging of the adhesive caused by the above factors.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the algal culture apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the plurality of reactor modules are installed on a floor painted in white color. Technology is adopted.

In this algae culture apparatus, since a plurality of reactor modules are installed on a floor painted in white color, light can be efficiently reflected and scattered from the floor, and the scattered light can be efficiently reflected and scattered. Can also be introduced into the reactor module.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the algal culture apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the reactor module has an inclined surface whose inner bottom surface is inclined downward toward a central portion. The frame-shaped support member employs a technology that is configured to supply the gas from the central portion to the culture space.

In this algae culture apparatus, the inner bottom surface of the reactor module is formed as an inclined surface inclined downward toward the central portion, and the frame-shaped support member is set so as to supply gas from the central portion to the culture space. Even if the supply of gas is stopped and the algae bodies settle down, the inclination of the inner bottom surface makes it easier to gather at the lowermost central portion, and when the gas supply is started again, The algae bodies are likely to rise again by the gas supply. Also, the algal cells can be stirred over the entire culture space.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an algae culturing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In these figures, reference numeral 1 denotes an algal culture device,
2 indicates a turbine building, and 3 indicates a reactor unit.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example of an arrangement in which the algae culture apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is applied to the roof of a turbine building 2 of a power plant. The algae culture apparatus 1 includes a plurality of reactors. Units 3 are arranged and configured.
In addition to the reactor unit 3, a plurality of turbine building ventilation fans 4 and a medium recycling tank 5 are installed on the roof of the turbine building 2.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the reactor unit 3 includes a plurality of reactor modules 6 (in this embodiment, erected in parallel with each other).
14 modules) and a support frame 7 that places these reactor modules 6 on the floor surface 7a and supports the reactor modules 6 on the side. The spacing between the reactor modules 6 is set to a predetermined distance so that light can be efficiently used by the shadow of each other while minimizing the use of light while taking space efficiency into consideration.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the reactor module 6 is supported in parallel with each other and separated from each other, and has a pair of transparent plates 8 forming a culture space K for microalgae therebetween. 8, a lower manifold 9 for supporting the periphery of the pair of transparent plates 8, 8 in a sealed state so that the culture solution L and the exhaust gas of the power plant, that is, the gas G containing carbon dioxide gas, can be passed through the culture space K, and a side manifold. 10 and an upper manifold (frame-shaped support member) 11, and a temperature-adjusted water flow pipe 12 arranged along the transparent plate 8 at an intermediate portion between the pair of transparent plates 8 and through which the cooling water W or the hot water W can flow. And

A pair of transparent plates 8, 8 and a lower manifold 9, a side manifold 10, and an upper manifold 11
Is assembled by screwing each manifold into a frame shape with a bolt 13 penetrating in a state where these are combined and a nut 14 screwed to the bolt 13. In addition, the temperature-regulated water flow pipe 12 has a peripheral groove formed in the lower manifold 9, the side manifold 10, and the upper manifold 11, respectively.
a, 10a, and 11a, the culture space K
Is divided into two.

Further, a transparent plate 8 is provided on the lower manifold 9, the side manifold 10, and the upper manifold 11.
And sealing grooves 9b, 10b, 11b are formed along the peripheral edge of the temperature-regulating water flow pipe 12, respectively, between the sealing grooves 9b, 10b, 11b, the transparent plate 8, and the temperature-regulating water flow pipe 12. In the figure, the O-ring 15 is incorporated in a sandwiched state, and the culture space K and the temperature-adjusted water flow pipe 12 are kept in a closed state.

The pair of transparent plates 8 has strength,
A lightweight and light-transmitting polycarbonate plate is used. As another material of the transparent plate, another plastic such as an acrylic plate or a glass plate may be applied. The temperature control water flow pipe 12 is formed of transparent polycarbonate similarly to the transparent plate 8, and has a double structure hollow plate by a plurality of partition portions 12a as shown in FIG. Note that the temperature control water flow pipe 12 is formed to be thinner than the transparent plate 8 and is set so as to increase the heat transfer effect.

The lower manifold 9 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), a pair of culture solution supply channels (culture solution channels) 9c connected to the culture space K and supplying the culture solution L to the culture space K are formed therein. A gas supply pipe (gas flow path) 16 for supplying gas G is inserted into each of the culture solution supply flow paths 9 c to form a double pipe structure. From, gas G
Is ejected into the culture solution supply flow path 9c, and the gas G is also supplied to the culture space K together with the culture solution L. Further, inside the lower manifold 9, a temperature-adjusted water supply passage 9 d that is connected to the temperature-adjusted water flow pipe 12 and supplies the cooling water W or the hot water W to the temperature-adjusted water flow pipe 12 is formed.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the side manifold 10 has a gas discharge channel 10c for discharging the gas G in the culture space K therein, as shown in FIG. As described above, the culture solution discharge channel 10d for discharging the overflowed culture solution L in the culture space K is formed so as to be connected to the culture space K.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the upper manifold 11 has a temperature-adjusted water flow pipe 1 therein.
2, a temperature control water discharge passage 11c for discharging the cooling water W or the warm water W from the temperature control water flow pipe 12 is formed.

The support frame 7 has a floor surface 7a.
Is painted white (white color). Note that the floor surface 7a may have another white color, and may use, for example, a paint that diffusely reflects (for example, a paint used for displaying a pedestrian crossing on a general road). As the microalgae, "Synechocystis" is a kind of alancosis that is hardly caused to inhibit light even under strong light.
(Cinecocystis) "is used as an example.

In the reactor module 6 of the algae culture apparatus 1, the culture solution L is supplied from the culture solution supply channel 9c to two culture spaces K on both sides of the temperature control water flow pipe 12,
After being used for culturing the algal cells, the overflowed portion is discharged from the culture solution discharge channel 10d. The gas G is dispersed and supplied from the gas supply pipe 16 into the culture solution supply flow path 9c, and is supplied to the culture space K together with the culture solution L. At this time, the direct light and the scattered light are incident from the periphery of the transparent plate 8, so that the CO ₂ component in the gas G is fixed by the photosynthesis by the alga bodies in the culture solution L. At this time, since the culture space K is formed on both sides of the temperature control water flow pipe 12, the effect of absorbing external light can be increased. Thereafter, the treated gas G is supplied to the gas discharge passage 10c.
Is discharged outside.

The cooling water W or the warm water W is supplied from the lower part into the temperature-adjusted water flow pipe 12 through the temperature-adjusted water supply flow path 9d, and flows through the temperature-adjusted water flow pipe 12 and the surrounding culture solution L. After the heat exchange between them, the water is discharged from the temperature-regulated water discharge channel 11c at the upper part.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8, this algal culture apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of reactor units 3 (17 units in this embodiment) as one block 20,
Plurality of blocks 20 (34 blocks in this embodiment)
Is managed as a whole. FIG. 8 illustrates the flow of the culture solution L as an entire system of the algae culture device 1. The main tube 21 of the culture solution L and each block 20 are connected to the main tube 2.
Each block 20 is connected to a culture medium recycle tank 5 at the discharge side of the culture solution L.

The culture medium recycle tank 5 supplies the culture solution L to the branch pipe 2.
The medium circulation pump 23 is connected to the branch pipe 22 via a connection pipe 24. The connection pipe 24 is provided with a switching valve 26 for supplying the culture solution L to the centrifugal separator 25 in the middle. That is, the fresh culture solution L flows from the main pipe 21 to each block 20 through the branch pipe 22, and the culture solution L sent to each block 20 is separated by a so-called turbid stud type culture method. The algal cell concentration in the culture solution L is set to be constant.

In this system, once a fresh culture solution L is charged in the block 20, the block 2
The culture solution L is circulated between the medium 0 and the medium recycling tank 5. In the medium recycling tank 5, the algal body concentration after the algal body growth is constantly detected as turbidity by the turbidimeter 5a, and when the algal body concentration reaches a predetermined concentration (for example, 2 g / l), the switching valve 26 is operated and the culture solution Half of L is withdrawn and supplied to the centrifuge 25. The pulled-out culture solution L is subjected to solid-liquid separation by a centrifugal separator 25 or the like at the subsequent stage, and algal cells are collected. Thereafter, fresh culture solution L is replenished in the same amount as the amount withdrawn, and cultured, that is, C
The O ₂ fixing process is restarted. In this algae culture device 1,
CO ₂ concentration in exhaust gas G is 5-10%, liquid temperature 40 ° C
In about per installation area 100gCO ^₂ / m ₂ · d of CO ₂
Has been obtained.

As another example of the operation, since the photosynthesis is not performed and CO ₂ is not fixed at night, both the gas supply and the circulation of the culture solution may be reduced as much as possible.

In the algae culture apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the reactor module 6 includes a pair of transparent plates 8 forming a culture space K for microalgae therebetween, and a culture solution L in the culture space K.
And a lower manifold 9, a side manifold 10, and a lower manifold 9 that support the periphery of the pair of transparent plates 8, 8 in a sealed state so that the gas G containing carbon dioxide gas can flow therethrough. Since the transparent plates 8 are erected so as to be separated from each other in a parallel state, the direct light and the scattered light can pass through the transparent plate 8 from between the reactor modules 6 and enter the culture space K, The amount of culture solution per unit area can be greatly increased, and light is incident from the periphery of the transparent plate 8, whereby photosynthesis by algae, that is, fixation of carbon dioxide gas, can be made more efficient. Further, since the reactor module 6 has a sealed structure, contamination of the culture solution L with contaminants or the like is prevented.

Further, since the transparent plate 8 is formed of a plastic material or a glass plate, it has a moderate strength,
Maintenance such as disassembly and assembly is easy, and the configuration can be made at low cost.

In the middle part between the pair of transparent plates 8, 8,
Temperature-controlled water flow pipe 1 through which cooling water W or hot water W can flow
2 is disposed along the transparent plate 8, so that when the cooling water W flows through the temperature control water flow pipe 12, the culture solution L in the surrounding culture space K can be cooled. When the warm water W flows through the flow pipe 12, the culture solution L can be heated. Further, since the temperature-adjusted water flow pipe 12 is formed of a transparent material, the incident light is transmitted to the temperature-adjusted water flow pipe 1.
2 can be transmitted, and light is not blocked by the temperature-regulated water flow pipe 12.

The lower manifold 9 has a culture solution supply passage 9c, a gas supply pipe 16 and a temperature-regulated water supply passage 9d, and the side manifold 10 has a culture solution discharge passage 10d and a gas discharge passage. 10c is formed, and the upper manifold 11 is further provided with a temperature-regulated water discharge channel 11c. Therefore, each manifold has a function of a pipe and a strength member, and the whole becomes compact, so that disassembly and assembly are easy. Becomes Further, since the number of exposed external pipes is reduced, a work space for maintenance can be secured and the appearance is improved.

Further, since the gas supply pipe 16 for supplying the gas G to the culture liquid supply flow path 9c is inserted into the culture liquid supply flow path 9c, the gas supply pipe 1 is inserted into the culture liquid supply flow path 9c.
Since the gas G is supplied from 6 and the gas G is supplied to the culture space K in a state of being dispersed in the culture solution L, the reaction efficiency between the gas G and the microalgae can be increased. Further, even if the gas supply pipe 16 is clogged or the like, the pipe can be easily pulled out and inserted, and the maintenance property is excellent.

Since the pair of transparent plates 8 and 8 and the respective manifolds are fixed to each other by screws or clamps, disassembly / assembly is easy, maintenance is easy, and when an adhesive is used. In comparison, there is almost no deterioration due to aging caused by ultraviolet rays or the like.
Since the plurality of reactor modules 6 are installed on the floor surface 7a painted in white color, the light can be efficiently reflected and scattered from the floor surface 7a, and the scattered light can also be reflected in the reactor module 6. And can be used for photosynthesis.

Since the reactor modules 6 are arranged at regular intervals, an auxiliary light may be provided between the reactor modules 6. That is, CO ₂ can be fixed at night using the photosynthetic reaction. In this case, the night power from the power plant can be utilized in the auxiliary lamp by night lighting, consisting of CO ₂ fixation by photosynthesis can be performed even at night. Further, since the system of the algae culture apparatus 1 is installed on the roof of the turbine building 2 which is an open space of the power plant, CO ₂ which causes global warming can be removed on site.

Next, a second embodiment of the algae culture apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that, although the inner bottom surface of the reactor module 6 is formed horizontally in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Inner bottom surface 30 of reactor module 30 of second embodiment
a, that is, the upper surface of the lower manifold 31 is
The point is that the gas G is set to be inclined from the central portion 30b to the culture space K from the central portion 30b. That is, the second
In the embodiment, a culture solution supply flow path 32 in which a gas supply pipe (not shown) formed in the lower manifold 31 is inserted,
The gas G is supplied to the culture space K together with the culture solution L from the central portion 30b.

Therefore, in the case of the first embodiment, since the inner bottom surface of the reactor module 6 has a horizontal shape, for example, when the ventilation (supply of the gas G and the culture solution L) is stopped at night, algal cells settle down. When aeration is performed again in the morning or the like, algal cells may not easily float again depending on the location. However, in the second embodiment, even if the supply of gas G is stopped and the algal cells precipitate, The inclination of the inner bottom surface 30a makes it easier to gather at the lowermost central portion 30b,
When the gas supply is started again, the supply of the gas G and the culture solution L from the central portion 30b causes the algal cells to soar, disperse, and float again. In addition, convection as shown in FIG. 9 is generated by the rise of the gas G from the central portion 30b, and the entire culture space K can be uniformly stirred.

In this embodiment, the inner bottom surface 30a
Is set to 30 degrees. Also, the inner bottom surface 30a
Has a V-shaped cross section, but any other shape may be used as long as the surface is inclined downward toward the center. For example, the section may be U-shaped.

Next, a third embodiment of the algae culture apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

The difference between the third embodiment and the first embodiment is that, in the first embodiment, the transparent plate 8 made of polycarbonate and each manifold are fixed to each other by screws with bolts 13 and nuts 14. On the other hand, in the third embodiment,
As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG.
0 and each manifold is fixed to each other by clamps 41 and 42.

That is, in the third embodiment, the transparent plate 40
As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the belt-shaped clamp 41 is wound around the side surfaces of the lower manifold 43 and the upper manifold 44 with the transparent plate 40 interposed therebetween, as shown in FIGS. Turn and screw
As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, a clamp 42 having a U-shaped cross section is fitted on the side surface of the side manifold 10 with the transparent plate 40 interposed therebetween, and is screwed to the side manifold 10. I have.

Therefore, in the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, no adhesive is used, so that deterioration due to aging of the adhesive can be prevented. Further, compared to the first embodiment, There is no need to form bolt holes in the transparent plate.

[0056]

According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. (1) According to the algae culturing apparatus of the first aspect, the reactor module is supported in a mutually parallel manner and separated from each other, and a pair of transparent plates forming a microalgae culturing space between each other; A frame-like support member for supporting the periphery of the pair of transparent plates in a sealed state so that the gas containing the culture solution and the carbon dioxide gas can flow through the space, and a plurality of reactor modules, the transparent plates in parallel with each other Because it is standing upright, direct light and scattered light of sunlight pass through the transparent plate between each reactor module and enter the culture space, greatly increasing the amount of culture solution per unit area. And the efficiency of fixing carbon dioxide can be increased.
In addition, since the reactor module has a closed structure, contamination of the culture solution with contaminants and the like can be prevented,
Dirt and turbidity of the culture solution can be prevented. Furthermore, since a light-collecting device is not required, it can be configured at low cost.

(2) According to the algae culturing apparatus of the second aspect, since the transparent plate is formed of a plastic material or glass, it has appropriate strength, easy maintenance such as disassembly and assembly, and It can be configured at low cost.

(3) According to the algae culture apparatus of the third aspect, a temperature-regulated water flow pipe through which cooling water or hot water can flow is disposed along the transparent plate at an intermediate portion between the pair of transparent plates. Therefore, the temperature of the culture solution can be controlled by flowing cooling water or hot water through the temperature control water flow pipe, and the photosynthetic function of the algae can be suitably maintained. In addition, a temperature control water flow pipe is disposed in the middle part of the pair of transparent plates, and the culture space has a sandwich structure, so that light can be absorbed without waste, and one temperature control water flow pipe is used on both sides. The temperature of the culture solution in the two culture spaces can be adjusted simultaneously.

(4) According to the algae culture apparatus of the fourth aspect, since the temperature control water flow pipe is formed of a transparent material, light is not blocked by the temperature control water flow pipe, and the temperature control water Good fixation of CO ₂ around the flow tube can be obtained.

(5) According to the algae culture apparatus according to the fifth aspect, a culture solution flow path and a gas flow path for supplying and discharging the culture liquid and the gas to and from the culture space inside the support member, and the temperature control. Since the temperature control water flow path for supplying and discharging the cooling water or hot water is formed in the temperature control water flow pipe connected to the water flow pipe, the support member has a manifold structure and has the functions of the pipe and the strength member. , The whole becomes compact and disassembly / assembly becomes easy. Further, since a support member having a manifold structure is employed, a plurality of reactor modules can be unitized to supply and discharge a culture solution, gas, and the like for each unit, and the piping exposed to the floor can be reduced as much as possible. Therefore, the appearance can be improved, and the space generated by reducing the number of pipes can be effectively used for installing an auxiliary light. Furthermore, since the cross-sectional area of the flow path in the support member can be increased, even if the connection portion with the culture space is a small hole, the flow of the culture solution can be made uniform, and drift is less likely to occur.

(6) According to the algal culture apparatus of the sixth aspect, the gas supply pipe for supplying the gas to the culture solution flow path is inserted into the culture solution flow path for supplying the culture solution to the culture space. Since the gas is supplied from the gas supply pipe into the culture solution flow path and the gas is supplied to the culture space in a state of being dispersed in the culture solution, the reaction efficiency between the gas and the microalgae is improved. Can be. Further, even if the gas supply pipe becomes clogged or the like, the pipe can be easily pulled out and inserted, and the maintenance property is excellent.

(7) According to the algae culture apparatus of the seventh aspect, since the pair of transparent plates and the support member are fixed to each other by screws or clamps, disassembly / assembly is easy and maintenance is excellent. In addition, compared to the case where an adhesive is used, deterioration due to aging of the adhesive due to ultraviolet rays or the like can be prevented, and excellent durability can be provided.

(8) According to the algae culturing apparatus of the eighth aspect, since the plurality of reactor modules are installed on the floor painted white, the light is efficiently reflected from the floor. The scattered light can be scattered, and the scattered light can also be introduced into the reactor module to utilize sunlight for photosynthesis throughout.

(9) According to the algae culturing apparatus of the ninth aspect, the inner bottom surface of the reactor module is an inclined surface which is inclined downward toward the central portion, and the frame-like supporting member transfers gas to the central portion. Since it is set to be supplied to the culture space from, the precipitated algal cells can be collected in the central portion, and the re-emerging of the precipitated algal cells can be easily performed by gas supply from the central portion. The algae can be stirred throughout the culture space.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a bird's-eye view showing an example in which a first embodiment of an algae culture apparatus according to the present invention is installed on a turbine building roof of a power plant.

FIG. 2 is a bird's-eye view of a main part showing an example in which the first embodiment of the algae culture apparatus according to the present invention is installed on a turbine building roof of a power plant.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a reactor unit in the first embodiment of the algae culture apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view, a front view, and a side view showing a reactor unit in the first embodiment of the algae culture apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a lower side view showing a reactor module in the first embodiment of the algae culture apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4 and FIG.
It is -B sectional drawing.

7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 4 and a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of the whole system in the first embodiment of the algae culture apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a reactor module in a second embodiment of the algae culture apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a portion corresponding to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment in the third embodiment of the algae culture device according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion corresponding to FIG. 7 of the first embodiment in the third embodiment of the algae culture device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Algae cultivation apparatus 6, 30 Reactor module 7a Floor surface of support frame 8, 40 Transparent plate 9, 31, 43 Lower manifold (support member) 9c, 32 Culture liquid supply flow path (culture liquid flow path) 9d Temperature adjusted water supply Flow path (temperature control water flow path) 10 Side manifold (support member) 10c Gas discharge flow path (gas flow path) 10d Culture liquid discharge flow path (culture liquid flow path) 11, 44 Upper manifold (support member) 11c Temperature control Water discharge flow path (temperature control water flow path) 12 Temperature control water flow pipe 16 Gas supply pipe (gas flow path) 30a Inner bottom surface of reactor module 30b Central part of inner bottom surface 41, 42 Clamp G Gas L Culture solution K Culture space W Cooling water or hot water

Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Toshi Otsuki 2-8-11 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Inside the National Institute for Environmental Science and Technology (72) Inventor Norihide Kurano 2-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo −11 F-term within the National Institute for Environmental Science and Technology (Reference) 2B104 EF03 4B029 AA02 DA04 DB11 DB19 DD01 DF01 DF06 DG06 DG08 4D002 AA09 AC10 BA02 BA20 CA06 DA70 FA10 GA03 GB11

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An algal culture apparatus comprising a plurality of reactor modules for culturing microalgae in a culture solution, wherein the reactor modules are supported in parallel with each other and are separated from each other. A pair of transparent plates forming a culture space for microalgae, and a frame-shaped support member for supporting the peripheral portions of the pair of transparent plates in a closed state so that the culture solution and gas containing carbon dioxide gas can flow through the culture space. The algal culture apparatus, wherein the plurality of reactor modules are erected such that the transparent plates are separated from each other in a parallel state. 2. The algal culture apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transparent plate is formed of a plastic material or glass. 3. The algal culture apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a temperature-regulated water flow pipe through which cooling water or hot water can flow is disposed along the transparent plate at an intermediate portion between the pair of transparent plates. An algae culture device, comprising: 4. The algal culture apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the temperature control water flow pipe is formed of a transparent material. 5. The algal culture apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a culture solution channel and a gas channel for supplying and discharging the culture solution and the gas to and from the culture space, respectively, inside the support member. An algal culture apparatus, wherein a temperature-regulated water flow path that is connected to a temperature-regulated water flow pipe and that supplies and discharges the cooling water or the hot water is formed in the temperature-regulated water flow pipe. 6. The algal culture apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a gas supply pipe for supplying the gas to the culture solution flow path is inserted into the culture solution flow path for supplying the culture solution to the culture space. An algal culture device characterized by being performed. 7. The algal culture apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pair of transparent plates and the support member are fixed to each other by a screw or a clamp. apparatus. 8. The algae culture apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of reactor modules are installed on a floor painted in white color. Culture device. 9. The algal culture apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inner bottom surface of the reactor module is an inclined surface inclined downward toward a central portion, and the frame-shaped support member is provided. Is set so as to supply the gas from the central portion to the culture space.