WO2011124727A1 - Système de culture de microalgues à consommation d'énergie optimale - Google Patents

Système de culture de microalgues à consommation d'énergie optimale Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011124727A1
WO2011124727A1 PCT/ES2010/070220 ES2010070220W WO2011124727A1 WO 2011124727 A1 WO2011124727 A1 WO 2011124727A1 ES 2010070220 W ES2010070220 W ES 2010070220W WO 2011124727 A1 WO2011124727 A1 WO 2011124727A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
culture
photobioreactor
energy consumption
crop
processor
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PCT/ES2010/070220
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English (en)
Spanish (es)
Inventor
Andrés ARBONA CELAYA
Miguel Ángel DE LA PARRA ABAD
Andrea Molina Azcona
Iván RIPA NGKAION
Javier Paz Yepes
Mikel Ángel SOJO ARMENTIA
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Acciona Energía, S. A.
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Application filed by Acciona Energía, S. A. filed Critical Acciona Energía, S. A.
Priority to PCT/ES2010/070220 priority Critical patent/WO2011124727A1/fr
Priority to ARP110101152A priority patent/AR080836A1/es
Publication of WO2011124727A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011124727A1/fr

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M23/00—Constructional details, e.g. recesses, hinges
    • C12M23/02—Form or structure of the vessel
    • C12M23/18—Open ponds; Greenhouse type or underground installations
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M21/00—Bioreactors or fermenters specially adapted for specific uses
    • C12M21/02—Photobioreactors
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M41/00—Means for regulation, monitoring, measurement or control, e.g. flow regulation
    • C12M41/06—Means for regulation, monitoring, measurement or control, e.g. flow regulation of illumination
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M41/00—Means for regulation, monitoring, measurement or control, e.g. flow regulation
    • C12M41/44—Means for regulation, monitoring, measurement or control, e.g. flow regulation of volume or liquid level
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M41/00—Means for regulation, monitoring, measurement or control, e.g. flow regulation
    • C12M41/48—Automatic or computerized control

Definitions

  • the present invention can be included within the technical field of microalgae culture. In particular, it can be included within the field of photobioreactors intended for the cultivation of microalgae.
  • the object of the patent is a microalgae culture system that allows the optimization of energy consumption based on environmental variables or crop conditions.
  • Microalgae and their cultivation are proving to be very useful because they have a large number of beneficial applications for humanity.
  • Microalgae cultivation can reach much higher productivities traditional crops, resulting in a greater setting C0 2 and a larger amount of biomass produced.
  • microalgae has the characteristic that the longer the exposure time to light, the productivity will be greater.
  • microalgae crops have lower water needs, and do not compete with traditional crops, since they do not need fertile ground, being supported by photobioreactors.
  • closed photobioreactors are primarily characterized by isolating the fluid, while open photobioreactors are primarily characterized by having greater interaction with the environment.
  • closed photobioreactors are mainly, greater control over contamination, high cell density, and better control of culture variables.
  • they have a number of disadvantages, among which are: the need to control the amount of dissolved oxygen, which is, in part, produced in the process of photosynthesis, since, for example, high levels of oxygen they are toxic to the crop, the high energy consumption in the crop drive is also a disadvantage.
  • This type of closed photobioreactors comprises several elements: driving elements, a degasser, an element through which the fluid circulates, from now called a loop, of a certain length, in addition to the common pH and temperature control systems.
  • driving elements a degasser
  • an element through which the fluid circulates from now called a loop, of a certain length, in addition to the common pH and temperature control systems.
  • the exposure time which is the time it takes for a particle of the fluid to travel the loop.
  • Degassing is understood as an element capable of displacing excess oxygen into the atmosphere within the crop to certain levels.
  • the reactor consists of a material transparent to photosynthetically active radiation, and can be both self-supported, and supported by a structure.
  • the bag-type photobioreactor has the following advantages: good transfer of matter, easy thermostatization of the crop, possibility of filtering electromagnetic waves in the ultraviolet wavelength range, which are harmful to microalgae, through the transparent material itself, and relative Ease of pollution control, since still being open, its surface exposure to the environment is small.
  • Its fundamental disadvantages are: the support structures are of high cost, the deposition of non-transparent particles in the walls of the bags, and a high energy expenditure in agitation.
  • This type of bag photobioreactors comprises several elements: a material transparent to photosynthetically active radiation where the crop is located, and a system of agitation of the crop, in addition to the common pH and temperature control systems.
  • the light exposure surface is on only one side, the opposite face being shaded by the crop. This causes an attenuation of the irradiance as we move away from the illuminated face, and as a consequence a lower productivity of the microalgae exposed to a lower irradiance, so agitation is essential in these systems.
  • the agitation of this system can be obtained by bubbling air from the bottom of the bag, which in addition to avoiding depositions and facilitating the transfer of matter, modifies the position of the microalgae, through the different irradiance states included within the reactor, which have already been mentioned above.
  • Patent application WO2004074423 (Tredici, Mario; Rodolfi, Liliana) is known, in which a bag-type photobioreactor is described.
  • This type of photobioreactors comprises several elements: One inclined surface, a crop collection system, an elevator system that drives the culture medium, in addition to the common pH and temperature control systems.
  • US5981271 Doucha et al. Is known, in which an inclined surface photobioreactor with falling microalgae culture film is described.
  • the technical problem that arises is to develop a microalgae culture system capable of optimizing energy consumption.
  • irradiance shall be understood as the incident power, on a surface unit, of any type of radiation, that is, solar radiation is contemplated, and also radiation through artificial sources, such as LED lighting, or source of any kind.
  • the invention seeks to solve the problem of energy consumption in microalgae culture systems comprising photobioreactors. To do this, it minimizes energy consumption, while maintaining maximum attainable productivity, by taking measurements, whether cultivation (for example, dissolved oxygen in the crop) or environmental (for example, irradiance), of the photosynthetic state of the system. Measures of the photosynthetic state of the system are understood as indicators that reflect crop productivity, that is, indicators that reveal whether the crop is in optimal working conditions.
  • the invention developed for this purpose is applicable to any photobioreactor and incorporates a control system that, by measuring environmental variables (such as irradiance) or culture variables (such as the amount of dissolved oxygen) by suitable sensors, acts on drive means and / or agitation means, in order to reduce the energy consumption of the global system, and adapt the energy consumed to that really necessary, improving crop productivity.
  • environmental variables such as irradiance
  • culture variables such as the amount of dissolved oxygen
  • the fundamental parts of the culture system of the invention are the following:
  • a photobioreactor control system comprising a plurality of sensors (at least one) and at least one processor, where the sensors measure the photosynthetic state of the culture system, taking measures of crop characteristics (for example: temperature, amount of dissolved oxygen, pH, cell density, turbidity, crop height, culture volume, culture flow rate, ...), and / or environmental variables (for example: irradiance, wind speed or direction, air humidity, ambient temperature, rainfall, rain indication, airborne particles, seismography ...), and where the processor receives the signals from the sensors, and the control system, depending on the signals received by the processor, acts on drive means to boost the culture and / or culture agitation means, to adapt the operation of the photobioreactor to the environmental parameters and / or cultivation, in order to minimize energy consumption, improving crop productivity.
  • This control system may be included in the processor itself, or not.
  • the control system can be a "software" program.
  • the cultivation system has a control system that takes the photobioreactor to its optimum operating point for the measured working conditions, whether these measured working conditions, environmental factors or crop variables.
  • the present invention may further comprise a general saving system, consisting of a global safety switch, to cover any contingency of the type comprised of: photobioreactor breakage, fluid leaks, pressure increases , malfunction of control systems, storms or other inclement weather (wind, frost, hail, snow) that could damage the crop and / or facilities.
  • a general saving system consisting of a global safety switch, to cover any contingency of the type comprised of: photobioreactor breakage, fluid leaks, pressure increases , malfunction of control systems, storms or other inclement weather (wind, frost, hail, snow) that could damage the crop and / or facilities.
  • the general savings system detects any of the contingencies described, it would send a stop signal, to the systems involved, or to all systems.
  • the energy captured by the system of the invention in the form of radiation can be obtained from the sun, during daylight hours, as well as additionally or alternatively from artificial sources of radiation at times of day or night when necessary. - inclined
  • energy saving is achieved by adapting the height of the culture film to the values of solar irradiance.
  • the present invention solves the technical problem posed by means of a microalgae culture system comprising an inclined photobioreactor and a height control system of the culture film as a function of solar irradiance.
  • a culture medium is driven from a tank towards the top of the photobioreactor by means of one or more crop lifts, for example one or several pumps, from where it falls by gravity, along an inclined surface that It is part of the photobioreactor, back to the tank, where CO 2 is introduced depending on the pH and the culture medium is tempered, understanding to temper, adjust the temperature of the culture medium to the optimum growth temperature of the microorganism.
  • the height control system of the culture film based on solar irradiance allows the measurement of solar irradiance and the height adjustment of the culture film as a function of irradiance measurement.
  • the control system comprises one or more irradiance meters, such as a pyranometer or the like, one or several processors of the irradiance meter signal and one or more variators of the culture flow rate.
  • the irradiance meter is properly oriented with the photobioreactor, so that the irradiance measured by the irradiance meter corresponds substantially to the irradiance that affects the crop.
  • the use of said irradiance meter determines the real energy that affects the photobioreactor culture.
  • the processor which is connected to the irradiance meter, receives the signal from said irradiance meter and sends an actuation signal on one or several flow variators, with the flow variator being understood as any system that regulates the cultivation flow rate that the / crop elevators drive.
  • the flow variator can be formed by one or several systems.
  • the flow variator may be integrated or be part of another system, such as crop elevator / irradiator / meter, or processor / s.
  • the flow variator acts on the drive means, modifying the flow of culture pumped to the solar exposure surface of the photobioreactor.
  • the flow variator activates a greater or lesser number of pumps driving the culture medium depending on the irradiance.
  • the flow variator acts on one or more pumps by means of one or more frequency inverters.
  • the flow rate determines the height of the crop on the inclined surface, by varying the flow rate, the crop is given an optimum height based on the irradiance values detected by the irradiance meter.
  • the culture system of the invention stands out because, by varying the flow rate of the culture medium driven towards the photobioreactor, it optimizes the amount of light energy captured by the crop, also avoiding photoinhibition, that is, a decrease in photosynthesis as a result of damage to the Photosynthetic apparatus when there is excessive radiation affecting the solar exposure surface of the photobioreactor.
  • the system has the advantage that, through the adjustment of the flow rate of the culture medium, there is also an optimization of the energy resources consumed by the system, since the irradiance is variable depending on the time of day , of the season of the year, of the climatology, with which the need for medium circulation also varies, achieving a great energy saving if only the optimal amount of fluid is circulated.
  • the present invention in the case of the inclined photobioreactor, can comprise a rainwater collection system, which in turn comprises a rain detector, a processor, means for diverting rainwater, and a water container .
  • the rainwater collection system works as follows: the rain detector sends a signal to the processor that stops the flow variator (s), so that the culture medium is contained in the tank where it is located The rest of the crop.
  • the means of diversion of the rainwater fallen on the surface of the photobioreactor (which can be automated or manual) are activated, the invention incorporating in the latter case a rain indicator for an operator to complete the operation), which causes the rainwater that falls on the surface of the photobioreactor to the water container reservoir.
  • This saves energy by not having to import water from other locations, by having a quantity of water stored, and saving on water consumption. In short, it Get significant economic savings.
  • the rainwater diversion means return to their original position, and the flow variators are activated to return to normal system operation.
  • the diverting means in addition to directing the rainwater towards its independent reservoir, covers the reservoir where the culture medium is located so that the rain does not fall into it.
  • the present invention in the case of the inclined photobioreactor, can comprise an ambient temperature measurement system, which in turn comprises a temperature sensor and a processor.
  • the temperature sensor sends a signal to the processor that stops the flow variator (s), so that the culture medium is contained in the tank.
  • the flow variators are activated to return to normal system operation.
  • the value from which the ambient temperature measurement system stops the operation of the drives is determined by a setpoint temperature that seeks the protection of the crop against freezing, or against excessive variation. of the temperature of the culture medium. In this way it is possible to prevent the culture medium from freezing and avoid all the associated problems, such as problems in the lifting elements, pipe breakage, etc.
  • the present invention in the case of the inclined photobioreactor, can further comprise a cover supported by an overpressure in the inside of the photobioreactor. This cover is associated with gas impellers (preferably air), which create an overpressure on the inside face of the cover, which allows the cover to be in a more or less fixed position above the inclined photobioreactors.
  • This cover allows the crop to be covered, also achieving the following benefits: it reduces the contamination that occurs in the crop (due to two causes: due to the cover itself, and because contaminated air currents are avoided from outside to inside due to overpressure existing inside), reduces heat exchange with the outside, favoring thermostatization, and produces energy savings by acting as a greenhouse. In addition, it does not require a support structure, which lowers the costs of a traditional roofing system. - Bag type
  • energy saving is achieved by adapting the agitation of the culture to the measured irradiance.
  • the present invention solves the technical problem posed by means of a "bag" type microalgae culture system and a crop agitation control system based on solar irradiance.
  • the culture medium contained in the bag-type photobioreactor is agitated by means of agitation (by bubbling a gas, for example the air, by mechanical agitation, by pumping, ...), in order to obtain a good nutrient distribution, and obtain a good irradiance distribution.
  • control of the agitation of the crop allows the measurement of solar irradiance and crop agitation adjustment based on irradiance measurement.
  • said control systems comprise one or more irradiance meters, such as a pyranometer or the like, one or more processors of the irradiance meter signal and one or more agitation means of the culture.
  • the irradiance meter is properly oriented with the photobioreactor, so that the irradiance measured by the irradiance meter corresponds substantially to the irradiance that affects the crop.
  • the use of said irradiance meter determines the real energy that affects the photobioreactor culture.
  • the processor which is connected to the irradiance meter, receives the signal from said irradiance meter and sends an actuation signal on the culture agitation means.
  • the culture agitation means depending on the actuation signal received by the processor, agitate the culture within the photobioreactor to a greater or lesser extent.
  • the culture agitation means operates by air bubbling.
  • the agitation determines the exposure to light of the entire crop contained in the bag-type photobioreactor, by varying the agitation intensity of the agitator systems, it is possible to provide the crop with an optimal exposure based on the irradiance values detected by the irradiance meter.
  • the greater the incident irradiance on the system the greater the average irradiance within the culture and therefore more cells are susceptible to photosynthesis, increasing the productivity of the system. Therefore, in this case, it is important to increase the intensity of agitation in order to ensure the availability of light to all these cells, thus optimizing the capture of most of the incident energy and avoiding, at the same time, the photoinhibition of the system.
  • the culture system of the invention in the case of the bag-type photobioreactor, stands out because it avoids wasting energy in the event that excessive agitation is set for certain luminosity conditions that are too low, since it would be using a excess energy, in continuously moving a crop unnecessarily. In addition, it also avoids the photoinhibition that would occur if there was little agitation and a lot of solar radiation.
  • the system has the advantage that, by adjusting the agitation of the culture medium, there is also an optimization of the energy resources consumed by the system, since the irradiance is variable depending on the time of day , of the season of the year, of the climatology, with which the need for medium agitation also varies, achieving a great energy saving if the culture medium is agitated in the optimal way.
  • energy saving is achieved by adjusting the speed of the culture by the loop, to the levels of dissolved oxygen amount.
  • the present invention solves the technical problem posed by means of a microalgae culture system comprising a closed photobioreactor and a culture exposure time control system, depending on the amount of dissolved oxygen.
  • the culture medium contained in the closed photobioreactor, is driven by means of impulsion means, through a closed loop.
  • C0 2 is introduced depending on the pH and the culture medium is tempered, understanding to temper, adjust the temperature of the culture medium to the optimum growth temperature of the microorganism.
  • This closed photobioreactor also comprises a degassing element.
  • a deposit which may be part of the degasser, or be included as a separate item.
  • the deposit may be at a lower level than the level of the loop, so that or all the culture medium can be collected in said deposit, facilitating the control, thermostatization, maintenance operations in the loops and in any other emergency case where ties are emptied.
  • the introduction of C0 2 , as well as tempering the culture can be done in the aforementioned tank, or in the degassing element.
  • the loop begins and ends at the degassing element.
  • the culture exposure time control system measures the dissolved oxygen in the culture and adjusts the velocity of the fluid within the loop, and therefore adjusts the exposure time of the culture medium.
  • the control system comprises one or several oximeters, one or several oximeter signal processors and one or several variators of the culture flow rate.
  • the measurement of dissolved oxygen can be done both at the end of the loop, or along the loop, as well as several measurements taken along the loop. By using said meter of the amount of dissolved oxygen, the photosynthetic yield that the crop is having is determined.
  • the processor which is connected to the oximeter, receives the signal from said oximeter and sends an actuation signal on one or several flow variators, with flow variator being understood as any system that allows to regulate the cultivation flow through the loop.
  • the flow variator can be formed by one or several systems.
  • the flow variator can be integrated and be part of another system, such as pumps, oximeters, or processor / s.
  • the flow variator acts on the culture flow pumped through the loop. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flow variator activates a greater or lesser number of pumps for culture medium as a function of dissolved oxygen. According to another preferred embodiment, the flow variator acts on one or more pumps by means of one or more frequency inverters.
  • the flow rate determines the velocity of the culture in the loop, by varying the flow rate, the crop is given an optimal exposure time based on the values of the amount of dissolved oxygen detected by the oximeter.
  • the culture system of the invention stands out because, by varying the flow rate of the culture medium driven through the loop, it optimizes the amount of light energy captured by the crop, since the amount of dissolved oxygen is an indicator of the photosynthetic efficiency of the crop, and therefore, tells us if the crop is performing photosynthesis in an optimal way, to certain lighting conditions.
  • the system has the advantage that, through the adjustment of the flow rate of the culture medium, there is also an optimization of the energy resources consumed by the system, since the irradiance is variable depending on the time of day , of the season of the year, of the climatology, with which the need for circulation of the culture medium also varies, achieving a great energy saving if only the optimal amount of fluid is circulated.
  • a maximum amount of dissolved oxygen is set, from which the flow rate is increased, as it is considered as close to the toxicity limit. This value could be set below 300% (preferably 250%), with respect to the solubility of oxygen in pure water at the same pressure and temperature conditions. In a preferred embodiment, a minimum amount of dissolved oxygen is set, from which the flow rate is reduced, considering that there is no adequate productivity. This value could be set above 100% (preferably 150%), with respect to the solubility of oxygen in pure water at the same pressure and temperature conditions.
  • setpoint a reference to be followed by the control system (setpoint) of the amount of dissolved oxygen, which, through a control algorithm, is followed as faithfully as possible.
  • This value could be set between 150% and 250% (preferably 200%), with respect to the solubility of oxygen in pure water at the same pressure and temperature conditions.
  • the present invention in the case of the closed photobioreactor, may comprise an ambient temperature measurement system, which in turn comprises a temperature sensor, and a processor.
  • the temperature sensor sends a signal to the processor that stops the flow variator (s), so that the culture medium is contained in the tank.
  • the flow variators are activated to return to normal system operation.
  • the value from which the ambient temperature measurement system stops the operation of the drives is determined by a setpoint temperature that seeks the protection of the crop against freezing, or against excessive variation of the temperature of the culture medium.
  • Figure 1a Shows a schematic view of the general microalgae culture system of the invention, with drive means.
  • Figure 1 b. Shows a schematic view of the general microalgae culture system of the invention, with stirring means.
  • Figure 2. Shows a schematic view of the microalgae culture system, of the inclined photobioreactor type.
  • Figure 3a It shows a schematic view of the rainwater collection system for the inclined photobioreactor, based on a double channel, in the normal state of operation, that is, the photobioreactor is growing normally.
  • Figure 3b It shows a schematic view of the rainwater collection system for the inclined photobioreactor, based on a double channel, in the rainwater collection state.
  • Figure 4a Shows a schematic view of the rainwater collection system for the inclined photobioreactor, based on a channel with internal pipe, in the normal working position.
  • Figure 4b Shows a schematic view of the rainwater collection system for the inclined photobioreactor, based on a channel with internal pipe, in a rain situation.
  • Figure 5. Shows a schematic view of the microalgae culture system, of the tubular type.
  • Figure 6. Shows a schematic view of the microalgae culture system, of the partially closed type (bag).
  • Figure 7. It shows a graph that reflects the relationship between energy contributed to the system (Eap) and energy collected from the irradiance source (Ecap), for various irradiations (11, 12, 13).
  • Figure 8a It shows a graph that reflects the influence of possible errors in the control system, with respect to the energy contribution and energy collection.
  • Figure 8b.- Shows a graph that reflects the control strategy to minimize the energy influence of the errors generated in the control system.
  • Figure 9. Shows an image of the cover and the gas impellers for the case of an inclined photobioreactor.
  • Figure 1a shows a general scheme of a culture system (1) according to the invention, comprising a photobioreactor (2), drive means (4), a control system (3) and a processor (11) .
  • the drive means (4) carry out the mass transfer in the photobioreactor (2).
  • the control system (3) receives through a processor (11) the measurements of environmental variables (irradiance) or crop variables (amount of dissolved oxygen) made through a sensor system (5), and acts on the drive system (4), in order to reduce the energy consumption of the culture system (1) and adapt the energy consumed to the really necessary, improving crop productivity.
  • FIG 1 b a general scheme of a culture system (1) according to the invention, comprising a photobioreactor (2), agitation means (8), a control system (3) and a processor (11) ).
  • the stirring means (8) carry out the mass transfer in the photobioreactor (2).
  • the control system (3) receives through a processor
  • control strategy can be adopted, based on the fact that the energy supplied is greater than the energy corresponding to the optimum point (in this case we will call it energy determined with an assumed error, Edet_err), in this way all the incident energy will always be used to the maximum, although at specific times the energy can be used with a non-optimal efficiency.
  • the microalgae culture system (1) of the invention comprises an inclined film photobioreactor (2) and a height control system (3) of the film (6) of culture based on solar irradiance.
  • the photobioreactor (2) of inclined film (6) comprises an inclined surface (7) through which a film (6) of microalgae culture medium descends.
  • the culture medium circulates and is driven by means of pumps (4) from a tank (9) towards the top of the photobioreactor (2), from where it falls by gravity along the inclined surface (7) again until the tank (9) in which CO2 is introduced as a function of pH and said culture medium is tempered, being understood to temper, adjust the temperature of the culture medium to the optimum of the microorganism.
  • the height control system (3) of the culture medium comprises a irradiance meter (10), a processor (11) and a flow variator (12).
  • the irradiance meter (10) determines the incident solar irradiance on the photobioreactor (2).
  • the processor (11) is connected to the irradiance meter (10), in this case a pyranometer (10), and receives from said pyranometer (10) an actuation signal to act on the flow variator (12), which acts at in turn on the pumps (4), producing a variation of the flow rate of the culture medium that is introduced into the photobioreactor (2).
  • the flow variation can be by means of actuation on the number of pumps (4) that drive the culture medium towards the top of the photobioreactor (2) or on the electric operating intensity of said pumps (4), by means of a variator of frequency (not shown).
  • the present invention in the case of the inclined photobioreactor, can comprise a rainwater collection system (13), (see figures 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b) which in turn comprises a rain detector (14), about diversion means (15) of rainwater, and a compartmentalized reservoir (9) (although it may also comprise the option of several independent reservoirs, not shown in the figures).
  • the rainwater collection system (13) works as follows, the rain detector (14) sends a signal to the processor (11) that stops the flow variator (12), so that The culture medium is contained in the tank compartment where the rest of the crop is located.
  • the diversion means (15) of the rainwater that falls on the surface of the photobioreactor (2) are activated, which causes the rainwater to fall on the surface of the photobioreactor (2) head towards the tank compartment that functions as a water container.
  • the diverting means (15) of the rainwater comprise a tilting element (31) capable of selectively directing the fluid towards a first compartment (17) or a second compartment (18) into which the reservoir (9) is divided.
  • the first compartment The first compartment
  • (18) is a rainwater pipe (water container reservoir).
  • the tank (9) comprises a pipe (19) inside.
  • the means for diverting rainwater (15) comprise a gutter (21) for collecting culture medium, covered by a pivoting cover (20) with respect to the gutter and covering said gutter (21).
  • the gutter (21) directs the culture medium to the pipe (19).
  • the cover (20) of the gutter (21) in its normal working position, is open, allowing the crop to head towards the pipe (19).
  • said cover (20) covers the gutter (21) and diverts rainwater or other elements (snow, hail ...) towards the tank (9 ).
  • a cover (32) supported by an overpressure inside the photobioreactor is also included.
  • This cover is associated with gas impellers (33), which create an overpressure on the inside face of the cover (32), which allows the cover (32) to be in a more or less fixed position above the photobioreactors (2) inclined.
  • the culture system (1) of the third preferred embodiment comprises a bag type photobioreactor (2), wherein the photobioreactor (2) comprises a transparent bag (16) supported by a structure (not shown) in the form of a rectangular prism of substantially smaller width than the other two dimensions.
  • the invention also comprises agitation means (8), and a processor (11).
  • the invention incorporates a control system (3) for the agitation of the crop as a function of solar irradiance.
  • the culture medium contained in the bag-type photobioreactor (2) is agitated by means of agitation (8) (by bubbling a gas, for example the air, by mechanical agitation, by pumping, ...), in order of obtaining a good distribution of nutrients, and obtaining a good distribution of irradiance.
  • the control system (3) of the agitation of the crop allows the measurement of solar irradiance and the adjustment of the agitation of the crop according to the measurement of irradiance.
  • the agitation control system (3) comprises one or more irradiance meters (10), such as a pyranometer (10) or the like.
  • the irradiance meter (10) is properly oriented with the photobioreactor (2), so that the irradiance measured by the irradiance meter (10) substantially corresponds to the irradiance that affects the crop.
  • the use of said irradiance meter (10) determines the real energy that affects the culture of the photobioreactor (2).
  • the processor (11) which is connected to the irradiance meter (10), receives the signal from said irradiance meter (10) and sends an actuation signal on the agitation means (8) which, depending on the signal from action received by the processor (11), agitate to a greater or lesser extent the culture within the photobioreactor (2).
  • energy saving is achieved by adapting the crop speed to the levels of dissolved oxygen amount, by means of of a control system (3) of the crop exposure time, as a function of the amount of dissolved oxygen, as shown in Figure 5.
  • the culture medium contained in the closed photobioreactor (2), is driven by means of impusion means (4), through a closed loop (26).
  • CO 2 is introduced as a function of pH and the culture medium is tempered, understanding to temper, adjust the temperature of the culture medium to the optimum growth temperature of the microorganism.
  • the invention also comprises a degassing element (27).
  • the culture system (1) of the invention includes a reservoir (9), which can be part of the degasser (27), or included as a separate element.
  • the tank (9) is located at a level lower than the level of the loop (26), so that all the culture medium can be collected in said deposit (9), facilitating the control, thermostatization, maintenance operations on the loops (26) and in any other emergency case where a drainage of the loops (26) is needed.
  • the introduction of C0 2 , as well as tempering the culture is carried out in the tank (9) or after the degassing element (27).
  • the loop (26) begins and ends at the degassing element (27).
  • the control system (3) of the exposure time of the crop comprises one or several oximeters (28) to measure the dissolved oxygen in the culture, which allows adjusting the velocity of the fluid within the loop (26) according to the dissolved oxygen , and therefore, adjust the exposure time of the culture medium by means of flow variators (12) of the culture, driven by order of a processor (11) that receives and processes the oximeters signal (28).
  • the measurement of dissolved oxygen can be done both at the end of the loop (26), and along said loop (26), as well as several measurements can be taken along the loop (26).
  • the photosynthetic yield that the crop is having is determined.
  • the processor (11) which is connected to the oximeter (28), receives the signal from said oximeter (28) and sends an actuation signal on one or more flow variators (12), understanding by variator (12) of flow any system that allows to regulate the flow of culture through the loop.
  • the flow variator (12) may be formed by one or more systems.
  • the flow variator (12) can be integrated and be part of another system, such as pumps, oximeters, or processor / s.
  • the flow variator (12) activates a greater or lesser number of pumps (4) driving culture medium depending on dissolved oxygen, or it can act on one or more pumps (4) by means of one or more frequency inverters (not shown).
  • a maximum amount of dissolved oxygen is set, from which the flow rate is increased, as it is considered as close to the toxicity limit. This value is set below 300% (preferably 250%), with respect to the solubility of oxygen in pure water at the same pressure and temperature conditions.
  • a minimum amount of dissolved oxygen is also set, from which the flow rate is reduced, considering that there is no adequate productivity.
  • This value is set above 100% (preferably 150%), with respect to the solubility of oxygen in pure water at the same pressure and temperature conditions.
  • a reference is set to be followed by the control system ("setpoint") of the amount of dissolved oxygen, which, through a control algorithm, is followed as faithfully as possible.
  • This value is set between 150% and 250% (preferably 200%), with respect to the solubility of oxygen in pure water at the same pressure and temperature conditions.
  • the system of the invention comprises an ambient temperature measurement system (29), which in turn comprises a temperature sensor (30) connected to the processor (11).
  • a temperature sensor (30) connected to the processor (11).
  • the temperature sensor (30) sends a signal to the processor (11) that stops the flow variator (12), so that the culture medium is contained in the tank (9 ).
  • the flow variators (12) are activated to return to normal system operation.
  • the value from which the temperature measurement system (29) The environment stops the operation of the flow variators (12) is determined by a setpoint temperature that seeks the protection of the crop against freezing, or against excessive variation of the temperature of the culture medium. In this way it is possible to prevent the culture medium from freezing and avoid all the associated problems, such as problems in the impeller elements, pipe breakage, etc.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un système qui optimise la consommation d'énergie dans des cultures de microalgues par régulation de variables de culture selon des paramètres déterminés par des capteurs. Le système comprend un photobioréacteur (2) dans lequel est effectuée la culture de microalgues. Le système comprend un système de commande (3) de différentes variables de culture (température, quantité d'oxygène dissous, pH, densité cellulaire, turbidité, hauteur de culture, volume de culture, débit de culture,...), et/ou de variables environnementales (éclairement énergétique, vitesse ou direction du vent, humidité de l'air, température ambiante, pluviométrie, indication de pluie, particules dans l'air, sismographie,...), et comprend des capteurs pour mesurer lesdites variables et les envoyer à un processeur (11) qui régule le débit du photobioréacteur (2) ou l'agitation du milieu de culture, à l'aide d'un moyen d'impulsion (4) ou d'un moyen d'agitation (8), respectivement, pour adapter la consommation d'énergie auxdites variables de culture et aux variables environnementales.
PCT/ES2010/070220 2010-04-08 2010-04-08 Système de culture de microalgues à consommation d'énergie optimale WO2011124727A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/ES2010/070220 WO2011124727A1 (fr) 2010-04-08 2010-04-08 Système de culture de microalgues à consommation d'énergie optimale
ARP110101152A AR080836A1 (es) 2010-04-08 2011-04-06 Sistema de cultivo de microalgas con consumo de energia optimo

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PCT/ES2010/070220 WO2011124727A1 (fr) 2010-04-08 2010-04-08 Système de culture de microalgues à consommation d'énergie optimale

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2118572A (en) * 1982-03-27 1983-11-02 Queen Elizabeth College Culture growth and apparatus therefor
JPH07289239A (ja) * 1994-04-27 1995-11-07 Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Ind Co Ltd 光合成生物の培養方法
US5958761A (en) 1994-01-12 1999-09-28 Yeda Research And Developement Co. Ltd. Bioreactor and system for improved productivity of photosynthetic algae
US5981271A (en) 1996-11-06 1999-11-09 Mikrobiologicky Ustav Akademie Ved Ceske Republiky Process of outdoor thin-layer cultivation of microalgae and blue-green algae and bioreactor for performing the process
WO2002086053A1 (fr) * 2001-04-19 2002-10-31 Bioprocess A/S Ameliorations portant sur des bioreacteurs
WO2004074423A2 (fr) 2003-02-24 2004-09-02 Universita'degli Studi Di Firenze Reacteur pour culture industrielle de micro-organismes photosynthetiques
WO2006020177A1 (fr) * 2004-07-16 2006-02-23 Greenfuel Technologies Corporation Systemes photobioreacteurs de culture cellulaire, procedes de preconditionnement d'organismes photosynthetiques et cultures d'organismes photosynthetiques ainsi produits

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2118572A (en) * 1982-03-27 1983-11-02 Queen Elizabeth College Culture growth and apparatus therefor
US5958761A (en) 1994-01-12 1999-09-28 Yeda Research And Developement Co. Ltd. Bioreactor and system for improved productivity of photosynthetic algae
JPH07289239A (ja) * 1994-04-27 1995-11-07 Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Ind Co Ltd 光合成生物の培養方法
US5981271A (en) 1996-11-06 1999-11-09 Mikrobiologicky Ustav Akademie Ved Ceske Republiky Process of outdoor thin-layer cultivation of microalgae and blue-green algae and bioreactor for performing the process
WO2002086053A1 (fr) * 2001-04-19 2002-10-31 Bioprocess A/S Ameliorations portant sur des bioreacteurs
WO2004074423A2 (fr) 2003-02-24 2004-09-02 Universita'degli Studi Di Firenze Reacteur pour culture industrielle de micro-organismes photosynthetiques
WO2006020177A1 (fr) * 2004-07-16 2006-02-23 Greenfuel Technologies Corporation Systemes photobioreacteurs de culture cellulaire, procedes de preconditionnement d'organismes photosynthetiques et cultures d'organismes photosynthetiques ainsi produits

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