Light management technologies for increasing algal photobioreactor efficiency
Document Type
Other
PubMed ID
30776004
Publisher
Elsevier BV
School
Centre of Excellence for Microphotonic Systems / Electron Science Research Institute
RAS ID
31249
Abstract
The ever-increasing demand for food, valuable bio-based compounds and energy has triggered the development of novel and sustainable resources. Microalgae are a promising source of sustainable high-value products. The need for light (suitable intensity and wavelength) and temperature control in microalgal cultures remains the most significant challenge limiting their photosynthetic efficiency and productivity. Appropriate light management has the potential to concurrently maximize photosynthetic productivity and control the temperature of microalgal photobioreactors resulting in a reduction in overall production costs. Here, we review innovations to improve light conversion efficiency and temperature control, such as spectral filtration, plasmonic waveguides, spectral shifting, wireless light emitters and insulated glazing, which typically increase the photosynthetic productivity, while avoiding overheating in photobioreactors. Infrared filtering reduces culture overheating in closed photobioreactors. Spectral shifting, plasmonic waveguiding, switchable glass and insulated glazing technologies can improve light quality received by algal cells. Improving light efficiency and distribution in the algal cultures can significantly enhance biomass productivity when used in open or closed cultivation systems. Based on this background, we illuminate the effectiveness of embedding the above-mentioned technologies into a novel insulated-glazed photovoltaic flat panel photobioreactor for simultaneously increasing the biomass and generating electricity, thus, eliminating the need for cooling systems. This approach opens the way for the development of cost-effective, low-carbon-footprint grid-independent integrated algae-based biorefineries with multi-product yields. © 2019
DOI
10.1016/j.algal.2019.101433
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Nwoba, E. G., Parlevliet, D. A., Laird, D. W., Alameh, K., & Moheimani, N. R. (2019). Light management technologies for increasing algal photobioreactor efficiency. Algal Research, 39. Available here.