Flow Simulation in an Alga Photobioreactor Tested Under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

For the purpose of efficient algae cultivation, the Photo Bio-Reactor (PBR) must be designed according to the needs of the algae to be cultivated. We performed our experiment with a loop reactor with a total volume of 14 liters. Among other things, the mixing of the gas and liquid phases, the value and change of the light intensity reaching the algae, and the degree of algae deposition on the walls of the equipment depend on the flow caused by the bubble column in the equipment. Using the ANSYS FLUENT simulation environment, we optimized the efficiency of the gas intake that determines the flow.

Keywords

• photobioreactor
• alga
• flow simulation