Mathematical Modelling of Chlorella Vulgaris Growth in Semi-Batch Photobioreactors Fed with Pure CO₂

Abstract

In order to viably scale up the microalgae based technology for CO2 capture and biofuels production, suitable mathematical models should be developed. In particular, since the potential exploitation of flue gases as carbon source is one of the main targets of this technology, the effects resulting from such operating mode on microalgae growth, i.e. low pH values and high dissolved concentration of CO2, should be properly simulated. Along these lines, in this work a novel mathematical model of the growth of Chlorella Vulgaris in semi-batch photobioreactors fed with pure CO2 (100 % v/v) is addressed.