Investigation of Hydrodynamics and Heat Transfer Effects Due to Light Guides in a Column Photobioreactor

Abstract

The objective of this research is to predict how the placement of structural light guides within a column photobioreactor (PBR) affects the fluid mechanics and heat transfer of the system. The photobioreactor studied is modeled and analyzed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A bubble sparger provides carbon dioxide and mixing. Five different arrays and eight carbon dioxide volumetric flow rates are tested. Based on this setup, the bubble flow patterns, velocities, and temperature distributions are analyzed and the recommended placement of light guides is determined for predicting the growing conditions suitable for microalgae and other photosynthetic organisms.