Abstract
Flat plate photobioreactors (FPPBRs) using bacterial biofilm have gained much recent attention due to operational ease, improved light conversion efficiency and reduction of process cost, particularly in hydrogen production. In this study, two comprehensive mathematical models, one explaining the dynamics of a batch type FPPBR used for the development of biofilm and the other a deterministic model (both temporal and spatial) to predict the performance of a continuous FPPBR using Rhodopseudomonas sp. have been developed for both circular and rectangular configurations. The system equations have been solved using MATLAB 2013. From batch studies, the maximum specific growth rate and half saturation constant for the microorganism have been determined to be 0.07 h−1 and 1.946 g l−1 respectively. An “Instantaneous attachment and proliferation” mechanism has been proposed to explain the behaviour of biofilm right from the early stage of attachment to the reversal from attached to planktonic state. The flow patterns of substrate medium through the biofilm have been generated using COMSOL Multiphysics software. From the perspective of the hydrogen yield, the models predict that the FPPBR geometry plays a crucial role by demonstrating the superior performance of the circular reactor in comparison to the rectangular counterpart. It is expected that the mathematical models developed here will help in the design, scale-up and control of FPPBRs to be used particularly for hydrogen production using suitable microorganisms.
Published Version
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