Abstract
Within the blue biotechnology, the cultivation of microalgae has an important role. Aimed is the production of valuable bio products, including biofuels. Microalgae can be cultivated in open raceway ponds or in different types of photobioreactors (PBRs). Besides their higher investment costs, PBRs are gaining more importance due to the possibilities they offer for controlling the production parameters like, light, pH, Nutrients, CO2 supply, etc. This study presents the influence of temperature control on the operating cost of a culture in a flat-panel airlift photobioreactor, based on a simulation model. The data used are those of a coastal range in Cyprus, at Zygi, with mild climate, requiring heating in Winter and cooling in the Summer. Microalgae grow optimally between 20°C and 24°C, but choosing the right set temperatures for Winter and Summer plays an important role in the economy of the system. The most energy saving option seems to be that of a stepwise set-temperature control, with a temperature varying in steps between 19 and 24°C that are considered to be economic acceptable minimum and maximum values. For the estimation of the yearly fuel consumption of the PBR a new term, the Burner ON Ratio was introduced.
Highlights
Microalgae have become an important feedstock for biodiesel production due to their high lipid content, as they can grow rapidly, giving high yield per unit area [1, 2]
If the heating boiler is properly designed and is not under- or oversized, during the time that the temperature of the PBR medium is lower than the set temperature the burner is periodically switched on and off until the set temperature is reached
The Burner on Ratio (Bon) is the total time that the burner is on, divided by the total time that the temperature in the PBR is lower than the set temperature
Summary
Microalgae have become an important feedstock for biodiesel production due to their high lipid content, as they can grow rapidly, giving high yield per unit area [1, 2]. Microalgae can multiply faster than any other plants on land. They can be selected and cultivated to have a high protein and oil content, which can be used to produce biofuels or animal feeds. Microalgal biomass that is rich in micronutrients, is used for human dietary and health supplements, or can be cultivated to produce a variety of products like biodegradable plastics, chemical feedstock, colour pigments, lubricants, fertilizers, and cosmetics. Another benefit is that they can grow without competing with agriculture on land threatening food supply. Microalgae can be cultivated using various water resources such as brackish-, sea-, and wastewater that is unsuitable for cultivating agricultural crops
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