Chlorella vulgaris cultivation under super high light intensity: A tentative photobioreactor design
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In a previous article, Chlorella vulgaris was shown to grow under super high light (7 000 μ molPhotonPAR/m 2 /s), if adequate light/dark patterns were used. However, this proof-of-concept was delivered in a 125-mL photobioreactor. This article is the first step towards upscaling the process to a lab-scale prototype (5-10 liters). A numerical workflow based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (Euler–Lagrange combined with Conjugate Heat Transfer) was implemented using the open-source toolbox OpenFOAM. After numerical validation of the workflow and discussion of the effects of Lagrangian Coherent Structures, the tool was applied to assess the performance of a 50x40x5 cm 3 baffled flat-panel photobioreactor. Light/dark patterns analysis demonstrated that their median frequency and duty cycle were too widely distributed to be considered actually controlled (0.510 ± 0.271 Hz and 0.460 ± 0.211, respectively). Also, Conjugate Heat Transfer simulations showed that the system components were relatively homogeneous thermally, opening the way to a thermal circuit modeling approach. To improve the design, a deflector tube was inserted between the baffles to channel the fluid flow. This enhancement allowed narrowing down the light/dark patterns features satisfactorily (0.625 ± 0.131 Hz and 0.271 ± 0.061 for the frequency and duty cycle, respectively). Variations in the design allowed for the demonstration of the modularity of the possible light/dark cycles (a 0.322 to 0.625 Hz frequency and a duty cycle between 0.200 and 0.430). Finally, thermal analysis suggests that such a prototype could operate safely, i.e. , with a culture medium temperature below 30 °C, under 20 000 μ molPhotonPAR/m 2 /s.
Source: Algal Research
Author: Victor Pozzobon
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,190
OpenAlex ID: W7213526492