PHOTOBIOREACTOR SYSTEM WITH HIGH SPECIFIC GROWTH RATE AND LOW DILUTION RATE

Abstract

Systems and methods for growing photosynthetic cells that may be used to produce a biomass. The systems and methods recycle liquid and can produce a high cell concentration harvested biomass.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a system and method for growing photosynthetic cells under controlled conditions. In particular, embodiments of the present invention concern the use of photosynthetic microorganisms that can be used to produce very large amounts of biomass that can be used as a supply of renewable, carbon-neutral energy.

B. Description of Related Art

The photosynthetic microorganisms include, among others, prokaryotic cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae. Especially when the microorganisms have high lipid content, the lipids can be extracted from the harvested biomass and converted to liquid hydrocarbon fuels, such a diesel and biodiesel. The other components in the harvested biomass can be converted to useful forms of energy, animal feed, fertilizer, and chemicals.

Photosynthetic microorganisms can be grown in closed photobioreactor systems or in open ponds. Closed photobioreactors offer a higher level of control of the microorganisms' physiology, water loss, and contamination from undesired microorganisms in the ambient environment. However, closed photobioreactors generally have higher capital costs. Therefore, one goal for photobioreactor systems is to have a high biomass yield per unit surface area and per unit volume. Since sunlight is the energy source, microbial photosynthetic systems often are located in sunny, but relatively and environments, where a high rate of water use is not feasible. Therefore, a second goal for photobioreactor systems is to have a low water-use rate. A third goal for a photobioreactor system is that the biomass can be harvested readily and with as high a concentration as possible. The latter aspect is integral to low water use and to aid the downstream processing of the harvested biomass.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure address issues related to existing systems and specifically provide for high yield rates and low water-use rates.

In order to obtain a high yield of biomass, the photosynthetic microorganisms must grow very rapidly. This is quantified by the specific growth rate, μ_C, which is the rate at which new biomass is synthesized (e.g., kg dry weight per day) divided by the amount of biomass in the system (e.g., kg dry weight):

μ_C=Q_BHX_BH/V_CPX_CP  (Eqn. 1)

In Eqn. 1, Q_BH is the volumetric rate at which the biomass is harvested (e.g., m³/day), X_BH is the biomass concentration of the harvested biomass (e.g., kg dry weight/m³), V_P is the volume of the photobioreactor (e.g., m³), X_CP is the concentration of biomass in the photobioreactor (e.g., kg dry weight/m³), and μ_C is the specific growth rate (e.g., 1/day). A successful microbial photobioenergy system may have a specific growth rate of 1/day or larger. The rate of harvested-biomass output is given by the numerator of Eqn. 1, or Q_BHX_BH. It is desirable that this rate be high so that the maximum output is obtained for the capital costs of the photobioreactor system. Eqn. 1 can be rearranged to be:

Q _BH X _BH=μ_CV_CPX_CP  (Eqn. 2)

From Eqn. 2, Q_BHX_BH can be maximized by making μ_C large, which is desirable when the objective is to maximize biomass production. Eqn. 2 also shows that the rate of biomass output is increased by a large value of X_CP. Thus, another objective is to have a large value of X_CP at the same time that μ_C is large.

The throughput of water can be measured with a parameter that is parallel to μ_C, namely the dilution rate D, which is defined as the flow-through water flow rate divided by the system volume and also has units of reciprocal time:

D=Q _I /V _P  (Eqn. 3)

in which Q_I is the volumetric flow rate of input water to the photobioreactor system (e.g., m³/day), and D is the dilution rate (e.g., 0.1/day). It is desirable for D to be much smaller than 1/day when μ_C is greater than 1/day.

The harvested biomass is contained in flow rate Q_BH with concentration X_BH. It is desirable that X_BH have a relatively large value, because this minimizes Q_BH for a given rate of harvested-harvested biomass output. Minimizing Q_BH reduces the cost of the downstream processing of the harvested biomass. It also contributes to low water usage, since any water that is removed from the system in the harvested biomass must be added via the input flow (Q₁).

A photobioreactor operating according to these principles can therefore: (1) Allow a small D at the same time that it has a large μ_C; (2) Allow a high value of X_BH so that Q_BH is minimized; and (3) Allow independent control of X_P so that it can have a high value at the same time that μ_C is large.

In certain embodiments, a photobioreactor can achieve these objectives by utilizing a membrane separation device (MSD) (for example, a membrane filtration separator (MFS)). While membrane separations devices have previously been linked to other bioreactors, such devices were configured to make the specific growth rate (μ_c) much smaller than the dilution rate (D). In embodiments of the present disclosure, the membrane separation device is configured to achieve the diametrically opposed goal, i.e., having μ_C be much larger than D. Such a configuration also provides other benefits, which lead to a high production rate of biomass at the same time that the water-use rate is small. It also facilitates harvesting of the biomass and downstream processing.

Certain embodiments comprise a method of generating a biomass, where the method may include: culturing photosynthetic cells in an inner volume of one or more conduits; supplying CO₂ to the inner volume; supplying a liquid to the inner volume; supplying one or more nutrients to the inner volume; exposing the CO₂, liquid, and nutrients to light; generating a slurry containing the liquid and a generated biomass in the inner volume; removing the slurry from the inner volume; filtering the slurry to remove a harvested biomass from the slurry; and recycling the liquid to the inner volume.

In specific embodiments, the liquid may be supplied to the inner volume at a supply rate expressed in units of volume divided by units of time and the dilution rate may be expressed as the supply rate divided by the inner volume. In certain embodiments, the slurry has a slurry cell concentration expressed in units of mass per units of volume and the harvested biomass has a harvested-cell concentration expressed in units of mass per units of volume. In particular embodiments, the harvested biomass is harvested at a harvest rate expressed in units of volume per units of time and a specific growth rate is expressed as (harvest rate×harvested-cell concentration)/(slurry cell concentration×inner volume), and the dilution rate is less than the specific growth rate. In certain embodiments, the dilution rate can be less than 0.5/day, and in specific embodiments the dilution rate can be less than 0.1/day. The specific growth rate can be greater than 1.0/day in certain embodiments, and greater than 2.0/day in other embodiments.

In certain embodiments, the liquid is supplied to the inner volume at a supply rate; the liquid is recycled to the inner volume at a recycle rate; and the recycle rate is greater than the supply rate. In particular embodiments, the recycle rate can be greater than the supply rate by a factor of 5, and in certain embodiments the recycle rate can be greater than the supply rate by a factor of 10. In specific embodiments, the generated biomass and the harvested biomass may comprise cyanobacteria. In certain embodiments, the nutrient may comprise nitrogen, a component of nitrate, and/or another nitrogen compound. In specific embodiments, the nutrient may comprise phosphate and/or another phosphorous compound.

In particular embodiments, the CO₂ may be supplied by a flue gas, and in specific embodiments, the CO₂ may be supplied to the inner volume via a gas supply system comprising 0.03% to 15% CO₂. In certain embodiments, the nutrients in the inner volume can be maintained at an amount suitable for growing cyanobacteria. In particular embodiments, the temperature in the inner volume can be maintained at a level suitable for growing cyanobacteria.

Certain embodiments may comprise a system for growing photosynthetic cells. In particular embodiments, the system can comprise: at least one conduit comprising a material that permits light to pass into an inner volume of the conduit and a CO₂ supply system configured to supply CO₂ to the inner volume during use. Certain embodiments can also comprise a liquid supply system configured to supply a liquid at a supply rate to the inner volume during use and a nutrient supply system configured to supply one or more nutrients to the inner volume during use, where the system is configured to generate within the inner volume a slurry containing the liquid and a biomass during use. Particular embodiments may also comprise a membrane filtration system configured to filter the slurry and separate a harvested biomass from a filtered liquid. Certain embodiments may also comprise a recycle system configured to recycle the filtered liquid at a recycle rate back to the inner volume. In particular embodiments of the system, the recycle rate can be greater than the supply rate. In certain embodiments, the recycle rate can be greater than the supply rate by a factor of 5, and in particular embodiments, the recycle rate can be greater than the supply rate by a factor of 10. In certain embodiments of the system, the nutrient can be a component of nitrate or another nitrogen compound and/or a component of phosphate or another phosphorous compound. In certain embodiments of the system, the biomass can comprise cyanobacteria and/or algae.

Certain embodiments may also comprise a mineral supply system configured to supply minerals to the inner volume during use. In certain embodiments, at least one conduit may be comprised of glass, clear polyvinyl chloride, or another transparent polymer. In specific embodiments, at least one conduit comprises a tube with a circular cross-section. At least one conduit may comprise a plurality of parallel tubes with a reflector between the tubes. In particular embodiments, the reflector may have a triangular cross-section.

Certain embodiments may comprise a panel configured to shield at least one conduit from sunlight. In particular embodiments, the panel can be configured to adjust positions and alter the amount of sunlight shielded from at least one conduit. Particular embodiments may comprise a sensor system configured to sense a parameter within the inner volume. In certain embodiments, the parameter may be selected from the group consisting of: temperature, pH, flow rate, CO₂ concentration and turbidity. In specific embodiments, the sensor system can be configured to provide feedback to the CO₂ supply system, the liquid supply system, and/or the nutrient supply system. In certain embodiments, the CO₂ supply system can be configured to inject flue gas into a liquid in fluid communication with the inner volume during use. Particular embodiments may comprise a pump configured to circulate the fluid within the conduit.

It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specification can be implemented with respect to any method or system of the invention, and vice versa. Furthermore, systems of the invention can be used to achieve methods of the invention.

The term “conduit” or any variation thereof, when used in the claims and/or specification, includes any structure through which a fluid may be conveyed. Non-limiting examples of conduit include pipes, tubing, channels, or other enclosed structures.

The term “reservoir” or any variation thereof, when used in the claims and/or specification, includes any body structure capable of retaining fluid. Non-limiting examples of reservoirs include ponds, tanks, lakes, tubs, or other similar structures.

The term “about” or “approximately” are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the terms are defined to be within 10%, preferably within 5%, more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%.

The terms “inhibiting” or “reducing” or any variation of these terms, when used in the claims and/or the specification includes any measurable decrease or complete inhibition to achieve a desired result.

The term “effective,” as that term is used in the specification and/or claims, means adequate to accomplish a desired, expected, or intended result.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.”

The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and/or.”

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”), or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only. Additionally, it is contemplated that changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. For example, certain embodiments may be configured to produce high lipid content products. Other embodiments may be configured to produce products that are not necessarily high in lipids, but have value, for example, as specialty chemicals, neutraceuticals, chemical feedstocks, or simple biomass.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of photobioreactor system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of photobioreactor system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of photobioreactor system according to the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a photobioreactor (PBR) 100 comprising a conduit 110 and a membrane separation device (MSD) 120. PBR 100 further comprises a feed-water system 111, a CO₂ supply system 112, and a nutrient supply system configured to supply water, CO₂, and nutrients to the inner volume of conduit 110 during use. Conduit 110 is comprised from a material that permits light (such as sunlight 118) to pass into an inner volume of conduit during use.

In this embodiment, feed-water system 111 inputs water at a controlled rate consistent with the desired dilution rate D. In certain embodiments, nutrient supply system is configured to supply nitrogen and phosphorous to conduit 110. In the embodiment shown, photosynthetic cells are cultured in conduit 110 and water, CO₂, and nutrients in the inner volume are exposed to light so that a liquid slurry 114 containing biomass is formed in conduit 110.

Membrane separation device 120 is configured to separate biomass from liquid slurry 114 exiting conduit 110 (labeled as flow Q_PS in this embodiment). In certain embodiments, membrane separation device 120 may be comprise microfilters or ultrafilters. In specific embodiments, PBR 100 also comprises separate hydraulic connections configured to: (1) take biomass-containing slurry 114 from PBR 100 to the MSD 120; (2) separate and harvest a biomass concentrate 116 (labeled as flow Q_BH); (3) recycle filtered permeate 115 back to the PBR (labeled as flow Q_ER); (4) and to remove permeate 117 from the system (labeled as flow Q_EE).

As shown in this embodiment MSD 120 removes biomass from slurry 114, producing biomass concentrate 116 on the retentate side. Biomass concentrate 116 has concentration X_BH and is significantly higher than the biomass concentration in the slurry 114 located within conduit 110 (i.e., X_CP) due to the water being removed by permeation through the membrane.

Permeate flow exiting MSD 120 is divided between discharge permeate 117 (labeled as Q_EE) and recycle filtered permeate 115 (labeled as Q_ER) in order to have a low value of D, since Q_I=Q_EE+Q_BH, where Q_I is the influent flow to the photobioreactor. Even though a large amount of water is removed from the biomass by permeation, only a small portion is removed from the system in Q_EE. The recycling of Q_ER to PBR 100 allows the system to achieve a low value of D and a high value of X_BH during use.

The rate of biomass harvesting is Q_BHX_BH and is independent of the rate at which water enters or leaves the PBR system. By having a high value of X_BH in biomass concentrate 116, it is possible to have a high biomass production rate and corresponding high μ_C value without needing to have a high value of D.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective end view of an exemplary embodiment comprises a plurality of parallel tubes or conduits 110 spaced apart. A plurality of reflectors 130 are located between adjacent conduits 110 such that each reflector 130 is parallel to each adjacent conduit 110. It is understood that reflectors 130 are optional components and that other embodiments may not comprise reflectors between the tubes. As shown in FIG. 2, each reflector 130 has a triangular cross-section. This triangular cross-section is configured so that light which would normally pass between adjacent conduits 110 is reflected back up and towards an adjacent conduit. It is understood that the spacing shown in FIG. 2 is an exemplary configuration and that other configurations are possible. For example, reflectors 130 may be positioned in a higher plane so that they are roughly in the same plane (or just slightly below) conduits 110. The exact spacing configuration can be determined based on the angle of the incoming light and the amount of light that is desired to reflect onto conduits 110.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a PBR system 100 comprises a plurality of panels 140 configured to shield a series of conduits (not visible in FIG. 2 due to panels 140). It is understood that the panels 140 are optional components and that other embodiments may not comprise reflectors between the tubes. In certain embodiments, panels 140 can be manipulated to change positions and alter the amount of sunlight that is prevented from reaching the conduits. Panels 140 may also be used to shield conduits from other elements, including for example, rain or hail. In specific embodiments, sensors that detect one or more parameters (e.g., light intensity, temperature, etc.) may be coupled to a control system that automatically adjusts panels 140.

Modeling Analysis

Described below is a modeling analysis that demonstrates that a PBR system such as PBR 100 can achieve the stated goals. In the model, the photosynthetic microorganisms are identified as cyanobacteria (subscript C), because they are the microorganisms that have been utilized for the experimental evaluation of the system. In other embodiments, however, algae or other photosynthetic microorganisms can be used in the system. The derivation and results apply for all photosynthetic microorganisms, not only cyanobacteria.

The first step is to define all the parameters and their symbols used in the mass-balance model.

Physical Dimensions

• V_P=volume of the photobioreactor (m³)
• V_S=volume of the separator (m³); (probably small compared to V_P).
• V_T=total system volume (m³)=V_S+V_P

Concentrations

• X_CI=concentration of cyanobacteria biomass in the influent (g_C/m³); (probably zero).
• X_CE=concentration of cyanobacteria biomass in the effluent (permeate) (g_C/m³); (should be zero).
• X_CP=concentration of cyanobacteria biomass in the photobioreactor (g_C/m³).
• X_CB=concentration of cyanobacteria in the separator concentrate, which also is in the harvested biomass flow, X_BH(g_C/m³).

Volumetric Flow Rates

• Q=influent flow rate (m³/day).
• Q_EE=effluent flow rate (m³/day).
• Q_BH=flow rate of harvested biomass from the MFS retentate (m³/day).
• Q_ER=permeate flow rate recycled to the PBR (m³/day).
• Q_PS=flow rate from the PBR to the MFS (m³/day).

Mass Flow Rates

• M_CI=Q_IX_CI=mass flow rate of cyanobacteria biomass into the system (g_C/day); (probably zero).
• M_CE=Q_EEX_CE=mass flow rate of cyanobacteria biomass out in the effluent (g_C/day); (should be zero).
• M_CH=Q_BHX_BH=mass flow rate of cyanobacteria biomass out by harvesting (g_C/day).

Specific Growth Rate, Solids Retention Time, and Concentration Factor

• μ_C=specific growth rate of cyanobacteria biomass=M_CH/X_CPV_P when M_CI and M_CE are zero (the usual case).
• SRT_C=solids retention time of the cyanobacteria biomass=1/μ_C=X_CPV_P/M_CH
• C.F.=biomass-concentration factor=X_BH/X_CP. C.F. depends on the operation of the MSD and properties of the biomass.The next step is to define the mass balances that comprise the model for the cyanobacterial biomass.

Steady-State (SS) Mass Balances for the Entire System

0=−Q_BHX_BH+μ_CX_CPV_P=−Q_BHX_BH+X_CPV_P/SRT_C  (Eqn. 4)

Non-Steady-State (NSS) Mass Balances for the Entire System

V _p dX _CP /dt=−Q _BH X _BH+μ_CX_CPV_P=−Q_BHX_BH+X_CPV_P/SRT_C  (Eqn. 5)

Mass Balances on Biomass Around the Photobioreactor

0=−Q_PSX_CP+μ_CX_CPV_p(SS)  (Eqn. 6)

V _P dX _CP /dt=−Q _PS X _CP+μ_CX_CPV_p(NSS)  (Eqn. 7)

Mass Balances on Biomass Around the Separator

0=Q_PSX_CP−Q_BHX_BH(SS)  (Eqn. 8)

V _S dX _BH /dt=Q _PS X _CP −Q _BH X _BH(NSS)  (Eqn. 9)

Solving the Model

The following is a solution method for steady-state operation of an exemplary embodiment of a photobioreactor (PBR) system. It identifies what input information or choices need to be made to complete the solution.

Step 1.

Select system parameters.

Physical parameters Q₁ and V_P (or V_P and D)

Biomass concentrations X_CP and X_BH

Specific growth rate μ_C=1/SRT_C

Step 2.

Compute M_CH=X_BHQ_BH=V_PX_CPμ_C

Step 3.

Compute Q_BH=M_CH/X_BH

Step 4.

Compute Q_EE=Q_I−Q_BH

Step 5.

Compute Q_PS=Q_BHX_BH/X_CP

Step 6.

Compute Q_ER=Q_PS−Q_BH−Q_EE

In this practice, the equations are solved for flows with specified (target) μ_C and D values. If any of the Q values are negative, the solution is infeasible. If all of the flows are computed as positive or zero with desirable μ_C and D values, then the objective is achieved.

Example

Presented below is an example that shows how the steps are carried out with realistic parameter values and that illustrates a feasible solution to meet the targets.

• Step 1. Q₁=1000 m³/day, V_P=5,000 m³ (D=0.2 day, a realistic target value to minimize water consumption), X_CP=200 g/m³, X_BH=2,000 g/m³ (C.F. is 10 in the MSD to have a relatively high concentration of harvested biomass), μ_C=1/day (a realistic target value to have a high biomass production rate).
• Step 2. M_CH=5000×200×1=10⁶ g/day.
• Step 3. Q_BH=10⁶/2000=500 m³/day.
• Step 4. Q_EE=1000−500=500 m³/day.
• Step 5. Qps=500×2000/200=5000 m³/day.
• Step 6. Q_ER=5000−500−500=4000 m³/day.This example illustrates that is it possible to achieve feasible steady-state operation (all Q values are positive) with the good target parameters: μ_C=1/day >D=0.2 (indicating a 5-day hydraulic retention time), and X_BH=2,000 g/m>X_CP=200 g/m³.

Systematic Analysis

The model was systematically applied to a wide range of example conditions to identify important trends and identify opportunities or problems. Some of the results are shown below.

Model Inputs values

The model was evaluated with parameters suitable for rooftop (RT) photobioreactors (PBR) coupled to a membrane-filtration system (i.e., a RT-PBR/MFS), which is being tested experimentally. The same principles and trends apply equally to larger scale systems. For modeling, the total volume of the RT-PBR/MFS system is an input parameter. For example, a volume of 2 m³=2,000 L represents an RT system. We also make C.F. an input parameter. A baseline value of biomass concentration factor (C.F.) is 20, but then the range expanded from up to 50 to explore process feasibility.

Reasonable values were selected for μ_C and D. A large hydraulic retention time, HRT=1/D, and a small solids retention time, SRTc (=1/μ_C), are desirable for this application. HRT ranged from 2 to 20 days, making D range from 0.5 to 0.05/day. SRT ranged from 0.333 to 2 days, making the μ_C range be 3 to 0.5/day, which are well justified by the experimental data and the literature for photosynthetic microorganisms.

Selected Results

Table 1 summarizes six model results that illustrate the effects of systematic variation in the three key design parameters: C.F.=20 or 50; μ_C=2/d; D=0.2 or 0.1/d, when the biomass concentration in the photobioreactor was set at a typical value of 0.5 kg/m³. The top set is the baseline case, and [boldface] entries show changed input values from the baseline.

All six situations presented here (and many others not shown) show feasible results when μ_C is large (>1/day) and much larger than D (0.1 or 0.2/day), while C.F. is at least 20, making X_BH large (10 to 25 g/m³). Feasibility is demonstrated by having all Q values greater than or equal to 0. These results prove that the concept of having a PBR system with large specific growth rate and a low dilution rate can be achieved by the MFS configuration demonstrated here. Furthermore, the harvested-biomass concentration after the filtration can be increased by 20- to 50-fold, which means downstream processing deals with a low-volume, high-concentration slurry.

The results in Table 1 also illustrate important trends that can be used to optimize process performance. For example, for a constant value of X_CP, which is true for the table, the production of biomass is proportional to μ_C, and a large μ_C is desired to maximize the areal and volumetric production rates. The amount of influent (or make-up) water (Q_I) is minimized by having a small D, while the liquid volume for the harvested biomass (Q_BH) is minimized by a large C.F. The last row in the table contains all the optimized value so that productivity is at its highest value, while Q_I and Q_BH are at their smallest values.

In summary, the modeling analysis demonstrates that the novel PBR/MFS system can achieve the stated goals.

TABLE 1
Model Results with Changes in D, μ, and C.F. for a RT-scale PBR/MFS System
Baseline case
XCP	XBH	XCB/XCP =	μC	D	SRT	HRT
(kg/m3)	(kg/m3)	C.F.	(1/d)	(1/d)	(d)	(d)
0.5	10	20	2	0.2	0.5	5
QI	QEE	QBH	QPS	QER	QM*	PV**	PA***
(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(kg/(m3*d))	(kg/(m2*d))
0.4	0.2	0.2	4	3.6	3.8	0.625	0.0735
Smaller D
XCP	XBH	XCB/XCP =	μC	D	SRT	HRT
(kg/m3)	(kg/m3)	C.F.	(1/d)	(1/d)	(d)	(d)
0.5	10	20	2	[0.1]	0.5	[10]
QI	QEE	QBH	QPS	QER	QM*	PV**	PA***
(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(kg/(m3*d))	(kg/(m2*d))
0.2	0	0.2	4	3.8	3.8	0.625	0.0735
Smaller μC
XCP	XBH	XCB/XCP =	μC	D	SRT	HRT
(kg/m3)	(kg/m3)	C.F.	(1/d)	(1/d)	(d)	(d)
0.5	10	20	[1]	0.2	[1]	5
QI	QEE	QBH	QPS	QER	QM*	PV**	PA***
(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(kg/(m3*d))	(kg/(m2*d))
0.4	0.3	0.1	2	1.6	1.9	0.313	0.0368
Smaller D and μC
XCP	XBH	XCB/XCP =	μC	D	SRT	HRT
(kg/m3)	(kg/m3)	C.F.	(1/d)	(1/d)	(d)	(d)
0.5	10	20	[1]	[0.1]	[1]	[10]
QI	QEE	QBH	QPS	QER	QM*	PV**	PA***
(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(kg/(m3*d))	(kg/(m2*d))
0.2	0.1	0.1	2	1.8	1.9	0.313	0.0368
Larger C.F.
XCP	XBH	XCB/XCP =	μC	D	SRT	HRT
(kg/m3)	(kg/m3)	C.F.	(1/d)	(1/d)	(d)	(d)
0.5	[25]	[50]	2	0.2	0.5	5
QI	QEE	QBH	QPS	QER	QM*	PV**	PA***
(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(kg/(m3*d))	(kg/(m2*d))
0.4	0.32	0.08	4	3.6	3.92	0.625	0.0735
Larger C.F. and smaller D
XCP	XBH	XCB/XCP =	μC	D	SRT	HRT
(kg/m3)	(kg/m3)	C.F.	(1/d)	(1/d)	(d)	(d)
0.5	[25]	[50]	2	[0.1]	0.5	[10]
QI	QEE	QBH	QPS	QER	QM*	PV**	PA***
(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(m3/d)	(kg/(m3*d))	(kg/(m2*d))
0.2	0.12	0.08	4	3.8	3.92	0.625	0.0735
Values shown in [boldface] are changes from the baseline case.
*QM is the flow rate through the membrane. It is one of the key operation parameters of the membrane and can be used to calculate the surface area needed.
V
**PV is the volumetric productivity
**PA is the areal productivity with horizontal cylindrical tubes of 15-cm (6″) diameter.

Experimental Manifestation

In order to experimentally demonstrate that the stated goals can be achieved with the PBR system during operation throughout the year, experiments will be performed with a roof-top photobioreactor with membrane filtration (RT-PBR/MSD) that contains approximately 2000 L of culture under controlled conditions with respect to hydraulic and solid retention times and concentrations in the PBR and the harvested biomass, as mentioned above. The PBR is comprised of transparent glass tubes with a diameter of 6 inches (15 cm) and a length of approximately 20 m. The specific growth rate (μ_C) of the cyanobacteria in the RT-PBR depends primarily on sunlight intensity (up to 600 W/m²), CO₂ supply, available nutrients (such as nitrate and phosphate among other), and the biomass concentration. Controlling these process parameters via the experimental design, it is expected that the specific growth rate can be controlled in the range of 1-2 per day, which corresponds to current modeling analysis. The initial experiments will be conducted to evaluate PBR performance in terms of the ability to control the specific growth rate (μ_C), hydraulic retention time (HRT), and biomass concentrations by coupling an MSD with the PBR.

For the MSD, a suitable filtration device from Pall Corporation has been identified that can efficiently work under these set of conditions. This system works with a cross-flow flux (CFF) of 10 Liters/minute/m², controlled permeate flux of 30-40 Liters/m²/hr, and with a pressure drop (D_P=P_feed−P_retentate) of 2.5-3.0 psi. The above-mentioned flow rates correspond to values in the preceding table of model results and can be easily obtained using 5 m² (area) membrane.

Conditions and flow rates similar to what are shown in the table will be tested using the Pall membrane system coupled to the PBR. The Pall system is only one possibility for the membrane-separator, and it is used only to demonstrate the PBR/MSD principles.

Either continuously or periodically (semi-continuous), the biomass is pumped to the MSD unit, in this case the Pall membrane separation unit. The concentrated retentate (concentration X_CB in steady-state continuous operation) is then harvested as the feedstock for downstream processing (Q_BH).

During continuous flow mode, biomass in the PBR continuously flows to the membrane separator unit and is constantly removed from the PBR as the harvesting stream. The biomass concentration will rise gradually during the day and fall gradually at night in this case. If biomass is only harvested during daylight hours, when photosynthetic production occurs, the biomass concentration in the PBR can be kept constant. For example from Table 1, if 0.5 kg/m³ of biomass (steady-state) is in the photobioreactor growing at 2/d, a hydraulic retention time of 5 days requires that 400 L of media is replaced each day when the concentration factor is 20. The biomass that will be harvested is 20 L every 24 hours of illumination at a concentration of 5% solids, and 380 L of effluent water is removed. The total flow rate to go through 5 m² membrane is 3.8 m³/day with a permeate flux rate of 40 Liters/m²/hr (process time of 24 hrs), which is readily achievable.

The semi-continuous mode of operation will also be studied in which the biomass is cultivated in batch mode during the daytime and will be harvested after sunset. Because the biomass concentration and light intensity change with time, the growth rate is not constant. The nonsteady-state modeling under this scenario indicates that higher productivity can be achieved with the same (average) specific rates. The hydraulic loading on the membrane is higher for semi-continuous operation than with continuous operation due to the shorter period of time that is allowed to harvest. The RT-PBR/MFS provides the operational flexibility to test if we can gain the additional advantages of semi-continuous biomass harvesting.

REFERENCES

The following references are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

• Borowitzka, M. A. (1999). Commercial production of microalgae: ponds, tanks, tubes, and fermenters. J Biotechnol 70, 313-321.
• Chisti, Y. (2007). Biodiesel from microalgae. Biotechnol Adv 25, 294-306.
• Daigger, G. T, B. E. Rittmann, S. S. Adham, and G. Andreottola (2005). Are membrane bioreactors ready for widespread application? Environ. Sci. Technol. 39: 399A-406A.
• Rittmann, B. E. (2008). Opportunities for renewable bioenergy using microorganisms. Biotechnol. Bioengr. 100: 203-212.
• Rittmann, B. E. and P. L. McCarty (2001). Environmental Biotechnology: Principles and Applications. McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York.

Claims

1. A method of generating a biomass, the method comprising: culturing photosynthetic cells in an inner volume of one or more conduits;supplying CO2 to the inner volume;supplying a liquid to the inner volume;supplying one or more nutrients to the inner volume;exposing the CO2, liquid, and nutrients to light;generating a slurry containing the liquid and a generated biomass in the inner volume;removing the slurry from the inner volume;filtering the slurry to remove a harvested biomass from the slurry; andrecycling the liquid to the inner volume.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein: the liquid is supplied to the inner volume at a supply rate expressed in units of volume divided by units of time;a dilution rate is expressed as the supply rate divided by the inner volume;the slurry has a slurry cell concentration expressed in units of mass per units of volume;the harvested biomass has a harvested-cell concentration expressed in units of mass per units of volume;the harvested biomass is harvested at a harvest rate expressed in units of volume per units of time;a specific growth rate is expressed as (harvest rate×harvested-cell concentration)/(slurry cell concentration×inner volume); andthe dilution rate is less than the specific growth rate.

3. (canceled)

4. The method of claim 2 wherein the dilution rate is less than 0.1/day

5. The method of claim 2 wherein the specific growth rate is greater than 1.0/day

6. (canceled)

7. The method of claim 2 wherein: the liquid is recycled to the inner volume at a recycle rate; andthe recycle rate is greater than the supply rate.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the recycle rate is greater than the supply rate by a factor of 5.

9. (canceled)

10. The method of claim 2, wherein the generated biomass and the harvested biomass comprise cyanobacteria.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the nutrient comprises nitrogen.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the nutrient is a component of nitrate or another nitrogen compound.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the nutrient comprises phosphate or another phosphorous compound.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the CO2 is supplied by a flue gas.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the CO2 is supplied to the inner volume via a gas supply system comprising 0.03% to 15% CO2.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the nutrients in the inner volume are maintained at an amount suitable for growing cyanobacteria.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature in the inner volume is maintained at a level suitable for growing cyanobacteria.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the harvested biomass comprises a neutraceutical.

19. A system for growing photosynthetic cells comprising: at least one conduit comprising a material that permits light to pass into an inner volume of the conduit;a CO2 supply system configured to supply CO2 to the inner volume during use;a liquid supply system configured to supply a liquid at a supply rate to the inner volume during use;a nutrient supply system configured to supply one or more nutrients to the inner volume during use, wherein the system is configured to generate within the inner volume a slurry containing the liquid and a biomass during use;a membrane filtration system configured to filter the slurry and separate a harvested biomass from a filtered liquid; anda recycle system configured to recycle the filtered liquid at a recycle rate back to the inner volume.

20. The system of claim 19 wherein the recycle rate is greater than the supply rate.

21-22. (canceled)

23. The system of claim 19 wherein the nutrient is a component of nitrate or another nitrogen compound.

24. The system of claim 19 wherein the nutrient is a component of phosphate or another phosphorous compound.

25. The system of claim 19 wherein the biomass comprises cyanobacteria.

26. The system of claim 19 wherein the biomass comprises algae.

27. The system of claim 19, further comprising a mineral supply system configured to supply minerals to the inner volume during use.

28. The system of claim 19, wherein the at least one conduit is comprised of glass, clear polyvinyl chloride, or another transparent polymer.

29. The system of claim 19, wherein the at least one conduit comprises a tube with a circular cross-section.

30. The system of claim 19, wherein the at least one conduit comprises a plurality of parallel tubes with a reflector between the tubes.

31. The system of claim 30 wherein the reflector has a triangular cross-section.

32. The system of claim 19 further comprising a panel configured to shield the at least one conduit from sunlight.

33. The system of claim 32 wherein the panel is configured to adjust positions and alter the amount of sunlight shielded from the at least one conduit.

34. The system of claim 19 further comprising a sensor system configured to sense a parameter within the inner volume.

35. The system of claim 34 wherein the parameter is selected from the group consisting of: temperature, pH, flow rate, CO2 concentration and turbidity.

36. The system of claim 34 wherein the sensor system is configured to provide feedback to the CO2 supply system, the liquid supply system, or the nutrient supply system.

37. The system of claim 19 wherein the CO2 supply system is configured to inject flue gas into a liquid in fluid communication with the inner volume during use.

38. The system of claim 19, further comprising a pump configured to circulate the fluid within the conduit.