Modeling and Implementation of a Pilot-Scale Open Photo Bioreactor Integrated with Paddlewheels for Biofuel Production

As the world faces an energy supply crisis and seeks alternatives to fossil fuels, bio-based fuels have garnered significant interest as a clean and sustainable option. This study endeavors to design, analyze, and implement an open photobioreactor with the capacity for biofuel production. These systems are widely used in the production of microalgae for biodiesel production; allow microalgae to conduct photosynthesis under sunlight, minimizing energy consumption. Effective mixing of flow, yielding uniform nutrient concentration and increased biomass exposure to light, significantly boosts biomass growth rates. Given the significance of three-dimensional analysis in influencing cell growth rates and, consequently, the efficiency of fuel production, this study involved designing the system and its paddlewheels asmixing components, including blades, engine, gearbox, and power transmission system using Solidworks software. Additionally, fluid analysis was conducted using Prionlab software, followed by the construction of a semi-industrial scale system. The assessment revealed that the average velocity and shear stress were ۰.۷ m.s-۱ and ۰.۰۴ P, respectively.

کلیدواژه ها:

Biofuel ، Open photobioreactor ، Solidworks Prionlab