A novel multi-directional modular mixing system for bringing new insight to microalgae production in panel photobioreactors
Biochemical Engineering Journal, cilt.228, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 228
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.bej.2026.110074
- Dergi Adı: Biochemical Engineering Journal
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Chimica, Compendex, EMBASE, INSPEC
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Bioreactor design, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Computational fluid dynamics, Efficient microalgae production, Panel Photobioreactor
- Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
A novel system was designed herein to enhance the mixing efficiency of conventional panel photobioreactors (PBRs). Initially, design optimization was conducted using three-dimensional computational modeling. For this, CFD simulations performed using the Shear Stress Transport model of different mixing configurations. These are single vertical shaft (1B), single turbine on each lateral shafts (2B) and single turbines in all directions (3B), respectively. Rushton and marine type impellers are used in these simulations for comprehensive evaluation. Here, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii CC-124 was used as model microalgae. In both simulations and validation studies Rushton turbine gives better results (36.81 ± 0.23 mg.L−1) when compared with marine impeller (16.42 ± 0.67 mg.L−1) in terms of highest total chlorophyll amount reached. Among the different configurations with Rushton impeller, the 1B and 3B configurations come forward. Although, 3B reached higher average shear stress value (3.63 Pa) than 1B, this configuration was able to reach higher microalgae concentration in a short time during the 13-day culture period when evaluated in terms of biomass. This result indicates that 3B configuration which creates highest magnitude multidirectional flow vectors provides a consistent homogeneous mixing for better biomass production in PBR. Based on these results, it can be said that this modular mixing system design is a promising contribution for panel PBRs and new microalgae production systems.