Use of airfoils for enhancement of photosynthesis rate of microalgae in raceways

Abstract The lack of adequate vertical mixing is one the factors limiting productivity open raceway microalgae reactors. existence large gradients light involves cells being mainly adapted to local irradiance instead average irradiance, which would allow for maximizing utilization efficiency, thus biomass cultures. To overcome this problem, different alternatives have been proposed, more suitable airfoils improve mixing. In work, numerical and experimental studies were performed analyse effect aerodynamic patented by University Seville (WO2020120818A1). goal photosynthetic but also a better understanding regime are exposed in these systems how it. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was used optimize flow generated airfoils. A dynamic photosynthesis model Rubio Camacho et al. (Biotechnol Bioeng 81:459–473, 2003) estimate rate as function exposed, including photo-adaptation photo-inhibition phenomena, results confirm that use improves rate. benefits observed 10 m downstream airfoils, resulting an increase up 30%. These cultures, especially when focusing on movement between illuminated zones while maintaining low energy consumption capital expenses.