Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 7.3 Schematic diagram of overall microalgal cultivation system with a developed vertical
tubular photo-biorreactor (Yoo et. al.
2013
)
by centrifugation. As a result of this process, we are able to get products like algae
oil and biomass.
One of the major advantages that algae inculcate is a rapid growth rate that
generates a full crop cycle every 24 h. The biomass it produces can truly become a
valuable alternative to that of cereals or other products used for several purposes
by humans. Although things are gradually improving, the current production cost
for oil and bio-fuel is comparatively expensive, so economically speaking it can
hardly stand as a competitive fuel option. The potential area where microalgae
cultivation can be widely accepted and developed is that of highly valued phar-
maceutical products, foods and cosmetics, all of which offer excellent value for
money. And now new fields of application are coming for bio-energy, bio-fertil-
izers and to capture CO
2
.
7.2.2 What Is an Architectural Photo-Bioreactor (A-PhBR)?
The A-PhBR, Architectural Photo-Bioreactors, are photo-bioreactors similar to the
industrial ones, and in the same way, fulfil the functioning of cultivating micro-
algae, leading the same energy needs and benefits of producing added-value
products, clean energy, environmental improvement, etc.
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