The design and construction of any algal photobioreactor is a complex
multi-parametric problem, with successful examples requiring the consideration of
many different factors. In practical terms, this means that most feasible cultivation
platforms require a compromise between biotic, abiotic and economic factors. As a
result, most of the successful designs are found commercially prompt to maximise
favourable parameter ranges within practical cost limits. The end result is the
construction and subsequent operation of the photobioreactor within a multi-parametric
‘sweet-spot’, which will vary dependent on the production process and end product.
Such cost considerations are particularly important for the production of lower value
commodities such as biofuels, which are yet to achieve economical production at scale.
Considering these aforementioned constraints; 60 years of photobioreactor design and
production have resulted in several general blue-prints for larger scale algal production
platforms. Despite this fact, most of the photobioreactors in successful operation,
today, can be categorised as having characteristics that are based on a relatively limited
repertoire of basic designs and construction materials. The most common separation is
between open and closed systems which differ fundamentally in their levels of
parameter control and cost base. Further configurational commonalities can be seen in
many examples and are most notable in their external appearances. The most common
photobioreactor systems are horizontal tubular, vertical column, panel or plate and
pond based systems.
Keywords: Photobioreactor, Biofuel, Algae, Bubble column, Flat plate, Airlift,
Tubular, Serpentine, Manifold, Horizontal, Vertical, Turbulent, Light path, Mass
transfer.
