Application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) on the raceway design for the cultivation of microalgae: a review. (1st May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kusmayadi, Adi; Suyono, Eko Agus; Nagarajan, Dillirani; Chang, Jo-Shu; Yen, Hong-Wei
• Is Part Of: Journal of industrial microbiology & biotechnology. Volume 47:Number 4/5(2020)
• Page Start: 373
• Page End: 382
• Publication Date: 2020-05-01
• Subjects: Raceway -- CFD -- Light penetration -- Particle distribution -- Biological kinetics; Industrial microbiology -- Periodicals; 660.62
• DOI: 10.1007/s10295-020-02273-9
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-5435

Abstract

Abstract: Microalgae are a potential solution to supersede fossil fuels and produce renewable energy. The major obstacle to the commercialization of microalgae-based biofuels is the high production cost, including nutritional requirements, photobioreactor design, and downstream processes. As for the photobioreactor design, open ponds have been adopted by major commercial plants for their economic advantages. Raceway is a popular type among open ponds. Nevertheless, the fluid dynamics of the raceway operation is quite complex. Software simulation based on Computational Fluid Dynamics is an upcoming strategy for optimizing raceway design. The optimization intends to affect light penetration, particle distribution, mass transfer, and biological kinetics. This review discusses how this strategy can be helpful to design a highly productive raceway pond-based microalgal culture system.