Solar Biofactory, Photobioreactors, Passive Thermal Regulation Systems And Methods for Producing Products
The invention described herein relates to photobioreactors, methods, assembly and use of such apparatus for culturing light-capturing organisms in a cost-effective manner. Various embodiments provide for a passive thermal regulation system employing selected microorganisms in a photobioreactor apparatus and methods for biological production of various fuel and chemical products from these organisms. Additional embodiments provide a solar biofactory system capable of culturing light capturing organisms to an areal productivity of 3.3 g/m2/hr. Further embodiments are directed to a photobioreactor capable of culturing light capturing organisms to an OD 730 of about 14 g/L DCW. Such embodiments incorporate passive thermal regulation and systems.
1 . A photobioreactor assembly comprising:
a reactor structure;
a greenhouse structure configured to provide a greenhouse environment for the reactor structure, the reactor structure and the greenhouse structure spaced relative to each other to provide temperature control of the photobioreactor; wherein the reactor structure comprises a closed reactor and the greenhouse structure comprises at least two side sheets spaced apart with the reactor disposed therebetween.
2 .- 5 . (canceled)
6 . The photobioreactor assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least a part of a surface of the reactor is at least translucent.
7 . The photobioreactor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the sheets diffuse light to illuminate the reactor.
8 . The photobioreactor assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one sheet includes a radiation shielding material.
9 . The photobioreactor assembly of claim 1 , wherein temperature control is maintained within 10° C. of ambient.
10 . The photobioreactor assembly of claim 1 , wherein temperature control is maintained within 5° C. of ambient.
11 . The photobioreactor assembly of claim 1 , further comprising chimney means for allowing use of ambient air for temperature control.
12 . In a photobioreactor, the improvement of providing chimney means for employing ambient air to provide temperature control of the photobioreactor.
13 .- 45 . (canceled)
46 . The photobioreactor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the reactor structure is thermoformed.