Do photobioreactors get overheated?

[cacofonix]

I read somewhere that photobioreactors could get overheated and need to be cooled often. Is this true?

[rlantis]

Since most algal species of interest do exhibit a temperature-based correlation with growth/yield rate, many times the economics of the process necessitates a tight control of temperature optimization.

In the end, it all comes down to the economics in order to determine what a particular process would consider as "over-heating" (as well as "under-heating"). A well-designed process will maximize the temperature benefit while simultaneously taking advantage of other related issues. Through these inter-related processes, an integrated approach that considers all requirements and available resources offers the optimum solution.

[Asen Nenov]

The question is so general that it is difficult to answer. The overheating is connected with inability to dissipate the heat - for example lack of heat transfer for some reason. One obvious reason may be that the environment temperature is high.

If we are talking about outside placed closed airlift or bubble column PBR, they could overheat because of the solar irradiation. This is why when placing these PBRs outside, it is a good idea to cover them with a tent and measure the temperature for a period of time.... Or to select a different strain - known for surviving high temperatures.

[ecoduna]

Of course this is possible. In my opinion, it's much more expensive to cool the reactor in summer than to keep it warm in winter. The company i'm working in has created
a fantastic concept - large, flat panel systems within a greenhouse made of foile ... check it out at http://www.ecoduna.com
We are building the world's biggest system with nearly 90.000 litres ...

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