Evaluating the effects of geometry and arrangement parameter of flat panel photobioreactor on microalgae biomass production and economic performance in China

In the present study, a model integrated algal biomass productivity prediction and economic analysis for flat panel photobioreactor (PBR) was proposed. The effects of PBR geometry dimension and spacing distance on culture temperature, biomass productivity and production cost were assessed. The simulation results showed that geometry dimension and arrangement parameter of flat panel PBR have a significant impact on algal biomass productivity and production cost. The biomass cost ranged from 2.82 $ kg(-1) to 25.07 $ kg(-1) was estimated in the different design scenarios, corresponding to biomass productivity of 10.13-36.70 t ha(-1) yr(-1). The minimum biomass cost of 1.68 $ kg(-1) was further predicted by integration of increasing biomass productivity, free carbon dioxide adoption, and thermo-tolerant strain used without cooling action. Additionally, it was also found that the biomass production cost estimated in the present work was lower than those previously reported, which is partially attributed to the lower electricity and labor cost in China. In all, the model framework proposed here can help to optimize the layout design of PBR system in various geospatial locations to achieve cost-effective production of microalgae.