Comprehensive Computational Model for Coupled Fluid Flow, Mass Transfer, and Light Supply in Tubular Photobioreactors Equipped with Glass Sponges

The design and optimization of photobioreactor(s) (PBR) benefit from the development robust quantitatively accurate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models, which incorporate complex interplay fundamental phenomena. In present work, we propose a comprehensive model for tubular photobioreactors equipped with glass sponges. simulation requires minimum at least three submodels hydrodynamics, light supply, biomass kinetics, respectively. First, by modeling light–dark cycles can be detected mixing characteristics flow (besides mass transport) analyzed. Second, radiative transport is deployed to predict local intensities according wavelength scattering culture. third submodel implements growth kinetic coupling hydrodynamic information CO2 concentration, allows algal growth. combination, novel mesoscopic applied PBR transparent walls an internal sponge structure. We showcase coupled results validate specific outcomes comparing experiments. overall velocity, distribution, individual algae trajectories are extracted discussed. Conclusively, such insights into hydrodynamics homogeneous illumination very promising CFD-based PBR.