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A Computational Fluid Dynamics Model of Algal Growth in Open Raceways

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  2012 Dallas, Texas, July 29 - August 1, 2012  121337454.(doi:10.13031/2013.41790)
Authors:   Jessica L Drewry, Yifan Liang, Christopher Y Choi
Keywords:   algae, biofuel, computational fluid dynamics

Biofuels derived from algae are becoming an increasingly viable alternative to petroleum based fuels; however, research and development in the field must continue before biofuels can be produced in an economical and environmentally friendly manner. Unlike with photobioreactors, there is no generally accepted model for evaluating the growth of algae in open raceways because algal growth involves a large number of variables. Algal growth is directly dependent on the momentum, mass and heat transfer within the raceway as well as climatic variables; therefore, to achieve the most accurate model of growth possible, it is essential to implement a growth model within computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. The aim of this study, then, is to evaluate and optimize raceway operations by accurately modeling the algae growth through user defined functions embedded within a CFD model. This comprehensive model of algal growth is necessary because the system can only be optimized by identifying the parameters that lead to maximum growth with minimal inputs.

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