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Solar spectral conversion for improving the photosynthetic activity in algae reactors

Author

Listed:
  • Lothar Wondraczek

    (Otto-Schott-Institute, University of Jena)

  • Miroslaw Batentschuk

    (University of Erlangen)

  • Markus A. Schmidt

    (Institute of Photonic Technology)

  • Rudolf Borchardt

    (University of Erlangen)

  • Simon Scheiner

    (University of Erlangen)

  • Benjamin Seemann

    (University of Erlangen)

  • Peter Schweizer

    (University of Erlangen)

  • Christoph J. Brabec

    (University of Erlangen
    Bavarian Center for Applied Energy Research (ZAE Bayern))

Abstract

Sustainable biomass production is expected to be one of the major supporting pillars for future energy supply, as well as for renewable material provision. Algal beds represent an exciting resource for biomass/biofuel, fine chemicals and CO2 storage. Similar to other solar energy harvesting techniques, the efficiency of algal photosynthesis depends on the spectral overlap between solar irradiation and chloroplast absorption. Here we demonstrate that spectral conversion can be employed to significantly improve biomass growth and oxygen production rate in closed-cycle algae reactors. For this purpose, we adapt a photoluminescent phosphor of the type Ca0.59Sr0.40Eu0.01S, which enables efficient conversion of the green part of the incoming spectrum into red light to better match the Qy peak of chlorophyll b. Integration of a Ca0.59Sr0.40Eu0.01S backlight converter into a flat panel algae reactor filled with Haematococcus pluvialis as a model species results in significantly increased photosynthetic activity and algae reproduction rate.

Suggested Citation

  • Lothar Wondraczek & Miroslaw Batentschuk & Markus A. Schmidt & Rudolf Borchardt & Simon Scheiner & Benjamin Seemann & Peter Schweizer & Christoph J. Brabec, 2013. "Solar spectral conversion for improving the photosynthetic activity in algae reactors," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-6, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms3047
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3047
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    Cited by:

    1. Talebzadeh, Nima & Rostami, Mohsen & O’Brien, Paul G., 2021. "Elliptic paraboloid-based solar spectrum splitters for self-powered photobioreactors," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 163(C), pages 1773-1785.
    2. Saumya Verma & Raja Chowdhury & Sarat K. Das & Matthew J. Franchetti & Gang Liu, 2021. "Sunlight Intensity, Photosynthetically Active Radiation Modelling and Its Application in Algae-Based Wastewater Treatment and Its Cost Estimation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-28, October.
    3. Nima Talebzadeh & Paul G. O’Brien, 2021. "Elliptic Array Luminescent Solar Concentrators for Combined Power Generation and Microalgae Growth," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-20, August.

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