Algaculture system for biofuel production and methods of production thereof
US9051539B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P60/20
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Embodiments of algaculture systems to generate biofuel are herein provided. In one embodiment, an algaculture system includes a photo-bioreactor (PBR) including pump/tank assembly in communication with an input portion of a solar collector. The pump/tank assembly may act as a reservoir and/or agitator for a mixture of algae, water and nutrients (hereinafter, “algae media”) which mixture may be pumped into the solar collector. The solar collector may comprise a plurality of interconnected tubes (in various configurations) with a plurality of axial vortex flow generators positioned at an intake portion of each tube. Sensors, ports for input of nutrients and gasses, and ports for removal of gasses may be located in fittings between sections of tubing. An output portion of the solar collector may be in fluid communication with a continuous harvester which may redirect mature algae for processing thereof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.