Sustainability Analysis and Optimization of Artificially Lit Photobioreactors

• Grant number: 23/16549-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: December 04, 2024
• End date: December 03, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Antonio Carlos Luperni Horta
• Grantee: Antonio Carlos Luperni Horta
• Host Investigator: Fernando Vines Faria de Lima
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: West Virginia University (WVU), United States

Abstract

This project focuses on optimizing advanced control strategies for microalgae cultivation, specifically emphasizing sustainability. With a primary focus on photobioreactors, precise control of photosynthetically active irradiance is crucial. Variations in this irradiance, both qualitatively and quantitatively, can significantly impact biosynthesis pathways, influencing critical indicators such as efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. This highlights the intricate interplay between environmental factors and the outcomes of biobased processes, underscoring the importance of precision in managing these parameters for optimal results. In this context, our project aims to establish a computational framework for analyzing the viability and sustainability of photobioreactors, providing guidelines for the feasibility and implementation of these biotechnological systems. The case study for this research is the production of Scenedesmus microalgae, known for its high biomass productivity and abundance of specific bioproducts such as, proteins, carotenoids and carbohydrates. The execution of this project unfolds through a systematic sequence of main steps. The first step is to develop a hybrid mathematical model by combining fundamental equations with machine learning-based models. The subsequent phase involves formulating novel objective functions aligned with feasibility and sustainability criteria, incorporating the U.S. EPA's GREENSCOPE framework. These functions are meticulously crafted to encapsulate key aspects of the process, aiming to derive dynamic profiles that guide optimal control strategies as the ultimate goal.