Mathematical modeling of two-phase flow and transport in an immobilized-cell photobioreactor

Qiang Liao, Da-Meng Liu, Ding-Ding Ye, Xun Zhu, Duu-Jong Lee

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

31 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A one-dimensional two-phase flow and transport model is presented for a packed bed photobioreactor with transparent gel granules containing immobilized photosynthetic bacterial cells. The inherently coupled two-phase flow and mass transport, along with the biochemical reactions occurring in the photobioreactor are taken into account. The source term in the species conservation equation of the substrate is derived from a local transport model for a single gel granule. Model predictions of the glucose consumption efficiency and hydrogen production rate are in good agreement with experimental data. The results show that the photoinhibition of immobilized cells appears at incident light intensities higher than 6000 lux. It is the most suitable for photo-hydrogen production under neutral conditions and 30 °C of the influent substrate solution. Moreover, a high influent substrate solution flow rate results in a large hydrogen production rate due to the improved substrate transport from the bulk solution to gel granules. © 2011, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)13939-13948
JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Volume36
Issue number21
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2011
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publication details (e.g. title, author(s), publication statuses and dates) are captured on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis at the time of record harvesting from the data source. Suggestions for further amendments or supplementary information can be sent to [email protected].

Research Keywords

  • Hydrogen production
  • Immobilized-cell photobioreactor
  • Mass transport
  • Packed bed
  • Two-phase flow

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