Optimal Operation of a Lumostatic Microalgae Cultivation Process

This chapter proposes the optimization of batch microalgae cultures in artificially lighted photobioreactors . The strategy consists in controlling the incident light intensity so that the microalgae growth rate is maximized. Two approaches were developed and compared. In the first one, the ratio between the incident light intensity and the cell concentration (light-to-microalgae ratio) is optimized, either offline or online, and then maintained at its optimal value. In the second approach, the cells growth rate is maintained at its optimal value by means of nonlinear model predictive controller (NMPC). The proposed control strategies are illustrated and their efficiency is assessed, in simulation, for Chlamydomonas reinhardtii batch cultures. The proposed lumostatic operation strategies are shown to lead to a higher cell productivity and to a more efficient light utilization in comparison to conventional constant light operation approach.

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