Method of illuminating algae for algae growth

摘要

Systems and methods are provided for using a growth vessel to simulate algae growth and/or productivity in a reference environment, such as an open pond, a closed photobioreactor, or a hybrid system. Based on predicted algae sample trajectories in the reference environment, an illumination profile is developed. An algae sample in the growth vessel can then be exposed to the illumination profile under controlled conditions. Properties of algae in the reference environment can then be characterized based on the sample exposed to the illumination profile.

主权项

1. A method for prediction of algal behavior in a reference environment based on growth of algae sample in a controlled environment, comprising:
calculating a particle trajectory for a particle in a reference volume, the particle trajectory comprising at least a plurality of position values in the reference volume, the plurality of position values having associated times, the position values including at least a depth value relative to a surface of the reference volume; determining an illumination profile based on the particle trajectory by obtaining an illumination intensity corresponding to the plurality of position values and associated times, the determining an illumination profile comprising:
selecting a depth value and an associated time;selecting an intensity of illumination that is incident on a surface of the reference volume at the associated time;determining an optical density for the reference volume at the associated time; andcalculating an illumination for the selected depth value based on an attenuation of the selected incident illumination intensity and the determined optical density; exposing an algae sample comprising an algal strain in a vessel to light intensity corresponding to the illumination profile for a period of time corresponding to a sample culturing period, the algae sample in the vessel having a sample depth, a sample volume, and a sample absorbance, a product of the sample absorbance and the sample depth being less than about 10.0 cm, the sample volume being less than the reference volume; and characterizing at least one algae property for algae in the reference volume based on at least one measured algae property of the algae sample.