BIOREACTOR VESSEL WITH NATURAL LIGHTING SYSTEM

摘要

A system and related methods generate biomass in the presence of a fluid, primarily using natural light. The system in one embodiment includes a bioreactor vessel for receiving the fluid and biomass. The vessel includes a drain for draining the fluid and at least a portion of the biomass for recovery, as well as an inlet for receiving a gas at least partially comprising CO₂ to promote growth of the biomass. At least one optical conduit adjacent the vessel is optically associated with a light collector including at least one reflector for reflecting collected natural light to the optical conduit. At least one light distribution device associated with the optical conduit delivers the collected natural light to the vessel to facilitate growth of the biomass.