Algae

• Control of algae cultivation in a standard installation
We wish to maintain a constant algae concentration despite of drift in growth. This requires the design of a controller with classical control theory to ensure set point tracking in spite of disturbances. (Van Ooteghem)
• Energy management in algae cultivation systems
To run an algae plant year round in the Netherlands we will need to heat and cool the water in an energy efficient way. One possibility to do this is to use an aquifer and a heat pump system. The feasibility of this technical solution has to be investigated. The available models have to be further developed to include heating and cooling, the storage and the retrieval cycle. Furthermore a control strategy has to be designed to determine which heat source is used at which time. (Van Ooteghem)
• Improving the energy demand for cooling algae reactors
Algae reactors have to be cooled during summer and are heated in winter time. We are looking for smart solutions to deal with these energy flows, e.g. using aquifer systems and smart control systems. (Slegers)
• Improvement of energy requirement for the aeration of algae systems (BSc)
Algae need to be aerated with carbon dioxide for growth. The same air is currently used to mix the system, but this results in high energy demands. In this project we want to develop a better design for aerating a reactor. (Slegers)
 Validate energy model for open ponds, measure evaporation rates from algae ponds (Van Asselt?) BSc
 Light decay between vertical plates
Between vertical algae plates, the light intensity decreases with height. This light decay is called the canyon effect. We want to have a model for the amount of light as a function on height, and the day of the year (solar position), and the influence on direct or diffuse light. This assignment will involve measurements as well as modelling. (Van Ooteghem and Van Asselt)
 Light decay between vertical racks of horizontal pipes
Similar to the assignment above, but now between vertical racks of horizontal pipes with algae. (Van Ooteghem and Van Asselt)
• Sustainable processing of algae biomass into biodiesel (also energy routing)
In a previous MSc thesis project we evaluated the energy consumption and water usage for processing algae biomass into biodiesel. In this study energy recovery was not yet incorporated. In a next project we want to search for the potential of energy recovery. (Van Boxtel)
• Sustainable processing of algae biomass into multi-products
Algae biomass can be processed into biodiesel. The side streams offer potential to use as food and feed. In a new MSc-thesis project we want to define a multi-product plant and to evaluate sustainability criteria for this plant.
• Techno-economic evaluation of algae biomass downstream processing
The energy consumption in processing of algae biomass to biodiesel has been assessed before. Equipment and operating costs play also an important role. In this project we want to include these economic aspects in the optimization of the downstream process. (Slegers)
• Design and organization of an algae plant (cooperation with ORL)
In this project we aim to organize a an algae plant such that limited energy is used for resource transport from distribution units to the photo bioreactors and towards reception units and minimal energy is used in degassing units.(Slegers, Van Boxtel)
© Optimal harvesting strategies
In 2010 van Straten et al. explored the potential of optimal control for algae harvesting strategies. The work was based on a number of assumptions. In a thesis project we want to quantify the effect of the assumptions and to propose a harvesting strategy that is robust for variable conditions and algae behaviour. (Van Boxtel)
 Uncertainty in algae models
Currently we use several models to predict productivity in photo bioreactors for algae. In a current MSc-thesis project we estimated the sensitivity and uncertainty due to assumptions and parameter uncertainty. We want to continue this work. (Slegers, Van Boxtel)
 CFD in algae processing
During their stay in photo bioreactors, algae experience dark-light cycles due to mixing. We want to develop a CFD model to simulate the light that algae receive during their passage. This model is intended to use to explore possibilities to minimize the mixing effort in a photo bioreactor. (Van Boxtel)