A solar-illuminated algal photosynthetic exchanger

Author / Creator

Miller, Richard L

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Physical

Summary

A continuous culture system was designed to study the use of solar energy for algal growth and photosynthetic gas exchange. Design parameters were calculated to support algal growth and photosynthe...

A continuous culture system was designed to study the use of solar energy for algal growth and photosynthetic gas exchange. Design parameters were calculated to support algal growth and photosynthesis during peak sunlight at a rate sufficient to provide respiratory support for one man. The unique feature of the system was the facility for orienting the panels to face and track the sun. Instrumentation was provided for monitoring the important variables affecting algal growth. Testing with the system spanned a three-year period and two geographical locations. Experimental results provided data on the operating parameters of a large solar-illuminated algal culture system and approximately confirmed the original calculations for algal production rate.

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