This invention improves energy efficiency and growth rates by ensuring the right types and amounts of light are used at all times as the algae grows to maturity.
“This is a true bio-feedback system,” said Scott Fraser, vice president of operations and one of the inventors of the process. “The algae lets the controller know what it needs as it needs it, creating a self-adjusting growth system.”
At the heart of the system is a programmable controller that receives information from multiple sensor types reading the algae culture. The controller, which can be programmed for specific algae strains, responds by sending out commands to change lighting parameters such as intensity, pulsing frequency, and duty cycle. OriginOil’s existing automation of the nutrient delivery process will be integrated in the final version of the dynamic control system.
“We are currently using the new Dynamic Control System to test many lighting variations such as concentration, angles, distribution, and pulsing intervals,” said Vikram Pattarkine, OriginOil chief techno;ogy officer. “We expect this study to yield a wealth of data about what works best in algae lighting.”
OriginOil is a US-based developer of a technology to transform algae into renewable oil.
