This study addressed a comparison of green algae growth (Chlorella) under three kinds of lightning systems(including two operational models under a natural sunlight system and two operational modes a simulating sunlight system). A mixing gas of air and carbon dioxide were supplied into all tested systems. The initial formula of algae culture, taking example of the 10-literbioreactor, is that 100mL algae (OD680 around 2.5~2.8) medium was transferred into 9.9L algae nutrient medium. In the natural sunlight system, the operational mode #1 refers to the algae culture growth under the outdoor direct sun radiation per day (8:30 AM � 5:00 PM in the summer time), and the other one is the indirect sun radiation under the outdoor shadow area. In the simulating sunlight system, the operational mode #1 refers to algae culture under the simulating lightning for 12 hours and dark for another 12 hours per day, and the other one is under simulating lightning for 24 hours per day. Test results indicated algae growth faster under natural sunlight system, but not in the direct lightning mode. The fastest algae growth occurred under the indirect natural sunlight. Generally, algae growth under indoor simulating lightning could not competitive with the outdoor sunlight system. Further studies indicated proper conditions of temperatures and lightning radiation were attributed to fast growth rates of algae. However, natural sunlight system could not deliver consistent light radiation because of unstable weather conditions. This test revealed the necessary combination of the natural lightning system and simulating lightning system (electricity consumption), to better maintain algae growth productivity and to improve energy efficiencies.

Comparison of algae culture and cultivation under different lightning systems

245th National Meeting (2013)

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