Description:FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a photobioreactor, more specifically, relates to an algae-based photobioreactor to cultivate microalgae for carbon dioxide sequestration based on a tubular configuration enhancing photosynthetic efficiency.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] In recent years, the increasing demand for sustainable solutions to combat climate change and reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels has driven significant interest in microalgae cultivation. Algae and microalgae have emerged as a sustainable biological resource with immense potential in environmental, industrial, and energy-related applications. Their ability to perform photosynthesis allows them to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into oxygen and valuable organic biomass. This natural property has made microalgae an attractive option for climate mitigation, renewable fuel production, and high-value bioproducts. In recent years, the integration of algae into controlled environments has gained attention due to their relatively low land requirements, faster growth rates compared to terrestrial plants, and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. As environmental concerns rise globally, there is a pressing need for algae-based photobioreactors that are not only effective but also adaptable, low-cost, and space-efficient.
[0003] Traditional algae-based photobioreactors predominantly follow monolithic designs such as flat vertical panels and tubular reactors which typically rely on centralized operations and offer limited flexibility. These often suffer from poor light distribution due to static positioning and fixed surface orientation, resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency. Moreover, the scalability of conventional algae-based photobioreactor is hindered by engineering constraints, as many models lack modular integration and require full shutdowns during maintenance and expansion. Their harvesting mechanisms, in most cases, are embedded within the operational flow path, leading to interruptions and reduced productivity. The absence of adaptable geometric configurations and external flow-routing capabilities further restricts them from achieving optimal performance in decentralized and compact installations.
[0004] The present invention introduces an architecture that offers a distinct departure from conventional algae-based photobioreactor designs by emphasizing form-driven functionality over mechanical complexity. The geometry of the present invention is strategically devised to harness natural sunlight across both surfaces during the course of the day, thereby optimizing light availability. The design allows for multiple such units to be interconnected in series, facilitating seamless modular scalability while maintaining a compact and organized layout. Additionally, the geometric alignment supports intuitive flow direction and fluid-level equilibrium within each unit, minimizing operational intervention. By enabling efficient spatial utilization and adaptable deployment, this design-centric approach delivers a high degree of flexibility, ease of maintenance, and suitability for large-scale carbon capture applications, all without relying on traditional embedded and enclosed mechanical algae-based photobioreactors.
[0005] Thus, in light of the above-stated discussion, there exists a need for an algae-based photobioreactor to cultivate microalgae for carbon dioxide sequestration.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] The following is a summary description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. It is provided as a preface to assist those skilled in the art to more rapidly assimilate the detailed design discussion which ensues and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims which are appended hereto in order to particularly point out the invention.
According to illustrative embodiments, the present disclosure focuses on an algae-based photobioreactor to cultivate microalgae for carbon dioxide sequestration which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages or provide the users with a useful or commercial choice.
[0007] An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a structurally oriented design of an algae photobioreactor for algae cultivation that allows consistent exposure to natural sunlight across varying times of the day.
[0008] Another objective of the present disclosure is to enable a modular configuration that may function independently and in interconnected series to support scalable deployment.
[0009] Another objective of the present disclosure is to allow flexible operation of the algae photobioreactor, including expansion and biomass collection without interrupting ongoing activity within the cultivation environment.
[0010] Another objective of the present disclosure is to offer a geometric form of a photobioreactor that facilitates passive circulation and self-balancing of the cultivation medium without external mechanical support.
[0011] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to enable the periodic accumulation and extraction of algae biomass from the algae photobioreactor for diverse applications such as biofuels, animal feed, fertilizers, and bioplastics.
[0012] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to facilitate real-time visual monitoring of algae growth through the use of a transparent structural form of the photobioreactor.
[0013] In light of the above, in one aspect of the present disclosure an algae-based photobioreactor to cultivate microalgae for carbon dioxide sequestration is disclosed herein. The algae-based photobioreactor comprises a first glass panel and a second glass panel of a predefined shape, each incorporating transparent internal tubes configured to store an aqueous algae culture exposed to sunlight. The algae-based photobioreactor also includes an inclination arm removably attached at a distal end of the first glass panel and the second glass panel through a fixing mechanism, configured to allow angular adjustment of the first glass panel and the second glass panel. The algae-based photobioreactor also includes plurality of channels connected to the the first glass panel and the second glass panel and configured to facilitate bidirectional flow allowing the aqueous algae culture to maintain equal level across the first glass panel and the second glass panel, wherein a first channel of the plurality of channels extends from the lower end of the the first glass panel to the upper end of the the second glass panel and a second channel of the plurality of the channels extends from a lower end of the second glass panel to the upper end of the first glass panel. The algae-based photobioreactor also includes an inlet positioned at an upper portion of the first glass panel, configured to introduce a fresh aqueous algae culture into the first glass panel. The algae-based photobioreactor further includes a sparger embedded in the lower end of the first glass panel, configured to introduce air into the aqueous algae culture a pair of first filters positioned proximate to the sparger of the first glass panel and the second glass panel, configured to filter the aerated aqueous algae culture. The algae-based photobioreactor further includes a pair of second filters disposed at the top of the algae-based photobioreactor configured to filter oxygen released from the algae-based photobioreactor. The algae-based photobioreactor furthermore includes an outlet positioned at the lower end of the second glass panel, configured to transfer the aqueous algae culture to the subsequent interconnected algae-based photobioreactor and a harvesting unit positioned at the bottom end of the second glass panel and configured to selectively extract biomass from the aqueous algae culture without disrupting the operation.
[0014] In one embodiment, the first glass panel and the second glass panel are arranged in the predefined shape which is an A-shaped inclined configuration adapted to maximize sunlight exposure across both the first glass panel and the second glass panel throughout the day, wherein early morning and late afternoon sunlight intrudes on the respective inclined surfaces to enhance photosynthetic efficiency.
[0015] In one embodiment, the first glass panel and the second glass panel comprises a supporting frame configured to provide structural stability to the algae-based photobioreactor.
[0016] In one embodiment, the first glass panel and the second glass panel are made of a transparent material configured to allow maximum sunlight penetration into the aqueous algae culture for improved light absorption
[0017] In one embodiment, the algae-based photobioreactor further comprises a pump connected through the plurality of channel configured to enable bottom-up circulation keeping the algae suspended and enhancing carbon dioxide dissolution.
[0018] In one embodiment, the algae-based photobioreactor further comprises a valve configured to retain the aqueous algae culture by remaining in a closed state during standard operation when multiple modules are interconnected in series.
[0019] In one embodiment, the outlet is coupled to a modular connector enabling scalable interconnection of multiple algae-based photobioreactor units in series for large-scale algae cultivation.
[0020] In one embodiment, the algae-based is interconnectable with another algae-based photobioreactor via the outlet and the inlet to enable scalable assembly in a modular configuration to achieve cultivation capacities of up to 10,000 litres cumulatively.
[0021] In one embodiment, the first glass panel and the second glass panel are operably isolated from each other enabling independent operation such that one panel continues cultivation while the other is undergoing cleaning and maintenance.
[0022] In light of the above, in one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of utilising an algae-based photobioreactor for carbon sequestration is disclosed herein.
[0023] The method comprises introducing an aqueous algae culture into the algae-based photobioreactor through an inlet positioned on a first glass panel. The method includes directing the culture to a sparger embedded at the lower end of the first glass panel, configured to introduce air into the algae aqueous culture for aeration. The method includes passing the aerated culture allowing carbon dioxide to enter the algae-based photobioreactor 100 through a first filter positioned proximate to the sparger which removes particulates from the algae aqueous culture. The method also includes activating a pump connected to transparent internal tubes to circulate the filtered and aerated culture toward a second glass panel through a plurality of channels. The method further includes maintaining bidirectional flow across the first glass panel and the second glass panel via the plurality of channels to ensure fluid level equilibrium. The method furthermore includes allowing to filter oxygen released from the algae-based photobioreactor through a second filter positioned at the top of the algae-based photobioreactor and selectively opening the harvesting unit to extract biomass from the aqueous algae culture without disrupting the operation.
[0024] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0025] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
[0026] These elements, together with the other aspects of the present disclosure and various features are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of the present disclosure. For a better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating advantages, and the specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or in the prior art more clearly, the following briefly describes the accompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments or the prior art. Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present disclosure, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can derive other implementations from these accompanying drawings without creative efforts. All of the embodiments or the implementations shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.
[0028] The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an algae-based photobioreactor to cultivate microalgae for carbon dioxide sequestration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method, outlining the sequential; steps for an algae-based photobioreactor to cultivate microalgae for carbon dioxide sequestration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] Like reference, numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawing.
[0032] The algae-based photobioreactor to cultivate microalgae for carbon dioxide sequestration is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. It should be noted that the accompanying figure is intended to present illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. This figure is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that the accompanying figure is not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0033] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0034] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It may be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0035] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term is used, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0036] The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
[0037] The terms “having”, “comprising”, “including”, and variations thereof signify the presence of a component.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 1 to FIG. 2 to describe various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an algae-based photobioreactor 100 to cultivate microalgae for carbon dioxide sequestration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0039] The algae-based photobioreactor 100 may include a first glass panel 102, a second glass panel 104, a plurality of channels 112, an inlet 114, and an outlet 122.
[0040] The first glass panel 102 and the second glass panel 104 of a predefined shape, each incorporating transparent internal tubes 108 configured to store an aqueous algae culture exposed to sunlight.
[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first glass panel 102 and the second glass panel 104 are arranged in the predefined shape which is an A-shaped inclined configuration adapted to maximize sunlight exposure across both the first glass panel 102 and the second glass panel 104 throughout the day, wherein early morning and late afternoon sunlight intrudes on the respective inclined surfaces to enhance photosynthetic efficiency.
[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first glass panel 102 and the second glass panel 104 comprise a supporting frame 106 configured to provide structural stability to the algae-based photobioreactor 100.
[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first glass panel 102 and the second glass panel 104 are made of a transparent material configured to allow maximum sunlight penetration into the aqueous algae culture for improved light absorption.
[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the algae-based photobioreactor 100 is interconnectable with another algae-based photobioreactor 100 via the outlet 122 and the inlet 114 to enable scalable assembly in a modular configuration to achieve cultivation capacities of up to 10,000 litres cumulatively.
[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first glass panel 102 and the second glass panel 104 are operably isolated from each other enabling independent operation such that one panel continues cultivation while the other is undergoing cleaning and maintenance.
[0046] An inclination arm 110 removably attached at a distal end of the first glass panel 102 and the second glass panel 104 through a fixing mechanism is configured to allow angular adjustment of the first glass panel 102 and the second glass panel 104.
[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inclination arm 110 is a hollow cylindrical stainless-steel pipe having high tensile strength and corrosion resistance, suitable for long-term outdoor exposure.
[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the algae-based photobioreactor 100 further comprises a pump 124 connected through the plurality of channels 112 configured to enable bottom-up circulation keeping the algae suspended and enhancing carbon dioxide dissolution.
[0049] The plurality of channels 112 connected to the the first glass panel 102 and the second glass panel 104 and configured to facilitate bidirectional flow allowing the aqueous algae culture to maintain equal level across the first glass panel 102 and the second glass panel 104, wherein a first channel of the plurality of channels 112 a extends from the lower end of the the first glass panel 102 to the upper end of the the second glass panel 104 and a second channel of the plurality of the channels 112 b extends from a lower end of the second glass panel 104 to the upper end of the first glass panel 102.
[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the algae-based photobioreactor 100 further comprises a valve 126 configured to retain the aqueous algae culture by remaining in a closed state during standard operation when multiple modules are interconnected in series.
[0051] The inlet 114 positioned at an upper portion of the first glass panel 102 is configured to introduce a fresh aqueous algae culture into the first glass panel 102.
[0052] A sparger 116 embedded in the lower end of the first glass panel 102 is configured to introduce air into the aqueous algae culture.
[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pore size of the sparger ranges from 0.5 µm to 5 µm, allowing uniform bubble distribution throughout the culture medium.
[0054] A pair of first filters 118 positioned proximate to the sparger of the first glass panel and the second glass panel is configured to filter the aerated aqueous algae culture.
[0055] A pair of second filters 120 disposed at the top of the algae-based photobioreactor 100 is configured to filter oxygen released from the algae-based photobioreactor 100.
[0056] The outlet 122 positioned at the lower end of the second glass panel 104, configured to transfer the aqueous algae culture to the subsequent interconnected algae-based photobioreactor 100.
[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the outlet 122 is coupled to a modular connector enabling scalable interconnection of multiple algae-based photobioreactor units in series for large-scale algae cultivation.
[0058] A harvesting unit 128 positioned at the bottom end of the second glass panel 104 and configured to selectively extract biomass from the aqueous algae culture without disrupting the operation.
[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the harvesting unit 128 is configured to extract algal biomass from the aqueous algae culture, which may include wet algal slurry, concentrated cells, and biomass-rich sediment settled at the bottom.
[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, the extracted material is suitable for downstream applications such as biofuel production, nutraceuticals, fertilizers, and wastewater treatment.
[0061] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method, outlining the sequential; steps for an algae-based photobioreactor to cultivate microalgae for carbon dioxide sequestration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0062] At step 202, the aqueous algae culture into the algae-based photobioreactor 100 is introduced through an inlet positioned on a first glass panel 102.
[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inlet comprises a leak-proof nozzle fitted with a flow control to regulate the volume of incoming culture and prevent contamination.
[0064] At step 204, the culture to a sparger 116 embedded at the lower end of the first glass panel 102 is directed configured to introduce air into the algae aqueous culture for aeration.
[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sparger consists of a porous ceramic tube with micro-perforations ranging from 0.5–5 µm to create fine bubbles and enhance gas exchange efficiency.
[0066] At step 206, the aerated culture allows carbon dioxide to enter the algae-based photobioreactor 100 through a first filter 118 positioned proximate to the sparger 116, which removes particulates from the algae aqueous culture.
[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pair of first filters 118 includes a fine mesh stainless steel rated between 10–50 microns to trap suspended solids and prevent clogging of the algae-based photobioreactor 100.
[0068] At step 208, the pump 124 connected to transparent internal tubes 108 is activated to circulate the filtered and aerated culture toward a second glass panel 104 through a plurality of channels 112.
[0069] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pump is a low-energy peristaltic pump, selected for its ability to maintain consistent flow without damaging algal cells.
[0070] At step 210, the bidirectional flow across the first glass panel 102 and the second glass panel 104 is maintained via the plurality of channels 112 to ensure fluid level equilibrium.
[0071] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of channels 112 are flexible and rigid tubes with gravity-assisted flow design, promoting natural circulation and preventing overflow.
[0072] At step 212, filter oxygen is allowed to be released from the algae-based photobioreactor 100 through a second filter positioned at the top of the algae-based photobioreactor 100.
[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pair of second filters 120 comprises an activated carbon membrane, designed to release oxygen while preventing environmental contaminants from entering.
[0074] At step 214, the harvesting unit 128 is selectively opened to extract biomass from the aqueous algae culture without disrupting the operation.
[0075] In one embodiment of the present invention, the harvesting unit 128 includes a bottom-settling outlet with a flow valve, enabling removal of dense algal biomass directly into a collection chamber without halting circulation.
[0076] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0077] A person of ordinary skill in the art may be aware that, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this specification, units and algorithm steps may be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination thereof.
[0078] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0079] Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.
[0080] In a case that no conflict occurs, the embodiments in the present disclosure and the features in the embodiments may be mutually combined. The foregoing descriptions are merely specific implementations of the present disclosure, but are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure. Any variation or replacement readily figured out by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.
, Claims:I/We Claim:
1. An algae-based photobioreactor (100) to cultivate microalgae for carbon dioxide sequestration, the algae-based photobioreactor (100) comprising:
a first glass panel (102) and a second glass panel (104) of a predefined shape, each incorporating transparent internal tubes (108) configured to store an aqueous algae culture exposed to sunlight;
an inclination arm (110) removably attached at a distal end of the first glass panel (102) and the second glass panel (104) through a fixing mechanism, configured to allow angular adjustment of the first glass panel (102) and the second glass panel (104);
a plurality of channels (112) connected to the the first glass panel (102) and the second glass panel (104) and configured to facilitate bidirectional flow allowing the aqueous algae culture to maintain equal level across the first glass panel (102) and the second glass panel (104), wherein a first channel of the plurality of channels (112 a) extends from the lower end of the the first glass panel (102) to the upper end of the the second glass panel (104) and a second channel of the plurality of the channels (112 b) extends from a lower end of the second glass panel (104) to the upper end of the first glass panel (102);
an inlet (114) positioned at an upper portion of the first glass panel (102), configured to introduce a fresh aqueous algae culture into the first glass panel (102);
a sparger (116) embedded in the lower end of the first glass panel (102), configured to introduce air into the aqueous algae culture;
a pair of first filters (118) positioned proximate to the sparger (116) of the first glass panel () and the second glass panel (104), configured to filter the aerated aqueous algae culture;
a pair of second filters (120) disposed at the top of the algae-based photobioreactor (100) configured to filter oxygen released from the algae-based photobioreactor (100);
an outlet (122) positioned at the lower end of the second glass panel (104), configured to transfer the aqueous algae culture to the subsequent interconnected algae-based photobioreactor (100); and
a harvesting unit (128) positioned at the bottom end of the second glass panel (104) and configured to selectively extract biomass from the aqueous algae culture without disrupting the operation.
2. The algae-based photobioreactor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first glass panel (102) and the second glass panel (104) are arranged in the predefined shape which is an A-shaped inclined configuration adapted to maximize sunlight exposure across both the first glass panel (102) and the second glass panel (104) throughout the day, wherein early morning and late afternoon sunlight intrudes on the respective inclined surfaces to enhance photosynthetic efficiency.
3. The algae-based photobioreactor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first glass panel (102) and the second glass panel (104) comprise a supporting frame (106) configured to provide structural stability to the algae-based photobioreactor (100).
4. The algae-based photobioreactor (100) as in claim 1, wherein the first glass panel (102) and the second glass panel (104) are made of a transparent material configured to allow maximum sunlight penetration into the aqueous algae culture for improved light absorption.
5. The algae-based photobioreactor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the algae-based photobioreactor (100) further comprises a pump (124) connected through the plurality of channels (112) configured to enable bottom-up circulation keeping the algae suspended and enhancing carbon dioxide dissolution.
6. The algae-based photobioreactor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the algae-based photobioreactor (100) further comprises a valve (126) configured to retain the aqueous algae culture by remaining in a closed state during standard operation when multiple modules are interconnected in series.
7. The algae-based photobioreactor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet (122) is coupled to a modular connector enabling scalable interconnection of multiple algae-based photobioreactor units in series for large-scale algae cultivation.
8. The algae-based photobioreactor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the algae-based photobioreactor (100) is interconnectable with another algae-based photobioreactor (100) via the outlet (122) and the inlet (114) to enable scalable assembly in a modular configuration to achieve cultivation capacities of up to 10,000 litres cumulatively.
9. The algae-based photobioreactor (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first glass panel (102) and the second glass panel (104) are operably isolated from each other enabling independent operation such that one panel continues cultivation while the other is undergoing cleaning and maintenance.
10. A method (200) of utilising an algae-based photobioreactor for carbon sequestration (100), the method (200) comprising:
introducing an aqueous algae culture into an algae-based photobioreactor (100) through an inlet positioned on a first glass panel (102);
directing the culture to a sparger (116) embedded at the lower end of the first glass panel (102), configured to introduce air into the algae aqueous culture for aeration;
passing the aerated culture allowing carbon dioxide to enter the algae-based photobioreactor (100) through a first filter (118) positioned proximate to the sparger (116) which removes particulates from the algae aqueous culture;
activating a pump (124) connected to transparent internal tubes (108) to circulate the filtered and aerated culture toward a second glass panel (104) through a plurality of channels (112);
maintaining bidirectional flow across the first glass panel (102) and the second glass panel (104) via the plurality of channels to ensure fluid level equilibrium;
allowing to filter oxygen released from the algae-based photobioreactor (100) through a second filter positioned at the top of the algae-based photobioreactor (100); and
selectively opening the harvesting unit (128) to extract biomass from the aqueous algae culture without disrupting the operation.