Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms. In particular, the present disclosure related to film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for carbondioxide sequestration.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Many solutions have been proposed to climate change, specifically addressing challenges in sequestration of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Primary methods include planting of more trees to compensate for greenhouse gases, mainly carbondioxide, released to the atmosphere by human activity. However, planting trees is not sufficient to address the burgeoning problem of climate change. Trees take in the order of years to grow before they meaningful sequester carbondioxide, specifically carbon dioxide, from the atmosphere. Further, the space requirements of trees make them unsuitable for large-scale implementation in urban environments.
[0004] As an alternative, an interest has been shown in cultivation of other photosynthetic microorganisms such as microalgae and cyanobacteria for their higher photosynthetic efficiency and ability to growth at much master rate compared to terrestrial plants. Open outdoor cultivation of such microalgae and cyanobacteria have shown some success in utilizing the carbon sequestration capabilities of said organisms. However, the use of open ponds is restricted to a relatively small number of microalgal species due to the limited control of cultivation conditions, high space requirements and risk of contamination. Meanwhile, closed systems such as photobioreactors address issues associated with contamination, greater size requirements, low efficiency of carbon dioxide sequestration, among others. However, the existing designs of closed system photobioreactors are difficult to clean and maintain, expensive to set-up and operate, and requires frequent degassing to avoid dissolved oxygen inhibition, thereby resulting inefficient carbondioxide sequestrations. For instance, existing photobioreactors, especially ones that have the suspension-based design, are difficult to clean as accumulation of the photosynthetic microorganism in the tubes. Further, accumulation of photosynthetic microorganisms restricts light penetration into the reactor, thereby limiting the light availability and reducing the efficiency at which photosynthesis is performed.
[0005] Further, existing photobioreactors often use transparent or translucent exterior materials to allow sunlight to penetrate through the system to the photosynthetic microorganism. However, such materials have been found to be of high cost, difficult handling, ineffective, and risk light limitation. Moreover, existing photobioreactors and cultivation systems are technically designed and optimized for biofuel production and not for carbondioxide sequestration. Additionally, the existing solutions for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism are expensive and have large space requirements which are not conducive for urban environments. Existing solutions also require specialized equipment and trained personnel for regular operation and maintenance.
[0006] There is, therefore, a need for a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism that is optimized for direct air carbondioxide sequestration. More particularly, there is need for a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for carbondioxide sequestration, that is efficient, low in cost, is easy to maintain, scalable, compact and is suitable for urban environments.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for carbondioxide sequestration.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for direct air carbondioxide sequestration that is optimized for efficiency, cost, easy maintenance, scalability, space requirements and suitability for urban environments.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for direct air carbondioxide sequestration that uses an efficient and effective lighting unit for optimum growth of said photosynthetic microorganism.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for direct air carbondioxide sequestration that can be remotely automated and maintained, and requires very few specialized equipments or trained personnel.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for direct air carbondioxide sequestration that optimizes the temperature, pH, mixing and nutrient concentrations for efficient growth of said photosynthetic microorganism.
[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for direct air carbondioxide sequestration and produce microalgal biomass that can be used to generate aqua feed, biogas, biopolymers, bio fertilizers, biofuels, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics in addition to sequestering carbondioxide.
[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for direct air carbondioxide sequestration that facilitates degassing of excess oxygen from within the system, without reducing the overall efficiency or creating the requirement for additional degassing units.
[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for direct air carbondioxide sequestration that produces oxygen and disperse it in the ambient air.
[0015] The other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated for illustration of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

SUMMARY
[0016] Aspect of the present disclosure relate to a cultivation of photosynthetic microorganism. In particular, the present disclosure related to film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for direct air carbondioxide sequestration.
[0017] In an aspect, a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for carbondioxide sequestration includes a holding tank storing consortia of photosynthetic microorganism dispersed in a nutrient fluid, one or more biofilm panels with a surface whereon the photosynthetic microorganism adhere to and grow, and an air ventilation unit that draws ambient air from an external environment into the system and expels internal air from the system. The system may also include a lighting unit configured proximately to the one or more biofilm panels, said lighting unit configured to provide light for the photosynthetic microorganisms adhered to the one or more biofilm panels. Further, the system includes a pump configured to draw the fluids from the holding tank and circulate the fluids to the one or more biofilm panels through a feed line, said feed line releasing the fluids such that the photosynthetic microorganism therein adheres to the surface of the one or more biofilm panels, said one or more biofilm panels also being connected to a return line that returns the excess fluid from the one or more biofilm panels to the holding tank. The system may be configured such that the photosynthetic microorganism adhered to the surface of the one or more biofilm panels use the light emitted by the lighting unit, the ambient air drawn in by the air ventilation unit and the fluids circulated by the pump as nutrient to perform photosynthesis and sequester carbondioxide from the ambient air.
[0018] In an embodiment, the air ventilation unit may include a fan that draws ambient air from the external environment into the system through an inlet, thereby providing the photosynthetic microorganisms adhered to the one or more biofilm panels with ambient air having gases that are conducive for growth of said photosynthetic microorganism.
[0019] In an embodiment, the air ventilation unit includes an air filter module configured proximately to an inlet that filter particulate matter, microbial contaminants, and volatile organic compounds that contaminate the consortia of photosynthetic microorganism in the system from the ambient air drawn in by said air ventilation unit.
[0020] In an embodiment, the consortia photosynthetic microorganism includes one or more cultures of one or more distinct species of photosynthetic microorganism dispersed in the fluid, said fluid having nutrients to promote growth of the consortia of photosynthetic microorganism.
[0021] In an embodiment, the lighting unit includes one or more light emitters configured in a lattice arrangement within the system, said one or more light emitters of the lighting unit being configured to controllably emit light at a predefined set of spectral attributes of light for promoting growth of the photosynthetic microorganism and carbondioxide sequestration, wherein the set of spectral attributes includes predefined ranges of intensity, irradiance, wavelength, and luminous exposure of light emitted by the lighting unit.
[0022] In an embodiment, the system includes a mixing tube having one or more nozzles, said mixing tube configured to the pump such that the fluid pumped through the mixing tube by the pump exits said mixing tube through the one or more nozzles for mixing the photosynthetic microorganisms within the fluid in the holding tank, thereby evenly dispersing the photosynthetic microorganism in the fluid and at the same time avoiding any settling in holding tank.
[0023] In an embodiment, the feed line includes at least one header pipe configured to the corresponding biofilm panels, each of the at least one header pipes may have one or more discharge ports that controllably release the fluids circulated by the pump across the surface of the corresponding biofilm panels such that as the fluid is released the photosynthetic microorganism therein adhere to and grow on the surface of the biofilm panels.
[0024] In an embodiment, the system includes a collection unit configured to collects recirculated excess fluids from the one or more biofilm panels and return the collected fluid to the holding tank via the return line.
[0025] In an embodiment, the system includes a scrapper movably configured to a corresponding biofilm panel such that as the scrapper moves across the length of the corresponding biofilm panels said scrapper scrubs off the photosynthetic microorganism layer adhered to said biofilm panels having size above a predetermined threshold.
[0026] In an embodiment, the system includes a plurality of sensors configured to determine and transmit a set of data packets indicative of one or more internal environment parameters associated with the system to a monitoring and control unit, said monitoring and control unit being configured to, based on the set of data packets, monitor and control one or more of: volume of air drawn in from the external environment by the air ventilation unit, the spectral attributes of the light emitted by the lighting unit, and volume of fluid circulated by the pump from the holding tank to the one or more biofilm panels over a predetermined time interval.
[0027] In an embodiment, the one or more internal environment parameters belong to a group includes fluid level in the holding tank, carbondioxide and oxygen levels in the system, spectral attribute of light within the system, and pH, temperature, turbidity, physiochemical profile, nutrient levels and DO levels of the fluid.
[0028] In an embodiment, the system includes a wired or wireless communication means for being in communication with a remote computing device for remote monitoring and control of the system.
[0029] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0030] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of the fluid circulation unit of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 3A and 3B illustrates an exemplary representation of the enclosure of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly 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 spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0035] Embodiments explained herein relate generally to cultivation of photosynthetic microorganism. In particular, the present disclosure related to film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms for direct air carbondioxide sequestration.
[0036] In an aspect, a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms for direct air carbondioxide sequestration includes, a holding tank storing consortia of photosynthetic microorganisms dispersed in a fluid. The system also includes one or more biofilm panels that allows the photosynthetic microorganisms to adhere to and grow on a surface of said one or more biofilm panels and an air ventilation unit that draws ambient air from an external environment into the system and expels internal air from the system . The system further includes a lighting unit configured proximately to the one or more biofilm panels, said lighting unit configured to provide light for the photosynthetic microorganisms adhered to the one or more biofilm panels. Further, the system includes a pump configured to draw the fluids from the holding tank and circulate the fluids to the one or more biofilm panels through a feed line, said feed line releasing the fluids such that the photosynthetic microorganism therein adheres to the surface the one or more biofilm panels, said one or more biofilm panels also being connected to a return line that returns the excess fluid from the one or more biofilm panels to the holding tank. The system may be configured such that the photosynthetic microorganism adhered to the surface of the one or more biofilm panels use the light emitted by the lighting unit, the ambient air drawn in by the air ventilation unit and the fluids circulated by the pump as nutrient to perform photosynthesis and sequester carbondioxide from the ambient air.
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of the system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the system 100 includes a holding tank 110 that stores a fluid, an air ventilation unit 120, a pump 135, a film-based reactor 160 having one or more biofilm panels165 (shown in FIG. 2), a monitoring and control unit 180, and lighting units 190A and 190B (collectively referred to as lighting unit 190). Further, the air ventilation unit 120 may include an air filter module 122 and an exhaust fan 126. In an embodiment, the pump 135 may be configured inside the holding tank 110. In an embodiment, the system 100 may also include a feed line 140 and a return line 175 that circulate the fluid from the holding tank 110 to the film-based reactor 160. The system 100 may also include solar panels 195 for providing energy to the system 100. Further, the holding tank 110 may include a mixing tube 115 configured to the pump 135.
[0038] In an embodiment, the holding tank 110 may be used to store the fluid. In an embodiment, the holding tank 110 may include consortia of photosynthetic microorganisms dispersed in the fluid. In an embodiment, the consortia photosynthetic microorganisms of includes one or more cultures of one or more distinct species of photosynthetic microorganisms dispersed in the fluid. For instance, the consortia of photosynthetic microorganisms may include, but not be limited to, any one or more cultures of microalgae, cyanobacteria, macroalgae, and the like. In an embodiment, the photosynthetic microorganisms may be optimally dispersed in the fluid stored in the holding tank 110 to maintain the optimal turbidity. In an embodiment, the fluid may be any one of water, nutrient-enriched fluid, and the like. For instance, the fluid may include nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and trace elements other growth promoting compounds.
[0039] In an embodiment, the pump 135 may be configured inside the holding tank 110. In an embodiment, the system 100 includes a mixing tube 115 having one or more nozzles, said mixing tube 115 configured to the pump 135 such that the fluid pumped through the mixing tube 115 by the pump 135 exits said mixing tube 115 through the one or more nozzles for mixing the photosynthetic microorganisms within the fluid in the holding tank 110, thereby evenly dispersing the photosynthetic microorganism in the fluid and at the same time avoiding any settling in holding tank. In an embodiment, number, shape, orientation, and placement of the one or more nozzle on the mixing tube 115 may be determined to ensure the culture of photosynthetic microorganisms are evenly dispersed in the fluid and prevent the photosynthetic microorganisms from settling and clogging in any part of the holding tank 110, based on size & volume of the holding tank 110, composition of fluid and strain of the photosynthetic microorganism, among other requirements. For example, the at least one nozzle may be configured on the mixing tube 115 at a 45-degree angle to prevent the photosynthetic microorganisms from settling on and clogging said at least one nozzle. Further, the pumping force of the pump 135 may be suitably determined to minimize stress caused to the photosynthetic microorganism.
[0040] In an embodiment, the air ventilation unit 120 may be configured to circulate air within the system 100. In an embodiment, the air ventilation unit 120 draws ambient air 124 from an external environment into the system 100 and expels internal air from the system 100. In an embodiment, the air ventilation unit 120 may include the exhaust fan 126 that circulates air within the system 100 through force air ventilation. In an embodiment, the air ventilation unit 120 includes the exhaust fan 126 that expels air from the system 100 such that the ambient air 124 from the external environment into the system 100 is drawn into the system 100 through an inlet, thereby providing the photosynthetic microorganisms adhered to the one or more biofilm panels 165 with ambient air 124 having gases for that are conducive for growth of said photosynthetic microorganisms. In such embodiments, the gases may include, but not be limited to, carbon-dioxide, and the like. In an embodiment, the air within an enclosure 200 (shown in FIG. 2) may be replaced by ambient air from outside said enclosure 200. In an embodiment, the air ventilation unit 120 may include the air filter module 122 configured proximately to an inlet that filter particulate matter microbial contaminants, and volatile organic compounds that contaminate the consortia of photosynthetic microorganisms in the system 100 from the ambient air 124 drawn in by said air ventilation unit 120. In an embodiment, the system 100 may be deployed in any urban and rural locations including, but not limited to industries, institutions, airports, railway stations, metro stations, societies, transport depots that have carbondioxide in the ambient air in the external environment. For example, the system 100 may be deployed on the divider of a road, such that the air ventilation unit 120 draws ambient air 124 having carbondioxide emitted by vehicles, and expel air oxygenated by the photosynthetic microorganisms in the system 100 back to the external environment.
[0041] In an embodiment, the pump 135 may be configured to draw the fluids from the holding tank 110 and circulate the fluids to the one or more biofilm panels 165 in the film-based reactor 160 through the feed line 140. In an embodiment, the pump 135 may be any one of including, but not limited to, centrifugal pump, submersible pump, and the like. In an embodiment, the pump 135 may further include a suction that sucks the fluid from the holding tank 110, and one or more outlets with at least one of the said outlets coupled to the feed line 140 and at least one of the said outlets coupled to the mixing tube 115. In such embodiments, the pump 135 may be used for pumping the fluid to both the one or more biofilm panels 165 through the feed line 140 and mixing the photosynthetic microorganisms in the holding tank 110. Further, the specifications of the pump 135 may be selected based on the power requirements of circulating the fluid through the feed line 140 and the mixing tube 115. In an embodiment, the feed line 140 may release the fluids circulated by the pump 135 on the one or more biofilm panels 165 such that the photosynthetic microorganism therein adheres to the surface the one or more biofilm panels 165. In an embodiment, the one or more biofilm panels 165 may also connected to the return line 175 that returns the excess fluid from the one or more biofilm panels 165 to the holding tank 110. In an embodiment, the feed line 140 and the return line 175 may be any one of including, but not limited to, pipes, tubes, ducts, channels, and the like, that may connect the pump 135 to the one or more biofilm panels 165, and said one or more biofilm panels 165 to the holding tank 110 respectively.
[0042] In an embodiment, the feed line 140 may include at least one header pipe 142 configured to the corresponding biofilm panels 165, each of the at least one header pipes 142 having one or more discharge ports 144 (as shown in FIG. 2) that controllably release the fluids circulated by the pump 135 across the surface of the corresponding biofilm panels 165 such that as the fluid is released the photosynthetic microorganisms therein adhere to and grow on the surface of the biofilm panels 165. In an embodiment, the monitoring and control unit 180 may be configured to control the volume of the fluid circulated by the pump 135 from the holding tank 110 to the one or more biofilm panels 165 over a predetermined time interval by controlling a desired cycle time associated with the pump 135, wherein the desired cycle time may be determined based on the type of photosynthetic microorganism used, the stress profile of the photosynthetic microorganism, the type of biofilm panels 165, and the desired growth rate of the photosynthetic microorganism. Further, the cycle time may be adequately controlled to prevent the photosynthetic microorganism from washing off from the surface of the one or more biofilm panels 165. In an embodiment, the film-based reactor 160 may include one or more biofilm panels 165 that allows the photosynthetic microorganisms in the fluid circulated by the pump 135 to accumulate and grow on a surface of said one or more biofilm panels 165.
[0043] In an embodiment, the one or more biofilm panels 165 may be any one of including, but not limited to, bio-films. In an embodiment, the one or more biofilm panels165 may be composed of including, but not limited to, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP), Recycled Plastic, Recycled Composite material, Flat cloth sheeting, nylon sheeting or any combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the biofilm panels 165 may be formed in any suitable shape, size and texture that may be conducive for the photosynthetic microorganisms to adhere to the surface of said biofilm panels 165 and grow. In an embodiment, the one or more biofilm panels 165 may also be treated or coated with a material, such as a hydrophilic layer, that facilitates adhesion and growth of the photosynthetic microorganisms. In an embodiment, the photosynthetic microorganisms growing on the surface of the one or more biofilm panels 165 may utilize the carbondioxide in the air drawn into the enclosure 200, the fluids circulated by the fluid circulation unit 130, and light emitted by the lighting unit 190, and nutrients to photosynthesize and sequester carbondioxide.
[0044] In an embodiment, the system 100 may include a collection unit 150 (shown in FIG. 2) configured to collects recirculated excess fluids from the one or more biofilm panels 165 and return the collected fluid to the holding tank 100 via the return line 175. In an embodiment, the collection unit 150 may be indicative of a basin, tray or pipe that collects the excess fluid from the biofilm panels165. In an embodiment, the collection unit 150 may be placed proximately below the biofilm panels 165. In an embodiment, the return line 175 may be configured to return the collected fluid to the holding tank 110.
[0045] In an embodiment, the lighting unit 190 may emit light for the photosynthetic microorganisms. In an embodiment, the lighting unit 190 includes one or more light emitters configured in a lattice arrangement or any other lighting modules within the system 100. In an embodiment, the at least one light emitters may be Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that emit photosynthetic active radiation required to promote growth and photosynthetic activity of photosynthetic microorganisms. In other embodiments, the at least one light emitters may be any one or combination of including, but not limited to, incandescent lamps, filament lamps, florescent lamps, plasma lamps, artificial sunlight, solar simulators, and the like. In an embodiment, the one or more light emitters of the lighting unit 190 may be configured to controllably emit light at a predefined set of spectral attributes of light for promoting growth of the photosynthetic microorganism and direct air carbondioxide sequestration. In an embodiment, the set of spectral attributes includes predefined ranges of intensity, irradiance, wavelength, and luminous exposure of light emitted by the lighting unit 190. In an embodiment, the one or more spectral attribute of light may be controlled by the monitoring and control unit 180.
[0046] In an embodiment, controllably emitting specific wavelengths of light may also allow for energy savings while also promoting growth of the photosynthetic microorganisms. For examples, instead of emitting white light containing all wavelengths of visible light, the lighting unit 190 may be configured to only emit blue light and red light that may be required for the growth of the photosynthetic microorganisms. In such examples, the lighting unit 190, by not emitting energy intensive white light, may achieve energy savings while providing light that is required to promote the growth of such organisms. In an embodiment, the lighting unit 190 may be configured to emit blue light and red light, which may maximize photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) for the photosynthetic microorganisms.
[0047] In an embodiment, shape, size and orientation of the one or more light emitters may be optimized for promoting the growth of the photosynthetic microorganisms. For instance, the one or more light emitters may have a lattice arrangement that maximize irradiance inside the system 100. In other embodiments, the one or more light emitters may be suitably arranged to maximize internal irradiance based on positions of each of the one or more biofilm panels 165. In an embodiment, the monitoring and control unit 180 may control the spectral attributes of light emitted by the one or more light emitters by transmitting signals based on the growth state of the photosynthetic microorganism. In an embodiment, the lighting unit 190 may also include a heat sink that may dissipate heat from said lighting source 190, thereby allowing lighting unit 190 function efficiently.
[0048] In an embodiment, the system 100 may include a plurality of sensors configured to determine and transmit a set of data packets indicative of one or more internal environment parameters associated with the system 100 to a monitoring and control unit 180. In an embodiment, the monitoring and control unit 180 may be configured to control one or more of volume of air drawn in from the external environment by the air ventilation unit 120, the spectral attributes of the light emitted by the lighting unit 190, volume of fluid circulated by the pump 135 from the holding tank 110 to the one or more biofilm panels 165 over a predetermined time interval. In an embodiment, the monitoring and control unit 180 may control the system based on the set of data packets received from the plurality of sensors. In an embodiment, the control unit 180 may be any one of a 32-bit controller, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital logic circuit, a programmable logic controller, field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the monitoring and control unit 180 may also include an interface that allows operators to monitor and control the system 100. The interface may include a variety of input/output devices that allow operators of the system 100 to exchange data packets with the system 100. In an embodiment, interface may be implemented as a user interface including, but not limited to, a Graphical User Interface (GUI), an Application Programming Interface (API), a Command Line Interface (CLI), and the like. In an embodiment where the interface is implemented as a GUI, the monitoring and control unit 180 may also include a display device including, but not limited to, a monitor, projector, touch-screen display, and the like.
[0049] In an embodiment, the one or more internal environment parameters including, but not limited to, fluid level in the holding tank 110, carbondioxide and oxygen levels in the system, spectral attribute of light within the system, and pH, temperature, turbidity, physiochemical profile, nutrient levels and DO levels of the fluid. In an embodiment, the monitoring and control unit 180 and the plurality of sensors may be configured in a closed feedback loop such that the plurality of sensors provides the monitoring and control unit 180 with internal environment parameters in real time. In an embodiment, the monitoring and control unit 180 determines if the internal environment parameter is beyond a predetermined threshold range, and accordingly transmits signals to corresponding elements of the system 100 to bring the measured attribute value within the predetermined threshold range. For example, an air DO sensor from the plurality of sensors may measure the DO levels in the air inside the enclosure 200. In an embodiment, the set of data packets may also be stored on a database to generate reports. In such embodiments, the set of data packets may be used for determine efficiency of the system 100, and determine which components of the system 100 require maintenance.
[0050] In an embodiment, the holding tank 110 may also include a heating unit 118 that maintains the fluid therein at temperature conducive to promote growth and maximize photosynthesis of the photosynthetic microorganism. In an embodiment, the heating unit 118 may include, but not be limited to, an electric heater, a microwave heater, an infrared heater, a combustion heater, a heater connected to an external source of energy such as a heat exchanger, a solar energy heater, a geothermal energy heater, and the like. In an embodiment, the holding tank 110 may also include a temperature sensor coupled to the monitoring and control unit 180 such that when the temperature of the fluid in the holding tank is beyond a predetermined threshold range, the monitoring and control unit 180 transmits a signal to the heating unit 118 to increase or decrease the temperature of said fluids in the holding tank 110.
[0051] In an embodiment, the system 100 may include a wired or wireless communication means for being in communication with a computing device for remote control of the device 100. The communication means may include, but not be limited, to various communication technologies such as a Bluetooth, a Zigbee, a Near Field Communication (NFC), a Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), a Light Fidelity (Li-FI), a carrier network including a circuit-switched network, a public switched network, a Content Delivery Network (CDN) network, a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network, a New Radio (NR), a Narrow-Band (NB), an Internet of Things (IoT) network, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network and a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, an Internet, intranets, Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), mobile communication networks, combinations thereof, and the like. The computing device may be located at a remote location and may include a processor, a memory, and a communication means for receiving and transmitting data. Further, the computing device may be connected to one or more networks for communicating with the system 100. In an embodiment, the communication means may allow the operator of the system 100 to remotely control and maintain the system 100.
[0052] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of the fluid circulation unit 130 of the system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the system 100 includes the holding tank 110, the fluid circulation unit 130 having the feed line 140 having one or more header pipes 142 with at least one discharge ports 144, a collection unit 150 coupled to the return line 175, and the one or more biofilm panels 165. The film-based reactor 160 may include one or more biofilm panels165, one or more scrappers 146 corresponding to each biofilm panels 165, and a scrapper connector 148 connecting the one or more scrappers 146.
[0053] In an embodiment, the feed line 140 may include one or more header pipe 142, with each header pipe 142 having at least one discharge port 144. In an embodiment, each of the biofilm panels 165 may have a corresponding header pipe 142 that distributes the fluid on the surface of each biofilm panels165 through the at least one discharge port 144. In an embodiment, the at least one discharge port 144 may be configured over each of the header pipe 142 such that the at least one discharge port 144 evenly distributes the circulated fluid over the surface of the biofilm panels 165. In an embodiment, the size and shape of the discharge port 144 may be determined to controllably release the fluid circulated by the pump 135 in a manner that allows the photosynthetic microorganisms to settle on the surface of the one or more biofilm panels 165. In such embodiments, the at least one discharge port 144 may designed to controllably release the fluid, thereby preventing excess force from the pump 135 from washing the photosynthetic microorganisms from the surface of the one or more biofilm panels 165. In an embodiment, by controllably releasing the fluids, the feed line 140 may also allow for adequate water retention on the surface of the one or more biofilm panels 165 such that the photosynthetic microorganisms have adequately absorb nutrients from the released fluid. Furthermore, the at least one header pipe 142 may be controllably release the fluids such ensure the photosynthetic microorganisms therein evenly adhere to the surface of the one or more biofilm panels 165.
[0054] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes a scrapper 146 movably configured to a corresponding biofilm panel 165 such that as the scrapper 146 moves across the length of the corresponding biofilm panels 165 said scrapper 146 scrubs off the photosynthetic microorganisms layer adhered to said biofilm panels 165 having size above a predetermined threshold. In an embodiment, the photosynthetic microorganism layer may be indicative of one or more layers of the photosynthetic mircoorganisms that adhere on top of the surface of the biofilm panels. In such embodiment, the predetermined threshold may be determined to maximized light penetration through the photosynthetic microorganisms growing on the surface of the corresponding biofilm panels 165 thereby efficiency of carbondioxide sequestration. In an embodiment, each of the scrappers 146 may be coupled to a scrapper connector 148 that moves each of the scrappers 146 along the length of the biofilm panels 165.
[0055] In an embodiment, the photosynthetic microorganisms growing on the surface of the one or more biofilm panels 165 may utilize the carbondioxide in the air drawn into the enclosure 200, the fluids circulated by the fluid circulation unit 130, and light emitted by the lighting unit 190, to photosynthesize to sequester carbondioxide.
[0056] FIG. 3A and 3B illustrates an exemplary representation of the enclosure 200 of the system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown the enclosure 200 includes a front panel 205, a door 210 and the solar panel 195.
[0057] In an embodiment, the system 100 may include the enclosure 200. The enclosure 200 may be made of aluminium, mild steel, stainless steel, metal alloys or any combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the enclosure 200 may be insulated, opaque with a frontal panel 205. In an example, the frontal panel 205 may be used for commercial activities, such as installation of advertisement posters, banners and the like. In an example, the enclosure 200 may be installed in urban locations. The enclosure 200 may be compact to allow its installation in urban location. For instance, the system 100 may be configured on the divider of a road, thereby allowing said system 100 to absorb carbondioxide such as carbon dioxide directly from ambient air.
[0058] In an embodiment, the solar panel 195 configured to enclosure 200 may provide power to the system 100. In an embodiment, the solar panel 195 may convert energy from the sun to electrical power, and supply the electrical power to the system 100. In other embodiments, the solar panel 195 may store the electricity generated in a battery which may be used to supply power to the system 100 in case of unavailability of other sources of energy. In other embodiments, the system 100 may receive power from other renewable sources of energy.
[0059] In an embodiment, the enclosure 200 may also include a door 210 that allows the operators to inspect and perform maintenance on the internal components of the system 100. The door 210 may allow the operators with direct access to the holding 110 and the one or more biofilm panels 165 for performing maintenance.
[0060] In an embodiment, the system 100 may also be used for production of biomass by as said system 100 provides an optimized environment for promoting growth and propagation of the photosynthetic microorganism. In an embodiment, the bio mass produced by the system 100 as a result of growing the photosynthetic microorganisms in controlled environment may be collected at predetermined intervals during maintenance. In an embodiment, the system 100 may also be used for production of bio mass including, but not limited to, aqua feed, biogas, biopolymers, bio fertilizers, bio polymers, biofuel, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics, and the like, in addition to sequestering greenhouse gases.
[0061] The present disclosure, therefore, solves the need for a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism that is optimized for direct air carbondioxide sequestration. More particularly, the present disclosure solves the need for a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for direct air carbondioxide sequestration, that is efficient, low in cost, is easy to maintain, scalable, compact and is suitable for urban environments.
[0062] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0063] The present disclosure provides a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for direct air carbondioxide sequestration.
[0064] The present disclosure provides a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for direct air carbondioxide sequestration that is optimized for efficiency, cost, easy maintenance, scalability, space requirements and suitability for urban environments.
[0065] The present disclosure provides a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for direct air carbondioxide sequestration that uses an efficient and effective lighting unit for optimum growth of said photosynthetic microorganism.
[0066] The present disclosure provides a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for direct air carbondioxide sequestration that can be remotely automated and maintained, and does requires very few specialized equipments or trained personnel.
[0067] The present disclosure provides a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for direct air carbondioxide sequestration optimizes the temperature, pH, and nutrient concentrations for efficient growth of said photosynthetic microorganism.
[0068] The present disclosure provides a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for direct air carbondioxide sequestration that can be used to produce aqua feed, biogas, biopolymers, bio fertilizers, bio-fuels, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics, in addition to sequestering carbondioxide.
[0069] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for direct air carbondioxide sequestration that facilitates degassing of excess oxygen from within the system, without reducing the overall efficiency or creating the requirement for additional degassing units.
[0070] The present disclosure provides a film-based system for cultivating photosynthetic microorganism for direct air carbondioxide sequestration that produces oxygen and disperse it in the ambient air.
, Claims:1. A system (100) for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms for direct air carbondioxide sequestration, comprising:
a holding tank (110) storing consortia of photosynthetic microorganisms dispersed in a fluid;
one or more biofilm panels (165) with a surface whereon the photosynthetic microorganisms adhere to and grow;
an air ventilation unit (120) that draws ambient air (124) from an external environment into the system (100) and expels internal air from the system (110) ;
a lighting unit (190) configured proximately to the one or more biofilm panels (165), said lighting unit (190) configured to provide light for the photosynthetic microorganisms adhered to the one or more biofilm panels (165); and
a pump (135) configured to draw the fluids from the holding tank (110) and circulate the fluids to the one or more biofilm panels (165) through a feed line (140), said feed line (140) releasing the fluids such that the photosynthetic microorganism therein adheres to the surface the one or more biofilm panels (165), said one or more biofilm panels (165) also being connected to a return line (175) that returns the excess fluid from the one or more biofilm panels (165) to the holding tank (110), wherein the photosynthetic microorganism adhered to the surface of the one or more biofilm panels (165) use the light emitted by the lighting unit (190), the ambient air drawn in by the air ventilation unit (120) and the fluids circulated by the pump (135) as nutrient to perform photosynthesis and sequester carbondioxide from the ambient air.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air ventilation unit (120) comprises a fan (126) that draws the ambient air (124) from the external environment into the system (100) through an inlet, thereby providing the photosynthetic microorganisms adhered to the one or more biofilm panels (165) with ambient air (124) having gases that are conducive for growth of said photosynthetic microorganisms.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air ventilation unit (120) comprises an air filter module (122) configured proximately to an inlet that filter particulate matter microbial contaminants, and volatile organic compounds that contaminate the consortia of photosynthetic microorganisms in the system (100) from the ambient air (124) drawn in by said air ventilation unit (120).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the consortia photosynthetic microorganisms comprises one or more cultures of one or more distinct species of photosynthetic microorganisms dispersed in the fluid, said fluid having nutrients to promote growth of the consortia of photosynthetic microorganisms.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lighting unit (190) comprises one or more light emitters configured in a lattice arrangement within the system (100), said one or more light emitters of the lighting unit (190) being configured to controllably emit light at a predefined set of spectral attributes of light for promoting growth of the photosynthetic microorganism and carbondioxide sequestration, wherein the set of spectral attributes comprises predefined ranges of intensity, irradiance, wavelength, and luminous exposure of light emitted by the lighting unit (190).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises a mixing tube (115) having one or more nozzles, said mixing tube (115) configured to the pump (135) such that the fluid pumped through the mixing tube (115) by the pump (135) exits said mixing tube (115) through the one or more nozzles for mixing the photosynthetic microorganisms within the fluid in the holding tank (110), thereby evenly dispersing the photosynthetic microorganism in the fluid and at the same time avoiding any settling in holding tank.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the feed line (140) comprises at least one header pipe (142) configured to the corresponding biofilm panels (165), each of the at least one header pipes (142) having one or more discharge ports (144) that controllably release the fluids circulated by the pump (135) across the surface of the corresponding biofilm panels (165) such that as the fluid is released the photosynthetic microorganisms therein adhere to and grow on the surface of the biofilm panels (165).
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises a collection unit (150) configured to collects recirculated excess fluids from the one or more biofilm panels (165) and return the collected fluid to the holding tank (100) via the return line (175).
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises a scrapper (146) movably configured to a corresponding biofilm panel (165) such that as the scrapper (146) moves across the length of the corresponding biofilm panels (165) said scrapper (146) scrubs off the photosynthetic microorganisms layer adhered to said biofilm panels (165) having size above a predetermined threshold.
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises a plurality of sensors configured to determine and transmit a set of data packets indicative of one or more internal environment parameters associated with the system (100) to a monitoring and control unit (180), said control unit (180) being configured to, based on the set of data packets, control one or more of:
volume of air drawn in from the external environment by the air ventilation unit (120);
the spectral attributes of the light emitted by the lighting unit (190); and
volume of fluid circulated by the pump (135) from the holding tank (110) to the one or more biofilm panels (165) over a predetermined time interval.
11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more internal environment parameters belong to a group comprising fluid level in the holding tank (110), carbondioxide and oxygen levels in the system, spectral attribute of light within the system, and pH, temperature, turbidity, physiochemical profile, nutrient levels and DO levels of the fluid.
12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises a wired or wireless communication means for being in communication with a remote computing device for remote control of the system (100).