710190Flat Panel Photobioreactor for Algae CultivationClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKAlgae are highly efficient photosynthetic organisms. A valuable market exists for high value algae derivatives (neutraceuticals, food supplements) and as a feedstock in aquaculture. The technology is applicable to industrial biotechnology (renewable feedstocks and 3rd generation biofuels) plus agriculture and food. The economic production of alga is difficult. Whilst high yields of both biomass and product can be demonstrated in the laboratory, similar levels of productivity are very difficult to replicate under natural environmental conditions. Open pond systems have problems with contamination and evaporation. Photobioreactors (PBR) allow better control, but face challenges with light utilisation efficiency, temperature control, high power requirements and cost. Enlightened Designs Ltd (EDL) has developed a novel, flat-panel PBR featuring a microlensinduced flashing light effect and intensity profile enhancement (intl. pat. PCT/GB2011/000046). The design enables better utilisation of high light levels and thermal management and uses lightweight plastics and techniques from the packaging industry to enable cost effective scale-up and mass production of algae. EDL’s work with Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the University of Exeter testing both a laboratory and a larger scale PBR evaluation unit demonstrated proof of principle, successfully growing microalgae with good growth rates. The proposed Proof of Concept Study builds on this work and examines the feasibility of using technically advanced PBRs as a commercial economic source of algae by: • building a large area (20m2) PBR algae culturing system featuring novel flat panel construction techniques, EDL’s patent pending FLE light-modulating system and a costeffective control system. • Conducting a programme of trials, using third party research institutions, in a variety of environmental conditions. The outputs of the study will underpin future development and commercialisation of the technology.