Effects of culture parameters, light, and mixing on H2 production by sulfur-deprived Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in flat plate reactor

Based on advective-diffusive reaction equation for inhomogeneous biochemical system and an empirical equation for light attenuation coefficient, the interplay among culture parameters, light intensity and illumination condition, and mechanical mixing condition during O2 evolution and H2 production in a flat plate photobioreactor with sulfur-deprived Chlamydomonas reinhardtii culture is modeled in this work. Four initial chlorophyll concentrations, two light attenuation levels, and two illumination conditions were modeled to study their effects on the dynamics of O2 evolution and H2 production. The results indicate that two side illumination is the best design for light penetration into a flat plate reactor. While for single side illumination condition, an optimal combination of the initial cell concentration, light intensity, and reactor width may have to be considered for high H2 production.

► Effects of numerous parameters on H2 production in a photobioreactor are modeled. ► Both culture absorption property and mixing effect are counted in an empirical light attenuation equation. ► Two side illumination is the best for light penetration. ► Optimal combination of the parameters is needed for single side illumination.