A Novel Photo-bioreactor Application for Microalgae Production as a Shading System in Buildings

The optical performances of plastic bag photo-bioreactors for microalgae production as shading systems for windows were assessed. The micro-algal growth rate and the light transmittance of prototypes were monitored in a photo-incubator and in a real room. Daylight in the room with algae and the energy demand for lighting EDl were then simulated using Daysim and compared to the case of a traditional venetian blind, for two different Italian sites (Turin, Palermo) and 3 orientations (south, west, north). It was found that the algae-system resulted in increased daylight level and glare and in decreased EDl.