In recent years, researchers have begun developing photo bioreactors that use sunlight-induced photosynthesis to sequester carbon to “clean” coal emissons or to produce alternative fuels like hydrogen and biodiesel. One of the principal hurdles to achieving economically viable, commercial-scale photobioreactors is lighting optimization, both in terms of light delivery and energy expenditure. When lighting is provided by artificial lamps in close proximity to the confined, and often subterranean, bioreactor vessel, the comparatively poor luminous efficacy and dissipation of heat from the lamps present a constant problem. Thus, demonstrating the use of controlled natural lighting with photobioreactors is often a critical aspect of reactor R&D.
When using Sunlight Direct’s SolarPoint™ Lighting Platform to illuminate a photo bioreactor, optical fibers are used to transport light into growth chambers and, once inside, function as a distributed light source. The advantages of this form of controlled natural lighting in a reactor include:
- 1. Brings sunlight into the lab where it can be utilized/studied in a controlled environment,
- 2. Allows the intensity and distribution of sunlight to be configured as needed,
- 3. Drastically reduces photosynthetic saturation,
- 4. Demonstrates the ability to achieve much higher volumetric carbon fixation rates,
- 5. Filters unwanted UV and IR radiation from the bioreactor,
- 6. Minimizes heat delivery, and
- 7. Improves the overall sunlight utilization efficiency and energy consumption of the bioreactor.
As of 2008, Sunlight Direct is offering the SolarPoint™ Lighting product for bioreactor and other R&D activities only to research organizations within the United States.
There is a minimum order of three units at a price of $17,995 USD per unit. The systems are designed to be installed and controlled by the end user.
