Shape Optimisation of Architectural Shell with Algae Photoreactors

The research deals with integration of photobiological treatment facilities with building´s architectural shell and issues of using natural light to grow algae. The goal is optimizing the shape of the architectural shell of building with algae photobioreactor units. Using microalgae photobioreactors can solve multiple tasks: getting a third-generation biofuels, carbon dioxide recycling, wastewater disinfection, oxygen regeneration, and water purification from nutrients. In our problem, algae is considered as a source of biofuel so the aim is to produce algae biomass as much as possible. The maximizing functional is the dependence of microalgae growth from illumination and temperature. The algorithm takes into account the shadow cast by the surrounding buildings and seasonal variations of the day length. To describe the temperature conditions we use the heat balance equation of a modular photobioreactor.