A method for generating and capturing biothermal energy comprising: forming a heap comprising an amended organic material; subjecting the amended organic material to a continuous fermentation process to produce a convection current, and to stimulate capture of non-visible radiation, and using a heat exchanger in contact with the heap, capture and/or store biothermal energy generated by the continuous fermentation process within the heap.

A fermenter can have at least one hollow fluid conduit disposed at least partially within a vessel. An external circumference of the hollow fluid conduit and an interior circumference of the vessel can define a downward flow path through which a multi-phase mixture including a liquid media and compressed gas substrate bubbles flows. An interior circumference of the hollow fluid conduit can defined an upward flow path which is in fluid communication with the downward flow path. The multi-phase liquid can flow through the upward flow path and exit the fermenter. Cooling may be provided in the hollow fluid conduit or the vessel. One or more backpressor generators can be used to maintain a backpressure on the fermenter. One or more fluid movers can be used to variously create an induced and/or forced flow in the downward and upward flow paths.

A bioreactor apparatus includes a vessel establishing an interior space environmentally separable from an exterior space outside of the vessel, an agitation system including mixing means arranged in the interior space and drive means adapted to rotate the mixing means. The drive means includes a drive motor that is arranged in the interior space.

The present disclosure provides methods and materials for the cultivation and/or propagation of a photosynthetic organism. Such methods may comprise the use of a lamp assembly that comprises a plurality of circuit boards, each comprising at least three edges, arranged in a substantially spherical shape defining an interior lamp assembly volume, wherein the plurality of circuit boards comprise a first planar surface in contact with the interior lamp assembly volume and an opposing second planar surface comprising light emitting diodes (LEDs); and a barrier that surrounds the plurality of circuit boards forming the substantially spherical shape.

A fermentation tank includes a tank body, enclosing a cavity therein, having a material inlet and a material outlet; a heat exchange structure, disposed on a wall of the cavity for heat exchanging with the tank body; at least one flow disturbing plate, being an elongated plate, the width direction of the flow disturbing plate being parallel to a radial direction of the tank body, the longitudinal direction of the flow disturbing plate being parallel to a vertical direction, a length of the flow disturbing plate being larger than a width thereof, the flow disturbing plate being arranged in the cavity and connected to the tank body, the flow disturbing plate having a heat exchange channel therein, two ends of the heat exchange channel communicating an exterior respectively so that heat is exchanged between the at least one flow disturbing plate and the cavity.

Through sourcing net-primary productivity additive algae-based biomass feedstock, the exclusive use of renewable energy in processing, and the appropriate formulation and processing, a novel algae-derived bio-based plastic is both carbon-negative and provides some performance advantages over existing algae-based film plastics especially with regard to optical clarity. A system may be provided that produces a carbon-negative bioplastic. The production of the bioplastic in a process chamber may be controlled by an electronic controller. The electronic controller may be controlled by a host system, such a server. The electronic controller may be configured to direct production of the bioplastic in the process chamber using hydrocolloid, which is derived from algae.

To avoid cleaning costs and to reduce the risk of cross-contamination, a water bath for use in incubators includes a profiled receiver, open at least at the upper face, preferably at the end faces and the upper face, with receiver surfaces extending in the longitudinal direction. A prefabricated disposable vessel for liquid open at the upper face includes vessel walls that lie flush on the receiver surfaces of the receiver. Fastenings are used fix the disposable vessel on the receiver. The water bath also includes a liquid supply, designed for filling the disposable vessel with liquid.

This disclosure describes an improved heat transfer system for use in reaction vessels used in chemical and biological processes. In one embodiment, a heat transfer baffle comprising two sub-assemblies adjoined to one another is provided.

Disclosed is an internally illuminated bioreactor, and related algae production methods, that employ integrated in-water grow light assemblies configured to manage the heat generated by lighting elements, such as light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) on the in-water grow lights. The bioreactor includes an outer shell and one or more in-water grow light fixtures positioned within the outer shell that are positioned around the perimeter of a hollow, internal tube. The lighting elements and internal tube are themselves contained within a preferably clear, exterior tube of the light fixture that allows light generated by the lighting elements to pass through to the algae culture inside of the growth chamber. A heat management system is provided for cooling the light fixture using forced directed through the hollow, internal tube from the top to the bottom of the tube, out from outlets at the bottom of the internal tube, and upward in the fixture through buoyancy of the warmed air, and thus without additional mechanical air handling devices. As the air moves upward between the lighting elements and the exterior tube, it draws additional heat away from the lighting elements. The warmed air is ultimately exhausted from the top of the lighting fixture. Each lighting fixture preferably also includes a cleaning system that enables the automated cleaning of the outer surface of the exterior tube of the lighting fixture, thus preventing newly formed algae from collecting on the lighting fixture and ensuring a continuous flow of light from the fixture into the algae culture throughout algae production.

Disclosed is an internally illuminated bioreactor, and related algae production methods, that employ integrated in-water grow light assemblies configured to manage the heat generated by lighting elements, such as light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) on the in-water grow lights. The bioreactor includes an outer shell and one or more in-water grow light fixtures positioned within the outer shell that are positioned around the perimeter of a hollow, internal tube. The lighting elements and internal tube are themselves contained within a preferably clear, exterior tube of the light fixture that allows light generated by the lighting elements to pass through to the algae culture inside of the growth chamber. A heat management system is provided for cooling the light fixture using forced directed through the hollow, internal tube from the top to the bottom of the tube, out from outlets at the bottom of the internal tube, and upward in the fixture through buoyancy of the warmed air, and thus without additional mechanical air handling devices. As the air moves upward between the lighting elements and the exterior tube, it draws additional heat away from the lighting elements. The warmed air is ultimately exhausted from the top of the lighting fixture. Each lighting fixture preferably also includes a cleaning system that enables the automated cleaning of the outer surface of the exterior tube of the lighting fixture, thus preventing newly formed algae from collecting on the lighting fixture and ensuring a continuous flow of light from the fixture into the algae culture throughout algae production.