Hydrodynamic characterisation in a flat-panel photobioreactor through computational fluid dynamics analysis

Abdul Nuri, Nur Aqila Syafiqa and Mohamad Puad, Noor Illi and Azmi, Azlin Suhaida and Ahmad, Farah and Abd Rahman, Hasrizal and Nasharuddin, Ahmad Afiq Arshad (2026) Hydrodynamic characterisation in a flat-panel photobioreactor through computational fluid dynamics analysis. Journal of Chemical Engineering and Industrial Biotechnology, 12 (1). pp. 7-17. E-ISSN 0126-8139

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Abstract

Assessing hydrodynamic parameters in photobioreactors (PBR) is essential for optimised operation, yet computational fluid dynamics studies specifically evaluating shear stress properties remain scarce. This study utilises COMSOL Multiphysics® to provide novel quantitative insights into the hydrodynamic performance of a 15 L conventional flat-panel photobioreactor. A 2D time-dependent turbulent bubbly-flow model based on the Euler-Euler approach was implemented and validated against an airlift PBR (ALR) system, with a margin of error of less than 3%. Fluid flow, shear stress, and mixing behaviour were systematically investigated under aeration rates ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 vvm. Results demonstrated that while increasing aeration improved hydrodynamic parameters, average liquid velocities consistently remained below 0.02 m/s, indicating the persistent presence of dead zones near the vessel walls. Crucially, simulated shear stress remained below the 1.2 Pa critical threshold for microalgal cell damage. However, the 0.2 Pa threshold required to inhibit biofilm formation was only exceeded at aeration levels above 0.4 vvm. While higher aeration increased average turbulent kinetic energy and turbulent energy dissipation, their distribution remained non-uniform, with peak turbulence concentrated near the sparger and upper sections. These findings suggest an optimal aeration range of 0.2 to 0.6 vvm to balance mixing efficiency and shear control. Ultimately, this work delivers novel quantitative mapping of critical hydrodynamic regions, advancing the predictive basis for reactor scale-up and design optimisation.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Photobioreactor,​Computational fluid dynamics ,​Hydrodynamics , COMSOL Multiphyiscs
Subjects:	T Technology > TP Chemical technology > TP155 Chemical engineering T Technology > TP Chemical technology > TP248.13 Biotechnology
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Biotechnology Engineering
Depositing User:	Noor Illi Mohamad Puad
Date Deposited:	18 Sep 2026 17:27
Last Update:	18 Sep 2026 17:27
Queue Number:	2026-09-Q5141
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/131313
Indexed In:	Google Scholar, MyCite

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