IoT-based Photobioreactor

A next-generation artificial-photosynthesis photobioreactor designed to grow microalgae efficiently while converting carbon emissions into bio-fertilizers.

Photobioreactor Hero Image

My Role

Research & Patent Contributor

Category

Patent Case Study

Duration

Filed Jan 2, 2023

Tools & Tech

IoT Sensors, LEDs, Artificial Photosynthesis, Microalgae Cultivation

The Problem / Objective

Rising carbon emissions and lack of cost-efficient bioconversion systems have created demand for scalable bioengineering solutions. Traditional algae cultivation systems are energy-intensive and difficult to control due to environmental variability.

Objective: Create a closed-loop photobioreactor that efficiently grows microalgae using artificial photosynthesis while converting CO₂ into oxygen and bio-fertilizer — with full remote control through IoT.

Discovery & Research

Microalgae are highly effective at carbon sequestration but require precise control of light, nutrients, pH, and temperature. Existing systems lack real-time monitoring and automation, leading to inconsistent growth.

Key Insight: The combination of controlled LED-based artificial photosynthesis and IoT environmental monitoring drastically increases yield consistency and carbon absorption efficiency.

  • Studied natural algal growth conditions and mapped them to controllable parameters.
  • Designed a closed PBR to eliminate contamination and optimize light exposure.
  • Integrated IoT sensors for pH, turbidity, CO₂ levels, and nutrient concentrations.

Solution & Design Process

The photobioreactor replicates sunlight using engineered LED arrays, ensuring uniform illumination. A nutrient-supply system mimics natural aquatic ecosystems, while IoT sensors allow remote monitoring and adjustments.

Low-fidelity mockups High-fidelity mockups

Architecture & Technical Challenges

Integrating IoT sensing with artificial photosynthesis required real-time feedback loops to avoid overexposure, nutrient imbalance, and microbial contamination.

Technical Challenge: Keeping algae growth stable under artificial lighting while ensuring sensors delivered accurate environmental data for automated corrections.

Analysis & Strategic Recommendations

This system can be extended to industrial CO₂ capture sites, wastewater plants, and bio-fertilizer production units.

Recommendation: Add predictive growth modeling using ML and integrate solar-powered IoT modules for energy savings.

Results & Impact

3×

Faster Algae Growth Under LED Photosynthesis

High

Carbon Capture Efficiency

IoT

Fully Remote Monitoring

Learnings & Next Steps

Lesson Learned: Artificial photosynthesis requires careful spectral calibration for each algae species to maintain consistent productivity.

Next steps include:
• Adding automation for nutrient dosing
• Deployment in commercial greenhouses
• Integrating carbon-capture performance dashboards