DIMENSIONAMENTO DELL'APPARECCHIATURA ELETTRICA DI UN BIOREATTORE

As the global demand for carbon reduction technologies and sustainable energy solutions continues to grow, photobioreactors have gained significant attention due to their ability to convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) into oxygen (O₂) and biomass using microalgae. This thesis focuses on the design and sizing of the electrical equipment for a pilot-scale horizontal tubular photobioreactor operating in a closed-loop configuration. This specific system is selected as a reference plant for all calculations, providing a realistic and consistent basis for the analysis of energy requirements and component sizing. Tubular photobioreactors are widely recognized as one of the most suitable configurations for pilot-scale and large-scale applications due to their high illumination surface area and relatively high biomass productivity. The considered system consists of transparent horizontal tubes in which the culture medium is continuously recirculated using a pump to ensure proper mixing, uniform light exposure, and efficient gas exchange. The photobioreactor is equipped with key subsystems including a circulation pump, CO₂ injection system, LED lighting, and sensor-based monitoring, all powered by a solar energy system. This study presents a comprehensive methodology for sizing the electrical infrastructure required for the operation of the photobioreactor. The proposed energy system includes photovoltaic panels, battery storage, and an inverter to guarantee continuous and sustainable operation. In addition, motors, pumps, lighting systems, and sensors are selected and sized according to the specific operational requirements of the reference system. A detailed analysis of energy consumption and system efficiency is performed to identify optimal configurations that reduce energy losses while maintaining reliable operation. The integration of automation and real-time monitoring enhances process stability and allows optimal control of environmental conditions within the reactor. The results demonstrate that proper sizing of electrical components, based on a clearly defined pilot-scale tubular photobioreactor, significantly improves energy efficiency, reduces operational costs, and enhances system reliability. This research provides a practical framework for the design of energy-efficient photobioreactor systems and contributes to the development of scalable and sustainable technologies for carbon capture, renewable energy production, and environmental protection. Keywords: Photobioreactor, Tubular Photobioreactor, Electrical Equipment Sizing, Solar Energy, Microalgae, Pilot-Scale System, Energy Efficiency, Carbon Capture.