LED used at algae cultivation

Algea are organisms which use photosynthesis to produce energy. Algea are used for biodiesel production but they are also useful for nutrition for humans and animals. Frostdried algea contain lots of protein and acids. Algea powder is sold worldwide as a nutrition.

LGem is the first Dutch company which produces microalgea using algea reactors. LGem does a lot of research to improve the breeding proces. HAS univesity can use one of the algea reactors. Environmental students Rick Cox and Katrijn Klok did a research project about LED lighting during algea breeding.

LED lighting for algea grow
"In horticulture it is common to experiment with LED lighting," says Katrijn. "It appears that plants can grow from red, blue and reddened LED lighting. This light is usually far more effective than just normal light." Because algea grows just like plants, with photosyntesis, Katrijn and Rick did research for LGem to see if there are any effects on the algea reactors with LED lighting. Usually the reactors are exposed by tl-lights, way cheaper than LED lighting. Therefore the students also studied the financial situation.

Commercial feasibility

For our research we did six 'runs' in two weeks, says Katrijn. One week LED lighting, the other week tl-lighting. We also tested the commercial feasibility. We had equal power input for both lightings. A test with 24 LED lights and 12 tl lights. Algea did grow faster with LED lighting but not that much to end equal. "LED lighting lasts longer but when they need replacement the price is much higher than tl lighting," says Katrijn.

More generalist than specialist
Katrijn can look to the future after her final assessment. "It was a fun, educational mission but I would rather choose another direction. I am more of a generalist than a specialist and I enjoy environmental issues." Rotal Haskoning DHV saw her talent, she will start her first internship after this summer as junior project manager/advisor for multiple projects.

Source: HAS