Analysis of Microalgae Culture Processes

Abstract

Microalgae are considered to be a very important biofuel producer, under

conditions of nitrogen deprivation. The Droop model has been widely used to

predict microalgal behavior. The Droop model equations have been modified to

deal with issues pertaining to light distribution and nitrogen uptake. In this paper,

a singularity analysis of the steady-state Droop model equations and its

modifications is performed. The computationally validated theoretical analysis

predicts the location of the bifurcation point from which two solution branches

originate in both the original Droop model and its modified form (known as the

Nitogen limited Microalgae culture process Model) which takes into account light

distribution.