Optimization of microalgae panel bioreactor thermal transmission property for building façade applications

Abstract

Microalgae has great potential reducing embedded CO<inf>2</inf> emissions of buildings through their entire life cycles by both increasing energy efficiency and actively capturing CO<inf>2</inf>. The use of closed microalgae photo bioreactors as building components has the added benefits of acting as an effective insulation system. Additionally microalgae can give a dynamic appearance with living dynamic system that also works as an adaptive sunshade. In this study the thermal transmittance (U value) of different photo bioreactors is determined by using experimental design methods for parametric studies. Heat transfer behaviour of the manufactured panel bioreactors at different operational conditions which satisfy both thermal comfort in building and microalgae growth conditions is evaluated. U values between 3.84 and 53.19 W/m2 K are observed in the study. Results show that there is a significant interaction between all main factors (reservoir air layer and reservoir wall thicknesses) and U value. Yet a two-way interaction is observed for only between reservoir and air layer thicknesses. Further air layer thickness has the highest contribution to the U value in the developed model as both a main and synergetic factor. © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.