Design of a bioreactor as a vital biological support for testing microalgae cultures in the stratosphere.

Abstract

Abstract In the present, the proposal for the design of an autonomous, light and completely closed bioreactor that will orbit in the stratosphere is developed, capable of promoting the growth of microalgae, specifically of the species: Chlorella vulgaris. The document will address the development of the relevant background information related to this proposal, which will support the bases and certain decisions described in the work, as well as the concepts that will define the theoretical framework for the identification of primary and secondary sources that allow to know, design and develop the proposed. In order to achieve a system capable of performing mixing and recirculation operations, necessary to promote the transfer of mass and energy, as well as the adequate distribution of light, the different existing bioreactor models and their most significant differences will be analyzed. For this work, only five of the nine stages of the mechatronic design methodology are covered: identification of needs, analysis of the problem, preparation of specifications, generation of possible solutions, and selection of the appropriate solution. The missing stages; detailed design, production of working drawings, prototype construction, and testing are underway.