Date of Publication

11-17-2023

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Honors) - Ladderized

Subject Categories

Engineering | Mechanical Engineering

College

Gokongwei College of Engineering

Department/Unit

Mechanical Engineering

Thesis Advisor

Alvin B. Culaba
Aristotle T. Ubando

Defense Panel Chair

Ivan V. Gue

Defense Panel Member

Neil S. Lopez
Andres Philip Mayol

Abstract/Summary

In response to the need to reduce carbon emissions in the Philippines, microalgae photobioreactor facades are identified as an area with potential for tackling these issues. The technology can cultivate algae which can be processed into biofuels, utilize wastewater, and provide shading to reduce building heat loads. This study presents a design for a system of PBRs installed on the facade of a hypothetical Metro Manila office building, which utilizes wastewater and outdoor air supplemented with CO2 to cultivate Chlorella vulgaris in tandem with regular building operations. A theoretical evaluation of the system was conducted, using mass balance calculations to determine the inputs and outputs required by the system, and heat transfer calculations to estimate the reduction in air conditioning energy consumption provided by the shading effect of the PBR facade. Life cycle assessment of the continuous operation of the system was conducted to evaluate the environmental performance of the system with regards to climate change and eutrophication potential. The proposed system can produce 0.837 kg/day of algae biomass, with a net consumption of CO2 by algae of 1.574 kg/day and a total net reduction in building CO2 emissions by 24.385 kg/day when factoring in energy savings due to PBR shading. Further research is required to optimize PBR temperatures for algae growth and verify the performance of algae, the system thermal behavior and the wastewater composition in Metro Manila.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Photobioreactors; Buildings—Environmental engineering

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Embargo Period

11-17-2024

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