Evaluation of System Performance for Microalga Cultivation in Photobioreactor with IOTs (Internet of Things)

Abstract

Photobioreactors are a closed system concept of microalgae cultivation which is mostly done to control the development of intensive cultivation. The use of the internet to control microalgae has been carried out so that cyber physic interaction occurs by using the Internet of Things (IOTs) where this concept is an evolution of the concept of internet use that aims to expand the benefits of internet connectivity that is connected continuously with the ability to control remotely (remote control), data sharing (data sharing), continuous monitoring (real time monitoring) and up to date (up to date). This research aims to design a microalgae cultivation system as a source of food and energy for the future with a photobioreactor integrated with IOTs, so that it can be monitored continuously, controlled and used as a model for the development of greater microalgae cultivation technology. Development of automation in the cultivation of microalgae needs to be done to improve productivity and maintain quality so that the cultivation of microalgae can lead to industrialization, so that the development of microalgae as raw material for various needs can be optimized. Cultivation in a closed system photobioreactor, will produce microalgae that are not contaminated by external contaminants, growth analysis can be done based on the parameters that affect it, including the cultivation room temperature, lighting level (luminance), and the color of water in the process of photosynthesis microalgae, and also control of water circulation by using air lift (aerator).

All processes carried out in this cultivation are done semi-automatically, because there is still a process of human interaction in setting parameters and controls in the process of harvesting microalgae. In this study microalgae was evaluated by using 4 cultivation tubes using 2 treatments giving fertilizer with different doses, where 2 tubes had the same dose, while 2 other tubes with different dosages. One tube with the same dose is used as a control. Visualization of controlled parameters includes, temperature parameters, light intensity, water color changes. The observed parameters will be displayed in a graphical user interface (GUI) in real time using the internet.  The liitation of this studi is how the system for microalga cultivation in a fotobioreactor can monitored by sensor and visualization in a remote monitoring such as computer connected to internet and also any ather devices.  The target of this research is to obtined time series data that can be analized  and monitored.