Facilities
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALMERIA
AND
IFAPA
AQUACONTROL will be implemented at an industrial scale in collaboration with the “Agroconnect” and “Microalgae and Solar Technologies” consortium agreements between the University of Almería (UAL), Almería, Spain, and the Andalusian Institute of Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training (IFAPA). The project is leadered by the research group Automatic Control, Robotics and Mechatronics (ARM TEP-197) known for its research in engineering, control, and automation in domains related to renewable energy and process optimization. The facilities feature two desalination systems, large scale photobioreactors and experimental greenhouses.
Tubular Photobioreactor LOCATED AT THE IFAPA (ALMERÍA, SPAIN)
FACILITY DESCRIPTION
AQUACONTROL will be tested at an industrial scale in collaboration with the “Agroconnect” and “Microalgae and Solar Technologies” consortium agreements between the University of Almería (UAL), Almería, Spain, and the Andalusian Institute of Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training (IFAPA). The project is leadered by the research group Automatic, Robotic and Mecatronig (ARM TEP-197) known for its research in engineering, control, and automation in domains related to renewable energy and optimization process. These facilities feature two desalination systems, large scale photobioreactors and experimental greenhouse facilities.
PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS
Electrical supply is provided by a photovoltaic generation system consisting of two units of photovoltaic panels with 18 modules each, providing an electrical generation capacity of 16.2 kW. Additionally, there are two hybrid inverters and batteries with a capacity to store 44.2 kWh.
MEMBRANE DISTILLATION
The Membrane Distillation is capable of producing 6 m3/day of distillate water and generate concentrated brine as byproduct. To ensure its supply, there is a 160 kW biomass boiler, and a solar thermal generation system with 30 panels.
Reversis Osmosis UNIT
The Reversis Osmosi unit has a consumption of 3 kWh/m3, capable of producing 11 m3 of desalinated water per day. Additionally, the RO unit generates 22 m3/h of brine, which is used to feed the MD system. This system can generate 6 m3 of distilled water per day.
Microalgae REACTOR
The Microalgae Reactors, the facilities have two channeling reactors with a total surface area of 80 m2. These reactors consist of two channels, each 80 m long with a sump located 1.8 m downstream from the paddlewheel, with dimensions of 1 m depth and 0.65 m width. In this sump, CO2 or air can be injected through diffusers.
BIOMASS BOILER
The system includes a 160 kW biomass boiler, designed to generate thermal energy from renewable biomass sources. It is complemented by a thermal energy storage tank with a capacity of 4,000 liters, ensuring efficient heat retention and optimal energy use.
SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTORS
The solar thermal generation system consists of 30 flat-plate collectors, designed to capture solar energy and convert it into heat. These collectors are capable of reaching temperatures up to 110°C, efficiently harnessing solar energy to provide sustainable heating solutions