Wave Bioreactor (WBR) is a new type of bioengineering technology, which utilizes wave energy as a driving force to realize the growth and metabolism of microorganisms in the bioreactor, and is widely used in the fields of wastewater treatment, biofuel production, and food fermentation. In this paper, the working principle of wave bioreactor and its application in various fields will be introduced in detail.

1. Working Principle of Wave Bioreactor

Wave energy collection and conversion

Wave bioreactors first need to collect wave energy. Wave energy is the energy generated on the ocean surface due to wind action, which is widely distributed, renewable and clean. Wave bioreactors convert wave energy into mechanical energy through wave energy collection devices (e.g. floats, oscillating water columns, etc.).

Transmission and regulation of mechanical energy

The collected mechanical energy is transmitted to the inside of the bioreactor through a transmission device. The transmission device mainly consists of gears, belts, chains, etc., which converts wave energy into rotational power for the agitator inside the bioreactor. The function of the agitator is to fully mix the microorganisms and nutrients inside the bioreactor to increase the biological reaction rate.

Microbial metabolism in the bioreactor

Microorganisms in the bioreactor grow and metabolize under suitable conditions using the power provided by wave energy. The microorganisms do this by ingesting organic material and breaking it down into inorganic material while releasing energy. This process enables the purification of wastewater, the production of biofuels, and the fermentation of food.

Separation of reaction products from microorganisms

Microbial metabolism in the bioreactor produces a certain concentration of products such as biomass, bio-oils, and organic acids. In order to improve the purity and recovery of the products, the microorganisms need to be separated from the products. Commonly used separation methods include centrifugation, filtration, and precipitation.

Energy recovery and recycling

In the working process of wave bioreactor, part of the energy can be recycled. For example, the heat generated during the biological reaction is recovered through a heat exchanger and used to maintain the temperature inside the reactor; the electrical energy generated by the metabolism of microorganisms is utilized to power the equipment inside the reactor.

2. Application of wave bioreactor in various fields

Wastewater treatment

Wave bioreactor has a significant advantage in the field of wastewater treatment. By utilizing the degradation effect of microorganisms, organic pollutants, nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients in wastewater can be effectively removed. Compared with traditional wastewater treatment methods, wave bioreactors have the advantages of low energy consumption, small footprint, and stable treatment effect.

Biofuel production

Wave bioreactors can be used to produce biofuels, such as biodiesel, bioethanol and so on. Through the action of microbial fermentation, biomass is converted into bio-oil, and then through the process of refining and refinement, high quality biofuel is obtained. The wave bioreactor realizes the recycling of energy and reduces the production cost in the process of biofuel production.

Food Fermentation

Wave bioreactor has a wide range of applications in the field of food fermentation, such as the production of soy sauce, vinegar, and yogurt. Using the fermentation effect of microorganisms, raw materials are transformed into food with specific flavors. The wave bioreactor can realize precise control of temperature, pH and other parameters during the fermentation process to improve the fermentation effect.

Environmental monitoring and remediation

Wave bioreactor can be used as an auxiliary equipment for environmental monitoring and remediation. By monitoring the growth of microorganisms, it can understand the degree of environmental pollution; by utilizing the degradation of microorganisms, it can remediate the polluted soil and water body.

In short, wave bioreactor, as a new type of bioengineering technology, has a wide range of application prospects. With the continuous progress of China's ocean energy development technology, wave bioreactor will play an increasingly important role in the fields of environmental protection and energy utilization.