Bioprozessautomatisierung einer Algenanlage mithilfe eines Single-Board-Computers

Für die effektive Haltung von Mikroorganismen, kleinen Pflanzen oder Algen in Bioreaktoren ist die Aufrechterhaltung optimaler Kultivierungsbedingungen, wie beispielsweise pH-Wert, Temperatur oder Nährstoffgehalt, notwendig. Diese Parameter können sich während der Kultivierung ändern, weshalb sie regelmäßig kontrolliert und gegebenenfalls angepasst werden müssen. Wir präsentieren hier den technischen Aufbau und die Softwarerealisierung eines Automatisierungssystems zur autonomen Regulierung des pH-Wertes in Bioreaktoren, in denen die grüne Mikroalge Scenedesmus rubescens kultiviert wird. Dazu wurde ein System mit pH-Sensoren, Signalwandlern und Magnetventilen zur kontrollierten CO2-Begasung aufgebaut. Für die Steuerung und die Datenaufzeichnung diente ein Single-Board-Computer (Raspberry Pi) mit Webeserver. Die Anlage war voll funktionsfähig und konnte über mehrere Tage fehlerlos den pH-Wert auf einen vorgegebenen Wert regeln. Das System ist leicht auch auf Großanlagen und für andere Parameter erweiterbar. Durch die Nutzung eines Single-Board-Computers erfordert die Anlage nur minimalen Platz- und Energiebedarf und ist mit geringen Anschaffungskosten verbunden.The maintenance of stable internal conditions such as pH, temperature, or nutrients is essential for the cultivation of microorganisms, small plants and algae in bioreactors. These parameters can significantly vary during cultivation and have to be controlled and regulated. Here we present the technical construction and software implementation of an automation system for measurement and controlling pH in bioreactors for cultivating the green micro algae Scenedesmus rubescens. The system was built up with pH sensors, a signal transducing unit and magnetic valves that regulate the CO2 volume flow. A single-board-computer (Raspberry Pi) with web server was used as control unit and for data recording. The established system was stable for several days and approved for fulfilling all requirements. It is easily expandable for other parameters and can be used for larger systems. By using the Raspberry Pi as a low cost, very energy efficient credit-card sized computer with minimum space requirements the system can serve as an alternative for commercial automation systems

The decarbonisation of Europe powered by lifestyle changes

Decision makers increasingly recognise the importance of lifestyle changes in reaching low emission targets. How the mitigation potential of changes in mobility, dietary, housing or consumption behaviour compare to those of ambitious technological changes in terms of decarbonisation remains a key question. To evaluate the interplay of behaviour and technological changes, we make use of the European Calculator model and show that changes in behaviour may contribute more than 20% of the overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions required for net-zero by 2050. Behaviour and technology-oriented scenarios are tested individually and in combination for the EU plus the UK and Switzerland. The impacts of behavioural change vary across sectors, with significant GHG emission reduction potential and broader benefits. Changes in travel behaviour limit the rising demand for electricity, natural resources and infrastructure costs from the electrification of passenger transport. Adopting a healthy diet reduces emissions substantially compared to intensifying agricultural practices, while at the same time making cropland available for conservation or bioenergy crops. The trade-offs between energy and food may be substantially alleviated when deploying technological and behavioural changes simultaneously. The results suggest that without behavioural change, the dependency of Europe on carbon removal technologies for its net-zero ambitions increases. Structural changes will be necessary to achieve full decarbonisation by 2050, yet changes in lifestyles are crucial, contributing to achieving climate targets sooner

The decarbonisation of Europe powered by lifestyle changes

Decision makers increasingly recognise the importance of lifestyle changes in reaching low emission targets. How the mitigation potential of changes in mobility, dietary, housing or consumption behaviour compare to those of ambitious technological changes in terms of decarbonisation remains a key question. To evaluate the interplay of behaviour and technological changes, we make use of the European Calculator model and show that changes in behaviour may contribute more than 20% of the overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions required for net-zero by 2050. Behaviour and technology-oriented scenarios are tested individually and in combination for the EU plus the UK and Switzerland. The impacts of behavioural change vary across sectors, with significant GHG emission reduction potential and broader benefits. Changes in travel behaviour limit the rising demand for electricity, natural resources and infrastructure costs from the electrification of passenger transport. Adopting a healthy diet reduces emissions substantially compared to intensifying agricultural practices, while at the same time making cropland available for conservation or bioenergy crops. The trade-offs between energy and food may be substantially alleviated when deploying technological and behavioural changes simultaneously. The results suggest that without behavioural change, the dependency of Europe on carbon removal technologies for its net-zero ambitions increases. Structural changes will be necessary to achieve full decarbonisation by 2050, yet changes in lifestyles are crucial, contributing to achieving climate targets sooner