Energy evaluation in the High Velocity Algae Raceway Integrated Design (ARID-HV)

Abstract: The ARID raceway is an effective method to maintain temperature in the optimal growing range. However, the energy input is excessive. Thus, the ARID-HV raceway was developed in order to reduce energy input requirements. This was accomplished by improving pumping efficiency and using a serpentine flow pattern in which the water flows through channels instead of over barriers. A prototype ARID-HV raceway was installed in Tucson, Arizona in order to evaluate the flow and energy requirements of the raceway. Preliminary results show continued high energy usage, but this paper explores the possible energy reductions with the new ARID-HV design with efficient propeller pumps and properly engineered channel lengths. Channel lengths are evaluated with Manning’s equation in order to determine the maximum channel length that could be implemented with the current pumping configuration.