The new Upflow Algae Scrubber (UAS)

[acorral]

Tinkering around this design:



All feedback is welcome...

[kotlec]

You will waste a lot of light with this reflector setup. Direct beam is the best thing you can want for lighting algae.
Another problem can be sediment on the bottom. Even small amount will reduce light even more.

[Floyd R Turbo]

I think this is a top down view

[kotlec]

Looks like im too tired today .
First note still in business.

[acorral]

I think this is a top down view

Indeed that's a top down view... so, kotlec, the sediment is not a problem...

I know it's not the ideal but it woudl be an easy way of doing a 2 sided screen UAS on the simple side...

What do you think about it Floyd?

[Floyd R Turbo]

Well the issue is that the LEDs have a peak intensity that is like a bell curve right in front of the LED. So if that is not pointed directly at the screen, then you lose a lot of intensity. You would need to make the reflector a 45 degree angle or maybe just take the reflector you show (I know, it's just an example) and widen it and play with the arrangement to get the best coverage. Then you have to take into account refraction, etc. Not to get all into calculus and physics but the bottom line is that it could work, but you're going to lose quite a bit of intensity I would think, so account for that

[acorral]

Well the issue is that the LEDs have a peak intensity that is like a bell curve right in front of the LED. So if that is not pointed directly at the screen, then you lose a lot of intensity. You would need to make the reflector a 45 degree angle or maybe just take the reflector you show (I know, it's just an example) and widen it and play with the arrangement to get the best coverage. Then you have to take into account refraction, etc. Not to get all into calculus and physics but the bottom line is that it could work, but you're going to lose quite a bit of intensity I would think, so account for that

I guess if we don't want to get very mathematical it would be matter of testing... I'll continue with the first trial I'm conducting to have a baseline to compare with... and maybe later try this design.

Thank you Floyd

[SantaMonica]

Although a reflector does lose light, there is a great benefit of 2-sided growth.

[acorral]

Although a reflector does lose light, there is a great benefit of 2-sided growth.

Santamonica, which factor woudl you consider outweights the other?

one sided screen efficient light transfer vs two sided lose light transfer

[SantaMonica]

2-sided is more important.