System and method for growing algae

An algae cultivation system, comprising:

• a plurality of panels within a cultivation container, positioned along a first axis perpendicular to the gravitational force, wherein a cultivation volume is created between each pair of panels, and wherein the cultivation volumes are fluidly coupled therebetween so as to allow horizontal flow along the first axis;
• at least one first sparger, to distribute a first fluid into the container;
• at least one illumination unit for each panel, to illuminate adjacent cultivation volumes;
• and
• at least one controller, to control the flow rate of the first fluid, and to control fluid flow between at least two panels,
• wherein the flow rate of the first fluid is adapted to allow turbulent mixing the algae in the cultivation container, and wherein the controller is configured to control the at least one illumination unit and
• wherein the at least one illumination unit comprises at least two illumination units for at least one panel, wherein at least one illumination unit is controlled to illuminate with a different intensity and/or a different wavelength than another illumination unit.

A method of growing algae in a cultivation container, the method comprising:

• controlling at least one first sparger to distribute a first fluid into the container at a first operating flow rate;
• controlling at least one second sparger to distribute a second fluid into the container at a second operating flow rate;
• and
• controlling fluid flow between at least two cultivation volumes created between pairs of panels positioned within the cultivation container, along an axis perpendicular to the gravitational force,
• wherein the first operating flow rate is adapted to allow mixing the algae in the cultivation container, and wherein the second operating flow rate is adapted to allow assimilation of materials in a liquid in the cultivation container,
• wherein the method further comprises:
• illuminating each cultivation volume with at least one illumination unit, wherein the at least one illumination unit comprises at least two illumination units for at least one panel, and
• controlling the at least one illumination unit to illuminate with a different intensity and/or a different wavelength than another illumination unit.