There are two main approaches for cultivating microalgae on a large scale: open or closed cultivation. The main difference between open and closed systems is related to how they operate (e.g., cooling and gas exchange), vulnerability for outside influence (e.g., rainwater and introduction of unwanted species), and costs for building and operating the system. In this chapter we introduce the main cultivation technologies and discuss their main advantages and disadvantages when cultivating microalgae.
Keywords: Gas exchange; Growth medium; Photobioreactor; Raceway pond.