IL311309B2 - Kit and method for constructing a raceway pond for cultivating algae - Google Patents

Description

KIT AND METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING A RACEWAY POND FOR CULTIVATING ALGAE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to raceway ponds for cultivating algae 5 and, more particularly, to a kit and method for constructing the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Naturally growing algae are an important source of food, especially in Asia. Algae provide many vitamins including vitamins: A, B1, B2, B6, niacin, and C, 10 and are rich in minerals such as: iodine, potassium, iron, magnesium, and calcium. In addition, commercially cultivated microalgae, including cyanobacteria, are marketed as nutritional supplements, such as: spirulina, Chlorella, and the vitamin-C supplement from Dunaliella, which is high in beta-carotene. 15 Algae are national foods of many nations. For example, China consumes more than 70 species, including "fat choy", a cyanobacterium considered a vegetable; in Japan, over 20 species of algae is consumed; in Ireland, Palmaria palmate known as "dulse" is commonly used as food and medicine; and in Chile, Durvillaea antarctica also known as " cochayuyo", is 20 harvested off the coast and used in Chilean cuisine. Laver is a type edible green seaweed used to make "laver bread" in Wales, where it is known as "bara lawr"; in Korea, laver is used to make "gim" (dried laver sheets; and in Japan, laver is known as "aonori" and commonly used as a flavoring. Algae is also used along the west coast of North America from California to British Columbia, in Hawaii and by the Māori of New Zealand. Sea lettuce and badderlocks are salad ingredients in Scotland, Ireland, Greenland, and Iceland. Algae is being considered as a potential solution for alleviating the problem of world hunger.

Cost reduction of algae production is one of the central issues in this 5 industry. A raceway pond is a commonly used photobioreactor environment for cultivating algae. A raceway pond is a shallow artificial pond in which algae circulates along an interior channel of water while being exposed to solar radiation that is converted into biomass. Raceway ponds are typically formed in an oval shape resembling an automotive racetrack, from which its name is derived. The 10 circulation channel is defined by the internal space between sidewalls along an outer perimeter of the raceway pond and an interior central partition wall. A paddle wheel or other water flow mechanism provides continuous water flow to maintain circulation of the algae within the pond. The smooth curves at both ends of the oval-shaped raceway pond helps create turbulence and water mixing to facilitate 15 circulation and rapid algae growth.

Raceway ponds are typically constructed using standard fabrication techniques and materials. The sidewalls are usually formed using metal or polymer frames, cement molding, bricks (of a rectangular profile), fiberglass or polymer molding, or by digging trenches in the ground. The walls and floor bed 20 may be lined with waterproof material, such as a plastic lining, to prevent water seepage. A raceway pond may be fabricated as an integral unit, such as in the form of a plastic tank with embedded partition wall, examples of which are developed and promoted by the company MicroBio Engineering, Inc. (https://microbioengineering.com/products/). 25 U.S. Patent Application No. 2015/0182923 to Algenol discloses a liquid agitation system comprising an agitation element designed to agitate and mix a liquid medium when in motion on the surface of the liquid medium, thereby enhancing energy efficiency of mass transfer into and out of the liquid medium, a kit for the liquid agitation system and a method of using the agitation element. The 5 kit for the liquid agitation system is defined as a kit comprising: a vessel; a liquid having a depth in the vessel of from about 1 inch to about 2 inches; an agitation element, comprising a planar surface and a plurality of ridges or a plurality of hemispherical protrusions that protrude from the planar face, wherein depressions are formed between the ridges or hemispherical protrusions; and a drive system. 10 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is thus provided a method for constructing a raceway pond for cultivating algae. The method comprises the steps of: forming a foundation for a raceway bed of the raceway pond by setting a substrate on a leveled ground area; and constructing 5 a perimeter wall and a central partition of the raceway pond by: mounting and binding a plurality of lower blocks onto the substrate, along a perimeter and along a centerline of the raceway bed, such that the mounted lower blocks are adjoined horizontally in series; mounting and binding a plurality of upper blocks onto the lower blocks along the perimeter and along the centerline of the raceway bed, 10 such that the mounted upper blocks are adjoined horizontally in series, each of the upper blocks having a cavity therein, the cavity oriented upwards when mounting a respective upper block, to form adjoining cavities of successive upper blocks; and positioning reinforcement members through the cavities, interconnecting the reinforcement members, and filling the cavities with a filling 15 agent. The method further comprises the step of mounting a terminal member, comprising a semi-cylindrical shell, on respective longitudinal ends of the central partition, to form a curvature thereon. The method further comprises the step of inlaying an internal surface of the perimeter wall, and the central partition, with a waterproof lining, and filling the raceway bed with water. The method further 20 comprises the step of mounting a water flow mechanism in the raceway pond, for circulating cultivated algae along at least one channel between the perimeter wall and the central partition. Respective ones of the lower blocks and the upper blocks is integrated into a modular structural member. The lining may be disposed on a thermally insulating layer composed of a polymer material. The cavity of the upper 25 block may be a U-shaped cavity. The substrate may be further integrated into the modular structural member. The method may further comprise the step of detecting at least one parameter relating to the raceway pond or the cultivated algae, using at least one sensor. The method may further comprise the step of receiving at least one detected parameter from the sensor, and modifying 5 accordingly at least one parameter of the raceway pond or the cultivated algae, using a controller. At least one of the steps of the method may be operative to be performed by a robotic builder.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is thus provided a kit for constructing a raceway pond for cultivating algae. The kit 10 comprises a substrate, configured to be set on a leveled ground area, to form a foundation for a raceway bed of the raceway pond. The kit comprises a plurality of structural members. Each of the structural members comprises: a lower block; and an upper block, having a cavity therein. The structural members are configured to be mounted onto the substrate, along a perimeter and along a 15 centerline of the raceway bed, such that the mounted lower blocks are adjoined horizontally in series on the substrate, and the mounted upper blocks are adjoined horizontally in series on the lower blocks, the cavity oriented upwards when mounting a respective upper block, to form adjoining cavities of successive upper blocks. The kit further comprises a plurality of reinforcement members, configured 20 to be positioned and interconnected through the cavities to be filled with a filling agent, to construct a perimeter wall and a central partition of the raceway pond.

The kit further comprises a terminal member comprising a semi-cylindrical shell, the terminal member configured for mounting on respective longitudinal ends of the central partition, to form a curvature thereon. The kit further comprises a 25 waterproof lining, configured for inlaying an internal surface of the perimeter wall and the central partition, before filling the raceway bed with water. The kit further comprises a water flow mechanism, configured for mounting in the raceway pond for circulating cultivated algae along at least one channel between the perimeter wall and the central partition. The lining may be disposed on a thermally insulating 5 layer composed of a polymer material. The cavity of the upper block may be a U- shaped cavity. The substrate may be further integrated into the modular structural member. The kit may further comprise at least one sensor, configured to detect at least one parameter relating to the raceway pond or the cultivated algae. The sensor may include at least one of: a relative humidity sensor; a temperature 10 sensor; an inlet/outlet flow rate sensor; a pH level sensor; an electrical conductivity sensor; a turbidity sensor; a redox sensor; a nitrate sensor; an electric conductivity sensor, a salt content sensor, a biomass level sensor; an optical sensor; an ambient light sensor; a timer; a vibration sensor; and a combination thereof. The kit may further comprise a controller, configured to receive at least one detected 15 parameter from the sensor, and to modify accordingly at least one parameter of the raceway pond or the cultivated algae. The controller may be configured for controlling at least one parameter or device of: a biomass level alarm; a temperature alarm; a supply valve; an output valve; a paddle wheel alarm; a paddle wheel rotational velocity; a shielding arrangement; an air conditioning 20 system; at least one metering pump; a salt metering pump; a harvesting pump; a water temperature; a pH level; a turbidity; a radiation level; a heating pump; a ventilator; a CO2 injection system; a pond mixer; and a combination thereof. A robotic builder may be preprogrammed to perform at least one of: setting the substrate on a leveled ground area; mounting and binding the lower blocks onto 25 the substrate; mounting and binding the upper blocks onto the lower blocks; and positioning the reinforcement members through the cavities, interconnecting the reinforcement members, and filling the cavities with a filling agent. At least one of the structural members may be prefabricated with a defined curvature for establishing a curvilinear portion of the perimeter wall. 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view illustration of a raceway pond, 5 constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic top view illustration of a raceway pond, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 10 Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustration of a structural member for establishing a perimeter wall and a central partition of a raceway pond, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view illustration of a terminal 15 member of a central partition of a raceway pond, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is an exploded view illustration of a raceway pond, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 is a partial perspective view illustration of a raceway pond with 20 a paddle wheel, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same references relate to the same elements.

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by 5 providing a novel method and assembly kit for constructing a raceway pond for algae cultivation ("algaculture"). The assembly kit includes a plurality of structural members, each composed of a bottom layer substrate, a lower block, and an upper block having a cavity. The substrate is set to form a foundation of a raceway bed of the raceway pond, and the lower blocks and upper blocks are mounted and 10 bound to one another with reinforcement members inserted and connected through the cavities of adjoining upper blocks, to construct a perimeter wall and a central partition of the raceway pond. The assembly kit provides basic modular construction elements for enabling mass production of new raceway ponds, in a rapid, efficient and cost effective manner, reducing costs and time associated with 15 standard raceway pond construction processes. The assembly kit allows for robotic construction in automated manner with minimize human involvement, further reducing costs and enhancing construction efficiency. The basic modular construction elements may be designed and fabricated using three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques in a straightforward manner. 20 The term "raceway pond" is used herein to refer to any artificial water pond arrangement in which cultivated algae circulates in water through at least one interior circulation channel while being exposed to sunlight. A raceway pond is typically substantially oval shaped, i.e., with curved end portions, but may be or include alternate shapes, in accordance with embodiments of the present 25 invention. A raceway pond is typically enclosed but may alternatively be partially enclosed, e.g., having at least one opening in a perimeter thereof, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

The term "algae" is used herein to broadly refer to a group of taxonomically unrelated organisms that generally share common traits (with 5 certain exceptions), such as: oxygenic photosynthesis, chlorophylls as main photosynthetic pigment, lack of differentiated tissues, and predominantly producing in aquatic ecosystems, including but not limited to: eukaryotic microalgae and seaweeds; unicellular microalgae (e.g., Chlorella) and multicellular algae (e.g., bladder kelp); and prokaryotic organisms such as 10 cyanobacteria.

Reference is now made to Figures 1 and 2 presenting perspective and top view illustrations, respectively, of a raceway pond, generally referenced 100, for cultivating algae, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Raceway pond 100 includes an outer 15 perimeter wall 110 defining an enclosed space, and a central partition 1 extending longitudinally along the enclosed space. A raceway bed 130 is defined by the enclosed flat area in the interior of raceway pond 100 between the inner surfaces of perimeter wall 110 and outer surfaces of central partition 120. A waterproof lining (not shown) is laid over raceway bed 130. Algae circulates 20 through one or more closed circulation channels formed on raceway bed 1 between perimeter wall 110 and central partition 120 confining the cultivated algae therewithin. A paddle wheel or other water flow mechanism (not shown) in raceway pond 100 generates continuous water flow to maintain circulation of the algae along the circulation channel. Central partition 120 acts as a flow guide to 25 direct the algae through the channel along the inner sides of perimeter wall 110.

Perimeter wall 110 is generally straight along the main longitudinal axis and curved along the transverse axis at both longitudinal ends, providing a substantially oval shape to raceway pond 100, which may help create turbulence and facilitate circulation. 5 Practically, construction of a raceway pond begins with levelling a ground surface. A foundation for raceway bed 130 is established by laying a substrate material, such as concrete, onto a defined area of the leveled ground.

For example, a plurality of concrete bricks 135 is placed onto the leveled ground to form a base substrate layer. An optional base platform 140 may be constructed 10 under and around the area on which the raceway pond is deployed, the base platform 140 also composed of concrete and extending beyond the peripheral edges of the main raceway pond contour. Subsequently, the perimeter wall 1 and central partition 120 are formed by mounting modular structural blocks onto the substrate, as will be elaborated upon hereinbelow. 15 Reference is now made to Fig. 3 presenting a cross-sectional view illustration of a structural member 150 for establishing a perimeter wall (110) and a central partition (120) of a raceway pond (100), constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Structural member 1 includes a bottom layer substrate 153, such as concrete, which is initially laid on 20 the leveled ground to form the raceway bed. Structural member 150 further includes a lower block 155, and an upper block 157. Lower block 155 is a standard rectangular block or brick, such as a 20cm x 20cm concrete block. Upper block 157 is also a rectangular concrete block but having a substantially U-shaped cavity 159. At an initial step of establishing perimeter wall 110 and central partition 25 120, plurality of lower blocks 155 are mounted onto substrate 153 along a perimeter of bed 130 and along a longitudinal axis thereof. Lower blocks 155 are mounted abutting or adjoining one another horizontally in series and bound to one another with a binding agent, such as concrete, and fixedly adhered to the concrete binding material of substrate 153. Plurality of upper blocks 157 are then 5 sequentially mounted onto lower blocks 155 along the defined perimeter and longitudinal axis. Upper blocks 157 are mounted such that cavities 159 are oriented upward. Upper blocks 157 are also mounted in abutment and adjoined horizontally in series, and are bound to one another and to the underlying lower blocks 155 with a binding agent. Subsequently, reinforcement members 156 are 10 respectively inserted into cavities 159 of adjoining upper blocks 157 and interconnected. A reinforcement member 156 may be any material or structure suitable for concrete reinforcement, such as a metal rod. For example, reinforcement members 145 may be made from metal composites, fiberglass, or engineered concrete composites (ECC), in the form of one or more rods, wires, 15 grids or cages, beams, fibers, wire mesh, microfibers, and the like. Following insertion and connection of reinforcement members 156, cavities 159 are filled with concrete 154 (or other filling agent), forming the structure of perimeter wall 110 and central partition 120.

The longitudinal ends of central partition 120 are characterized with a 20 curvature conforming to the curved longitudinal ends of perimeter wall 110, to facilitate water flow and algae circulation through the enclosed circulation channel.

Accordingly, each longitudinal end of central partition 120 includes a curved outer portion on the respective terminal blocks. Reference is now made to Fig. presenting a perspective view illustration of a terminal member 160 of a central 25 partition (120) of a raceway pond (100), constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Terminal member 160 includes at least one rectangular concrete block 165, which may be analogous with lower block 155 of structural member 150. Terminal member 160 further includes a shell 163, which is semi-cylindrical or half-tube shaped, coupled to a longitudinal end 5 of block 165. A gap between block 165 and shell 163 is filled with concrete or other filling agent 167. Terminal member 160 is positioned at a respective terminal longitudinal end of central partition 120 (not shown), such that shell 163 of the terminal member 160 forms a curvature at each end of central partition 120, to facilitate water flow and algae circulation. The mounted terminal members 160 10 may also serve as anchor points for the installation of the raceway bed lining, and helps prevent the formation of defects in the lining. Shell 163 further acts as a sealant for central partition 120.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a kit is provided for construction of a raceway pond. The kit includes modular prefabricated 15 components, including at least: a plurality of structural members 150, each structural member 150 including: a substrate 153, a lower block 155, and an upper block 157 having a substantially U-shaped cavity 159; and a plurality of terminal members 160, each terminal member 160 having a shell 163 covering an external end of a block 165. The kit may further include additional components for raceway 20 pond construction, such as a waterproof lining for placing on the raceway bed, and a water flow mechanism, such as a paddle wheel, for generating water circulation.

Reference is now made to Fig. 5 presenting an exploded view illustration of a raceway pond 100, constructed and operative in accordance with 25 an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 depicts the structural formation of raceway pond 100 using components of a modular raceway pond kit in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Specifically, a foundation for raceway bed 130 is established by setting substrate 153, and pluralities of lower blocks 155 and upper blocks 157 are successively mounted in series and bound 5 to one another on substrate 153, along a perimeter and an interior longitudinal axis of raceway bed 130, to form perimeter wall 110 and central partition 120 of raceway pond 100. Terminal members 160 are positioned at respective terminal ends of central partition 120. The curvilinear portion of perimeter wall 110 may be provided by lower blocks 155 and upper blocks 157 placed upright in a curved 10 arrangement. Alternatively, structural members 150 designed for establishing curvilinear portions of perimeter wall 110 may be pre-cut and pre-fabricated according to a defined curvature of the curvilinear portions.

A food-safe waterproof lining (not shown) is placed on raceway bed.

The waterproof lining may be applied directly on the internal surface of the 15 raceway bed, or on top of a thermally insulating layer made from a polymer foam or other suitable material (e.g., geo-membrane; mesh; wool; cloth) to improve thermal stability of the raceway pond. The polymer material of the thermally insulating layer may include: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), or other similar polymers. Raceway pond 110 20 may then be filled with water (or other suitable fluid) and supplied with algae for cultivation. A paddle wheel or other water flow mechanism is provided for generating continuous water flow for circulating the cultivated algae.

Reference is now made to Fig. 6 presenting a perspective view illustration of a raceway pond with a paddle wheel, referenced 170, constructed 25 and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Paddle wheel 170 is mounted on raceway bed 130 between perimeter wall 110 and central partition 120, and generates rotary motion in the water contained in raceway pond 100 to circulate the contained algae along one or more flow channels. Paddle wheel 170 may include a mechanism for adjusting a height 5 position of paddle wheel 170 relative to raceway bed 130, and for adjusting a lateral position of paddle wheel 170 in relation to the algae flow.

The raceway pond kit may further include a controller and one or more sensors or monitoring devices configured for detecting and monitoring parameters relating to the cultivated algae. For example, the sensors may include: a relative 10 humidity sensor; a temperature sensor; an inlet/outlet flow rate sensor; a pH level sensor; an electrical conductivity sensor; a turbidity sensor; a redox sensor; a nitrate sensor; an electric conductivity sensor; a salt content sensor; a biomass level sensor; an optical sensor; an indoor/outdoor ambient light sensor; a timer; a vibration sensor; and the like. The sensors may transmit an electric signal 15 corresponding to a detected parameter to the controller, which may adjust or modify parameters of raceway pond accordingly. For example, the controller may receive an indication of detected water temperature in raceway pond obtained from a water temperature sensor, and may increase or decrease heat of water if the detected temperature is too high or too low for optimal algae harvesting 20 conditions, such as by activating a heating pump or ventilator or shading mechanism to adjust the pond water temperature. In further examples, pond level sensor readings may activate the opening or closing of valves or sending of alerts according to detected water level; pH sensor readings may direct the activation and controlling of a CO2 injection system for lowering pH levels in the pond water; 25 turbidity sensor readings may direct the activation and controlling of harvest pumps and/or filtration units to adjust the turbidity (relative clarity or haziness) of the pond water; and radiation sensor readings may direct pond mixing for adjusting radiation level. Improved or optimized operation of the established raceway pond may be provided by the controller, which may be configured for 5 controlling one or more devices, such as: a biomass level alarm, a temperature alarm, a supply valve, an output valve, a paddle wheel alarm, rotational velocity of the paddle wheel, a shielding arrangement, an air conditioning system, at least one metering pump for dispensing nutrients and minerals, a salt metering pump, a harvesting pump, and any combination thereof. The controller may be 10 configured for controlling one or more devices such as: a level alarm, a temperature alarm, a supply valve, an output valve, a flow meter, a paddle wheel alarm, rotational velocity of a paddle wheel, a shielding arrangement, an air conditioning system, at least one metering pump for dispensing nutrients and minerals, a salt metering pump, a harvesting pump and any combination thereof. 15 The raceway pond kit may further include additional elements, devices or controllers configured to facilitate or improve the operation of raceway pond and/or the growth and cultivation of the contained algae, including but not limited to: a gas injection system; a smart mixing device; an artificial lighting device; a temperature controller; a mechanical filter; a skimmer a current straightener; and 20 the like. A greenhouse structure may be established around the raceway pond and configured for controlling a microenvironment therewithin.

The structural members 150 or terminal members 160 of the raceway pond kit, may include or be composed of any suitable material, such as: concrete, plastic, ceramics, composite, and any combination thereof. A filling agent, such 25 as filling agent 154 used for filling cavities 159 of upper blocks 157, may include or be composed of any suitable material, such as: concrete, plastic, ceramics, composite, and any combination thereof.

The kit of the present invention may allow for robotic construction of the raceway pond using industrial robots or machines operating in automated 5 processes. Such a kit may allow for mass production of new raceway ponds, in a rapid, efficient and cost effective manner and with minimal human involvement, reducing costs and time required by standard raceway pond construction techniques and components. The kit components (i.e., structural member 150, terminal member 160) are compatible with robotic brick laying technologies, which 10 is a form of automated three-dimensional (3D) construction. The relatively simple contour and minimal height of the raceway pond structure allows for its rapid deployment. In addition, components of the kit, such as structural member 1 and terminal member 160, may be produced by traditional processes or in different lengths and forms using extrusion and three-dimensional (3D) printing 15 techniques known in the art, leveraging different materials, such as polymers, composites, and bio-composites integrated with or replacing concrete blocks or slabs. The application of such extrusion and 3D printing techniques may provide rapid, flexible and on demand component production, and reduce time and costs for construction. 20 The kit may further include a robotic builder, preprogrammed for mounting or placing at least one element of the raceway pond construction, such as for mounting structural members 150 to establish raceway bed 130, perimeter wall 110, and central partition 120, for inlaying waterproof lining material on an inner surface of the raceway bed 130, perimeter wall 110 and central partition 25 and/or for mounting a paddle wheel 170 between the perimeter wall 110 and central partition 120 for circulating the algae within the raceway pond.

According to the present invention, a method for constructing a raceway pond for cultivating algae is provided. The method comprises the steps of: forming a foundation for a raceway bed of the raceway pond by setting a 5 substrate on a leveled ground area; and constructing a perimeter wall and a central partition of the raceway pond by: mounting and binding a plurality of lower blocks onto the substrate, along a perimeter and along a centerline of the raceway bed, such that the mounted lower blocks are adjoined horizontally in series; mounting and binding a plurality of upper blocks onto the lower blocks along the 10 perimeter and along the centerline of the raceway bed, such that the mounted upper blocks are adjoined horizontally in series, each of the upper blocks having a cavity therein, the cavity oriented upwards when mounting a respective upper block, to form adjoining cavities of successive upper blocks; and positioning reinforcement members through the cavities, interconnecting the reinforcement 15 members, and filling the cavities with a filling agent. The method may further comprise the step of inlaying an internal surface of the perimeter wall, and the central partition, with a waterproof lining, and filling the raceway bed with water.

The method may further comprise the step of mounting a water flow mechanism in the raceway pond, for circulating the cultivated algae along at least one channel 20 between the perimeter wall and the central partition. The method may further comprise the step of mounting a terminal member on respective longitudinal ends of the central partition, the terminal member comprising a semi-cylindrical shell, to form a curvature at each longitudinal end of the central partition.

While certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter have been described, so as to enable one of skill in the art to practice the present invention, the preceding description is intended to be exemplary only. It should not be used to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter, which should be determined by reference to the following claims. 5

Claims (17)

-20- CLAIMS

1. A method for constructing a raceway pond for cultivating algae, the method comprising the steps of: forming a foundation for a raceway bed of the raceway pond by setting a substrate on a leveled ground area; 5 constructing a perimeter wall and a central partition of the raceway pond by: mounting and binding a plurality of lower blocks onto the substrate, along a perimeter and along a centerline of the raceway bed, such that the mounted lower blocks are adjoined horizontally in series; 10 mounting and binding a plurality of upper blocks onto the lower blocks along the perimeter and along the centerline of the raceway bed, such that the mounted upper blocks are adjoined horizontally in series, each of the upper blocks having a cavity therein, the cavity oriented upwards when mounting a respective upper block, to form adjoining 15 cavities of successive upper blocks; and positioning reinforcement members through the cavities, interconnecting the reinforcement members, and filling the cavities with a filling agent, mounting a terminal member, comprising a semi-cylindrical shell, on 20 respective longitudinal ends of the central partition, to form a curvature thereon; inlaying an internal surface of the perimeter wall and the central partition with a waterproof lining, and filling the raceway bed with water, and -21- mounting a water flow mechanism in the raceway pond, for circulating cultivated algae along at least one channel between the perimeter wall and the central partition, wherein respective ones of the lower blocks and the upper blocks is integrated into a modular structural member. 5

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the lining is disposed on a thermally insulating layer composed of a polymer material.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the cavity of the upper block is a U-shaped 10 cavity.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the substrate is further integrated into the modular structural member. 15

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of detecting at least one parameter relating to the raceway pond or the cultivated algae, using at least one sensor.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of receiving at least one 20 detected parameter from the sensor, and modifying accordingly at least one parameter of the raceway pond or the cultivated algae, using a controller.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the steps is operative to be performed by a robotic builder. 25 -22-

8. A kit for constructing a raceway pond for cultivating algae, the kit comprising: a substrate, configured to be set on a leveled ground area, to form a foundation for a raceway bed of the raceway pond; a plurality of modular structural members, each of the structural 5 members comprising: a lower block; and an upper block, having a cavity therein, the structural members configured to be mounted onto the substrate, along a perimeter and along a centerline of the raceway bed, such that the 10 mounted lower blocks are adjoined horizontally in series on the substrate, and the mounted upper blocks are adjoined horizontally in series on the lower blocks, the cavity oriented upwards when mounting a respective upper block, to form adjoining cavities of successive upper blocks, the kit further comprising: 15 a plurality of reinforcement members, configured to be positioned and interconnected through the cavities to be filled with a filling agent, to construct a perimeter wall and a central partition of the raceway pond; a terminal member comprising a semi-cylindrical shell, the terminal member configured for mounting on respective longitudinal ends of the 20 central partition, to form a curvature thereon; a waterproof lining, configured for inlaying an internal surface of the perimeter wall and the central partition, before filling the raceway bed with water; and -23- a water flow mechanism, configured for mounting in the raceway pond, for circulating cultivated algae along at least one channel between the perimeter wall and the central partition.

9. The kit of claim 8, wherein the lining is disposed on a thermally insulating 5 layer composed of a polymer material.

10. The kit of claim 8, wherein the cavity of the upper block is a U-shaped cavity.

11. The kit of claim 8, wherein the substrate is further integrated into the modular 10 structural member.

12. The kit of claim 8, further comprising at least one sensor, configured to detect at least one parameter relating to the raceway pond or the cultivated algae. 15

13. The kit of claim 11, wherein the sensor is selected from the group consisting of: a relative humidity sensor; a temperature sensor; an inlet/outlet flow rate sensor; a pH level sensor; an electrical conductivity sensor; a turbidity sensor; a redox sensor; a nitrate sensor; an electric conductivity sensor, a salt content sensor, a biomass level sensor; an optical sensor; an ambient 20 light sensor; a timer; a vibration sensor; and a combination thereof.

14. The kit of claim 11, further comprising a controller, configured to receive at least one detected parameter from the sensor, and to modify accordingly at least one parameter of the raceway pond or the cultivated algae. 25 -24-

15. The kit of claim 11, wherein said controller is configured for controlling at least one parameter or device selected from the group consisting of: a biomass level alarm; a temperature alarm; a supply valve; an output valve; a paddle wheel alarm; a paddle wheel rotational velocity; a shielding 5 arrangement; an air conditioning system; at least one metering pump; a salt metering pump; a harvesting pump; a water temperature; a pH level; a turbidity; a radiation level; a heating pump; a ventilator; a CO2 injection system; a pond mixer; and a combination thereof. 10

16. The kit of claim 8, wherein a robotic builder is preprogrammed to perform at least one of: setting the substrate on a leveled ground area; mounting and binding the lower blocks onto the substrate; mounting and binding the upper blocks onto the lower blocks; and 15 positioning the reinforcement members through the cavities, interconnecting the reinforcement members, and filling the cavities with a filling agent.

17. The kit of claim 8, wherein at least one of said structural members is prefabricated with a defined curvature for establishing a curvilinear portion 20 of the perimeter wall.