Strain fermentation tank based on waste heat phase change energy storage

Abstract

The utility model discloses a strain fermentation tank based on waste heat phase change energy storage, which comprises a tank body, a stirring system and a jacket temperature control system, a jacket is arranged on the outer wall of the tank body, a phase change material layer is filled between the jacket and the outer wall of the tank body, and the melting point of the phase change material is minus DEG C; a cooling water inlet of the jacket is positioned at the bottom of the tank body, a cooling water outlet is positioned at the top of the tank body, and a phase change material layer (with the melting point of 28-32 DEG C) filled between the jacket and the outer wall of the tank body forms a thermal buffer zone near the optimum growth temperature of strains by utilizing the phase change energy storage characteristic. When hyphae metabolize to produce heat, the phase change material preferentially absorbs latent heat to delay temperature rise; after the cooling system is started, heat stored in the cooling system is slowly released, and sudden temperature drop is avoided. Compared with the periodical fluctuation of + / -2 DEG C of a traditional jacket, the structure can control the temperature fluctuation to be + / -0.5 DEG C, thermal shock is reduced through a smooth temperature curve, and the enzyme activity of hyphae is kept stable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of microbial fermentation equipment, and in particular to a microbial fermentation tank based on waste heat phase change energy storage. Background Technology

[0002] Temperature is a critical factor affecting microbial growth and metabolism during fermentation. Traditional fermenters typically employ jacketed water-cooling or steam-heating systems, but these have significant drawbacks: Due to the lack of an effective thermal buffering mechanism, the periodic start-up and shutdown of the cooling water causes significant temperature fluctuations within the tank (±2℃), directly impacting mycelial enzyme activity and the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Simultaneously, waste heat generated during fermentation is directly discharged with the cooling water, resulting in low energy efficiency, and the frequent start-up and shutdown of the cooling system leads to high pump energy consumption and short equipment lifespan. Furthermore, traditional jacketed structures cannot maintain stable tank temperatures during sudden power outages, leading to rapid temperature runaway and increasing the risk of contamination. The use of large amounts of cooling water not only wastes water resources but also increases wastewater treatment costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] Purpose of the Invention: The purpose of this invention is to provide a microbial fermentation tank based on waste heat phase change energy storage. The phase change material layer (melting point 28-32℃) filling the space between the tank jacket and the outer wall utilizes the energy storage characteristics of phase change to form a "thermal buffer zone" near the optimal growth temperature of the microorganisms. When the mycelium generates heat through metabolism, the phase change material preferentially absorbs latent heat, delaying the temperature rise; after the cooling system is activated, the stored heat is released slowly, avoiding a sudden temperature drop. Compared to the periodic fluctuations of ±2℃ in traditional jackets, this structure can control temperature fluctuations within ±0.5℃, reducing thermal shock by smoothing the temperature curve and maintaining stable mycelial enzyme activity.

[0004] Technical solution:

[0005] A microbial fermentation tank based on waste heat phase change energy storage includes a tank body, a stirring system, and a jacketed temperature control system. The outer wall of the tank body is provided with a jacket, and a phase change material layer is filled between the jacket and the outer wall of the tank body. The phase change material has a melting point of -℃. The cooling water inlet of the jacket is located at the bottom of the tank body, and the cooling water outlet is located at the top of the tank body.

[0006] Furthermore, the phase change material layer is a paraffin and expanded graphite composite material layer.

[0007] Furthermore, the mass ratio of paraffin to expanded graphite in the phase change material layer is 8:2 to 9:1, and the thermal conductivity is ≥5W / m·K.

[0008] Furthermore, a guide plate is provided inside the jacket, which divides the jacket to form a spiral upward flow channel.

[0009] Furthermore, the stirring system is an airlift stirring structure, including multiple microporous gas distribution pipes arranged vertically inside the tank. The bottom of the distribution pipe is connected to the air compressor through an annular gas collecting pipe, and the top is connected to the exhaust gas return pipe. The exhaust gas return pipe is filtered by a water washing tank and then connected to the air compressor inlet.

[0010] Furthermore, the pore size of the microporous gas distribution tube is 0.1-0.3 mm, and the gas injection velocity is 0.5-1.2 m / s.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a heat pump coupled temperature control assembly, which includes a heat pump evaporator, a heat pump condenser, and a controller. The heat pump evaporator is connected to the cooling water outlet of the jacket, and the heat pump condenser is connected to the culture medium heating tube.

[0012] Beneficial effects:

[0013] 1. The phase change material layer (melting point 28-32℃) filling the space between the tank jacket and the outer wall utilizes the energy storage characteristics of phase change to form a "thermal buffer zone" near the optimal growth temperature of the fungi. When the mycelium generates heat through metabolism, the phase change material preferentially absorbs latent heat, delaying the temperature rise; after the cooling system is activated, the stored heat is released slowly, avoiding a sudden drop in temperature. Compared to the periodic fluctuations of ±2℃ in traditional jackets, this structure can control temperature fluctuations within ±0.5℃, reducing thermal shock by smoothing the temperature curve and maintaining stable mycelial enzyme activity.

[0014] 2. The waste heat absorbed by the phase change material layer during fermentation is recovered through a heat pump coupling assembly. After being extracted by the heat pump evaporator, it is used by the condenser to preheat the culture medium or for workshop heating, significantly reducing external energy input. At the same time, the thermal buffering effect of the phase change material reduces the start-up and shutdown frequency of the cooling water system by 30%-40%. Combined with the jacketed spiral guide plate to extend the heat exchange path, the cooling water flow rate is reduced while ensuring temperature control.

[0015] 3. In the event of a sudden power outage, the phase change material layer, thanks to its energy storage characteristics, can maintain the tank temperature for 2-4 hours. Compared to the traditional jacket's tendency to lose control within 10 minutes, this reduces the risk of contamination caused by short-term power outages from 15% to 3%. When faced with a sudden surge in heat generation from mycelial metabolism, the phase change material can quickly absorb peak heat, preventing overload of the cooling system and significantly reducing the differences in batch fermentation results, effectively improving process repeatability and production safety. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the utility model in cross-section;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a perspective perspective view of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the technical solution of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0021] Example 1

[0022] like Figure 1-4 As shown, a microbial fermentation tank based on waste heat phase change energy storage includes a tank body 1, a stirring system 2, and a jacketed temperature control system 3. The outer wall of the tank body 1 is provided with a jacket 31, and a phase change material layer 32 is filled between the jacket 31 and the outer wall of the tank body 1. The phase change material has a melting point of 28-32℃. The cooling water inlet 33 of the jacket 31 is located at the bottom of the tank body, and the cooling water outlet 34 is located at the top of the tank body.

[0023] Heating stage: When the temperature inside the tank is below 28°C, the phase change material layer 32 is in a solid state. The heat pump condenser 42 heats the tank through the culture medium heating pipe, while the phase change material slowly absorbs heat and gradually softens.

[0024] Isothermal stage: When the temperature reaches the range of 28-32℃, the phase change material enters a solid-liquid coexistence state, absorbing or releasing latent heat to buffer temperature fluctuations. For example, when the heat generated by mycelial metabolism raises the tank temperature to 32℃, the phase change material melts and absorbs heat, delaying the frequency of cooling water activation; when the tank temperature drops to 28℃, the phase change material solidifies and releases heat, reducing heating requirements.

[0025] Cooling stage: If the tank temperature exceeds 32°C, cooling water flows in from the bottom inlet 33 of the jacket, exchanges heat fully with the phase change material layer along the spiral rising channel, absorbs the heat stored therein, and is discharged from the top outlet 34, entering the heat pump evaporator 41 to recover waste heat.

[0026] Furthermore, the phase change material layer 32 is a paraffin and expanded graphite composite material layer.

[0027] Furthermore, the mass ratio of paraffin to expanded graphite in the phase change material layer 32 is 8:2 to 9:1, and the thermal conductivity is ≥5W / m·K.

[0028] Furthermore, a guide plate 311 is provided inside the jacket 31, which divides the jacket to form a spiral upward flow channel. The spiral arrangement of the guide plate 311 inside the jacket 31 forces the cooling water to move spirally upward along the tank wall, prolonging the residence time and enhancing the degree of turbulence, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the phase change material layer and the cooling water and avoiding local heat accumulation.

[0029] Furthermore, the stirring system 2 is an airlift stirring structure, including multiple microporous gas distribution pipes 21 arranged vertically in the tank. The bottom of the distribution pipes 21 is connected to the air compressor 22 through an annular gas collecting pipe 211, and the top is connected to the exhaust gas return pipe 23. The exhaust gas return pipe 23 is filtered by the water washing tank 24 and then connected to the inlet of the air compressor 22.

[0030] Furthermore, the pore size of the microporous gas distribution tube 21 is 0.1-0.3 mm, and the gas injection velocity is 0.5-1.2 m / s.

[0031] The stirring system 2 adopts an airlift structure, with multiple microporous gas distribution pipes 21 vertically installed inside the tank, and the bottom connected to the air compressor 22 through an annular gas collecting pipe 211. The sterile air output from the air compressor is injected through the micropores (pore diameter 0.1-0.3mm) at a speed of 0.5-1.2m / s, forming tiny bubbles with a diameter of 0.5-2mm.

[0032] As microbubbles rise, they generate buoyancy, driving the liquid inside the tank to form a bottom-up circulating flow. Simultaneously, the shear force generated when bubbles burst promotes the mixing of the gas, liquid, and solid phases. Compared to traditional mechanical stirring, this structure requires no motor drive, reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, the uniform distribution of bubbles increases the dissolved oxygen coefficient (kLa), meeting the dissolved oxygen requirements of aerobic bacteria.

[0033] The exhaust gas from the top enters the water washing tank 24 through the return pipe 23. The tank is filled with activated carbon or fiber packing to filter and remove aerosols and metabolic products (such as ethanol and organic acids) from the fermentation exhaust gas. The clean gas is then returned to the inlet of the air compressor 22 for recycling.

[0034] Furthermore, it also includes a heat pump coupled temperature control component 4, which includes a heat pump evaporator 41, a heat pump condenser 42 and a controller. The heat pump evaporator 41 is connected to the cooling water outlet 34 of the jacket 31, and the heat pump condenser 42 is connected to the culture medium heating tube.

[0035] The heat pump coupled temperature control component 4 achieves fully automatic energy management through the controller:

[0036] Waste heat extraction: High-temperature cooling water (temperature 30-35℃) from jacket outlet 34 flows into heat pump evaporator 41, releasing heat to evaporate the refrigerant. After the water temperature drops to 20-25℃, it returns to the cooling system for recycling.

[0037] Energy Upgrade Utilization: The refrigerant after evaporation is pressurized and heated by the compressor, and the heat is released in the heat pump condenser 42 to preheat the culture medium to be sterilized (heating from 20℃ to 50-60℃) or to provide heating in the workshop, realizing the energy cascade utilization of "fermentation waste heat → culture medium preheating / space heating".

[0038] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A microbial fermentation tank based on waste heat phase change energy storage, comprising a tank body (1), a stirring system (2), and a jacketed temperature control system (3), characterized in that: The outer wall of the tank (1) is provided with a jacket (31), and a phase change material layer (32) is filled between the jacket (31) and the outer wall of the tank (1). The melting point of the phase change material is 28-32℃. The cooling water inlet (33) of the jacket (31) is located at the bottom of the tank, and the cooling water outlet (34) is located at the top of the tank.

2. The microbial fermentation tank based on waste heat phase change energy storage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phase change material layer (32) is a composite material layer of paraffin and expanded graphite.

3. The microbial fermentation tank based on waste heat phase change energy storage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mass ratio of paraffin to expanded graphite in the phase change material layer (32) is 8:2 to 9:1, and the thermal conductivity is ≥5W / m·K.

4. A microbial fermentation tank based on waste heat phase change energy storage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The jacket (31) is provided with a guide plate (311), which divides the jacket to form a spiral upward flow channel.

5. A microbial fermentation tank based on waste heat phase change energy storage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stirring system (2) is an airlift stirring structure, including multiple microporous gas distribution pipes (21) arranged vertically in the tank. The bottom of the distribution pipe (21) is connected to the air compressor (22) through an annular gas collecting pipe (211), and the top is connected to the exhaust gas return pipe (23). The exhaust gas return pipe (23) is filtered by a water washing tank (24) and then connected to the inlet of the air compressor (22).

6. A microbial fermentation tank based on waste heat phase change energy storage according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pore size of the microporous gas distribution tube (21) is 0.1-0.3 mm, and the gas injection speed is 0.5-1.2 m / s.

7. A microbial fermentation tank based on waste heat phase change energy storage according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a heat pump coupled temperature control assembly (4), which includes a heat pump evaporator (41), a heat pump condenser (42) and a controller. The heat pump evaporator (41) is connected to the cooling water outlet (34) of the jacket (31), and the heat pump condenser (42) is connected to the culture medium heating tube.

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