Device for recovering carbon from microalgae

Abstract

To provide a device for recovering carbon from microalgae that does not require high-pressure gas and can directly introduce outside air. [Solution] The device of this invention is a light-type photobioreactor, consisting of a glass tube, a high-efficiency LED light-emitting component, a solar panel, a high-efficiency aeration unit, and a smart monitoring unit. Microalgae are housed inside the glass tube, and an anti-fouling material is formed on the inner wall surface. During the microalgae growth process, carbon dioxide in the air is converted into a carbon source to absorb nutrients. The solar panel converts solar energy into electricity, and the LED lights provide high-efficiency lighting, thereby maintaining nighttime visibility. Carbon dioxide is recovered through photosynthesis 24 hours a day. The smart monitoring unit performs smart management, monitoring environmental parameters and carbon dioxide utilization rate, and adjusting the color temperature of the LEDs, resulting in high-efficiency algae seed cultivation, resulting in algae accumulation and carbon dioxide removal.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention is a device for recovering carbon from microalgae, and in particular, it does not require high-pressure gas but instead directly introduces outside air. It uses carbon dioxide in the air as the main nutrient source, converts it into a carbon source, and simultaneously absorbs nutrients. It also incorporates the concept of space art, and achieves the effects of energy self-sufficiency and water recycling. [Background technology]

[0002] According to the latest statistics from the Environmental Management Agency of Taiwan, annual carbon dioxide emissions are approximately 261 million tons, currently ranking 21st in the world. The Taiwanese government plans to impose a carbon tax on all industries, meaning that industries with high carbon dioxide emissions will have to pay a greater share of the costs of maintaining the global environment. Therefore, effectively reducing carbon dioxide emissions is an urgent task for the Taiwanese government and businesses. Most microalgae can directly use carbon dioxide as a carbon source. Their rapid growth and large specific surface area allow them to effectively capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and reduce its concentration. Therefore, microalgae are one of the most efficient organisms on Earth that can fix carbon dioxide, with a carbon sequestration efficiency 10 to 50 times greater than that of terrestrial plants. The carbon-negative properties of microalgae have recently been emphasized as a carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology. Microalgae can effectively capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, directly reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. Currently, numerous companies, both domestic and international, are investing significant resources in developing microalgae carbon-negative technology. For example, the UK-based Brilliant Planet company has utilized algae's excellent carbon capture capabilities to design a suitable carbon capture and storage model. By maintaining optimal algae growth conditions, the company can improve carbon capture performance and utilize solar energy as energy. According to Brilliant Planet, once the carbon capture and storage model is put into practical use, the scale of carbon capture is expected to expand to several billion tons of carbon dioxide per year, with the capture cost per ton estimated at approximately $50-100. Approximately 2 billion tons of carbon can be captured and stored annually, offsetting more than 5.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions generated by human activity. Currently, in the face of climate anomalies across the globe, providing energy has become a major challenge, and according to forecasts of international trends, by 2050, solar power generation systems will become one of the main power sources on the planet, providing approximately 11% of the planet's total electricity demand.Currently, in solar power generation systems, photovoltaic modules account for a huge investment, accounting for 40% of the total cost. Although the useful life of these modules is approximately 25 years, various types of breakdowns are inevitable due to the long-term and harsh environment they operate in, significantly reducing the actual lifespan. If a breakdown occurs, it not only directly affects the module itself, reducing the power generation efficiency, but also indirectly affects the normal operation of the entire system, resulting in significant economic losses.

[0003] Therefore, stable carbon sequestration by microalgae and solar energy supply have become major international and commercial challenges. Microalgae's carbon capture potential offers a niche in carbon trading and carbon neutrality, and countries are actively developing it. Microalgae are also the ideal mode for carbon dioxide re-utilization. Currently, most carbon dioxide capture technologies have the drawback of not being able to release and reuse the carbon dioxide afterward. They generally require complex steps that consume a large amount of energy and require the carbon dioxide to be released and then utilized. Therefore, there is a need for inventions that can capture carbon dioxide and overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies.

[0004] In order to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, the inventor has conducted careful research and utilized scientific principles to propose the present invention, which can effectively solve the above-mentioned drawbacks and has a rational design. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a device for recovering carbon from microalgae that can solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, does not require high-pressure gas, and can directly introduce outside air. It uses carbon dioxide from the air as the main nutrient source, converts it into a carbon source, and simultaneously absorbs nutrients, thereby achieving the concept of combining space art, energy self-sufficiency, and water recycling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a device for recovering carbon from microalgae that does not require high-pressure gas and can directly introduce outside air. The device comprises a glass tube in which microalgae are housed, with an anti-fouling material formed on the inner wall surface. The microalgae use carbon dioxide in the air as their main nutrient source, convert the carbon dioxide into a carbon source, and absorb the nutrients. The device is also equipped with a light-emitting component, a high-efficiency light-emitting diode (LED), installed inside the glass tube to provide high-efficiency lighting. The device maintains nighttime visibility and recovers carbon through photosynthesis 24 hours a day. The device is also equipped with a light-emitting component, a high-efficiency light-emitting diode (LED), installed on the top of the glass tube. The system includes a photovoltaic panel that captures solar energy and converts it into electricity, a high-efficiency aeration unit that is installed inside the glass tube and improves the dispersion and utilization efficiency of carbon dioxide, and a smart monitoring unit that is connected to the glass tube, the high-efficiency LED light-emitting component, the photovoltaic panel, and the high-efficiency aeration unit and monitors environmental parameters, carbon dioxide utilization rate, and LED color temperature, and also obtains algae accumulation and carbon dioxide removal efficiency through high-efficiency algae seed cultivation, with algae concentration, chlorophyll content, and carbon dioxide removal efficiency as key indicators.

[0007] According to the above embodiments of the present invention, the glass tube is a tempered glass tube.

[0008] According to the above embodiments of the present invention, the microalgae are blue-green algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and Chlorella.

[0009] According to the above embodiments of the present invention, the high-efficiency LED light-emitting component is a color-correctable LED lamp.

[0010] According to the above embodiments of the present invention, the environmental parameters include pH value, water temperature, light intensity, and carbon dioxide concentration.

[0011] According to the above embodiments of the present invention, the smart monitoring unit automatically adjusts lighting based on weather and light, and monitors the voltage, current, and temperature data of the solar panel in real time based on the solar panel fault detection model.

[0012] The features and technical contents of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, these drawings are for reference and explanation purposes only and the present invention is not limited thereby. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] Figure 1 shows a conceptual diagram of the structure of the apparatus for recovering carbon from microalgae according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the apparatus for recovering carbon from microalgae according to the present invention 100 is a light-type photobioreactor, and is composed of a glass tube 1, a light-emitting component 2 that is a high-efficiency light-emitting diode (LED), a solar panel 3, a high-efficiency aeration unit 4, and a smart monitoring unit 5.

[0014] The glass tube 1 is a reinforced glass tube in which microalgae 6 are housed, and an anti-adhesion material is formed on the inner wall surface to reduce the growth dependency of the microalgae 6.

[0015] The high-efficiency LED light-emitting component 2 is a color-correctable LED lamp installed within the glass tube 1 to provide high-efficiency lighting, allowing the microalgae carbon recovery device 100 to remain visible at night and perform photosynthesis to recover carbon 24 hours a day.

[0016] The photovoltaic panel 3 is installed on top of the glass tube 1 to capture solar energy and convert it into electricity.

[0017] The high-efficiency aeration unit 4 is a gas diffuser that is installed in the glass tube 1 to improve the dispersion and utilization efficiency of carbon dioxide.

[0018] The smart monitoring unit 5 is connected to the glass tube 1, the high-efficiency LED light-emitting component 2, the solar panel 3, and the high-efficiency aeration unit 4, and monitors environmental parameters, carbon dioxide utilization rate, and LED color temperature. The key indicators used for the monitoring are algae concentration, chlorophyll content, and carbon dioxide removal efficiency, which are then used to achieve the high-efficiency algae seed culture's algae accumulation and carbon dioxide removal efficiency. The above structure constitutes a novel microalgae carbon recovery device 100.

[0019] In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microalgae 6 is a species of algae with high carbon sequestration efficiency, such as blue-green algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and Chlorella.

[0020] According to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the environmental parameters are pH value, water temperature, light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration.

[0021] In a more specific embodiment of the present invention, the smart monitoring unit can automatically adjust lighting based on weather and light to improve energy efficiency and ensure adequate lighting. It also uses a photovoltaic panel fault detection model to instantly monitor data such as voltage, current, and temperature of the photovoltaic panel to ensure the power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic panel.

[0022] The following examples are provided to illustrate the details and content of the present invention, but the scope of the invention is not limited thereto.

[0023] [Implementation Method 1] Construction of a carbon capture device from microalgae and the impact of long-term carbon dioxide removal efficiency

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, this device comprises an anti-fouling material on the surface of a glass tube 1, a highly efficient LED light-emitting component 2, a solar panel 3, a highly efficient aeration unit 4, and a smart monitoring unit 5, thereby constructing a highly efficient microalgae carbon recovery device 100. The total floor area is approximately 60cm x 60cm, and the total height is 2.1m (adjustable depending on the situation). When outdoor air is directly introduced, the effectiveness of carbon dioxide removal and water resource reuse can be predicted and evaluated.

[0025] According to the present invention, three types of microalgae 6, namely, blue-green algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and Chlorella, are selected as experimental subjects.

[0026] (1) Culture method and records This invention is a device 100 for recovering carbon from microalgae, which does not require high-pressure gas but instead directly introduces outside air, converting carbon dioxide in the air into a carbon source and absorbing nutrients at the same time. In a specific embodiment, a 1% algae solution pre-cultured in a laboratory is placed in a glass tube 1, and at room temperature, depending on the temperature difference between day and night and the seasons, the intensity and time of sunlight, and a small amount of algae solution is taken out at each specified day to measure the biomass (i.e., OD 750 The change in temperature and pH is recorded over a 14- to 21-day period.

[0027] (2) Comparison of dispersibility with different culture media BG11, mBG11, and IEF culture media were selected, and different gas diffusers with 0.01-0.05 mm holes were used as high-efficiency aeration units 4 to monitor the diffusion of carbon dioxide into the culture medium and analyze the algae growth rate, protein content, and chlorophyll content.

[0028] (3) Life cycle assessment By analyzing various culture parameters, including chemicals, equipment and power demands, SimaPro software determines the achievable carbon-neutral biomass concentration using total carbon emission equivalents (CO2e).

[0029] [Implementation Method 2] Analyzing bacterial / algal flora in real fields using next-generation sequencing (NGS)

[0030] Due to the extremely complex nature of the microorganisms and microalgae in the environment, traditional bacterial flora analysis methods take a considerable amount of time. Next-generation sequencing, however, does not require the isolation and cultivation steps, meaning that it is possible to analyze a large number of gene sequences and examine the relationship between various operational parameters of the flora.

[0031] [Implementation Method 3] Build a smart monitoring unit to examine the impact of algae concentration and carbon dioxide removal efficiency.

[0032] Since the relationships between each parameter are very complex, a smart monitoring unit is designed to monitor LED color temperature, pH value, water temperature, light intensity, chlorophyll content, and carbon dioxide concentration. The algae concentration, chlorophyll content, and carbon dioxide removal efficiency are also used as key indicators to achieve high-efficiency algae seed cultivation for algae accumulation and carbon dioxide removal.

[0033] The effects improved by this invention are as follows: 1. This invention sequester carbon dioxide into microalgae biomass after carbon sequestration, which facilitates the subsequent development and application of aquatic feed. 2. The absorption of carbon dioxide through microalgae cultivation and the application of LED light can reduce the impact of climate change and at the same time promote a low-carbon lifestyle. 3. The microalgae carbon recovery system can fully utilize the ambient carbon dioxide, and in the photosynthesis process of the microalgae, the carbon dioxide is converted into a carbon source and oxygen is produced, which has the effect of purifying the air and achieving the goal of net-zero carbon emissions. At the same time, the application of solar panels and LED lights further reduces energy consumption, making the whole system more environmentally friendly. 4. The microalgae carbon recovery device realizes smart management of solar panels and LED lights, which can automatically adjust the lighting effect based on weather and light conditions, improving energy utilization efficiency and ensuring appropriate lighting. In addition, the solar panel fault detection model ensures the power generation efficiency of the solar panels. 5. The microalgae carbon recovery device of the present invention can be integrated with solar panels and LED lights to achieve independent and green energy supply, reduce the need for traditional power grids, and improve energy efficiency. 6. The carbon dioxide removal rate of the microalgae recovery system is 95.0% or more during the operation period. 7. The device for recovering carbon from microalgae can realize the concept of combining space art with the effects of energy self-sufficiency and water recycling.

[0034] As described above, the device for recovering carbon from microalgae according to the present invention can effectively eliminate the drawbacks of the conventional technology. It does not require high-pressure gas, but directly introduces outside air, using the carbon dioxide in the air as the main nutrient source, converting the carbon dioxide into a carbon source, and at the same time absorbing nutrients. This device combines the concept of space art, and achieves the effects of energy self-sufficiency and water recycling. It is therefore more advanced and practical, and a request for utility model registration has been filed in accordance with the law.

[0035] The above is merely a better embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereby. All equivalent changes and modifications made based on the scope of the invention registration claims and the contents of the specification of the present invention are included within the scope of the invention registration claims of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a structural conceptual diagram of a device for recovering carbon from microalgae according to the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 1 glass tube 100 Device for recovering carbon from microalgae 2. High-efficiency light-emitting diode light-emitting component 3. Solar panels 4 Highly efficient aeration unit 5. Smart monitoring unit 6 Microalgae

Claims

1. A device for recovering carbon from microalgae that does not require high-pressure gas and can directly introduce outside air. a glass tube in which microalgae are housed, an anti-adhesion material is formed on the inner wall surface, and the microalgae use carbon dioxide in the air as their main nutrient source, convert the carbon dioxide into a carbon source, and absorb the nutrients; a light-emitting component, which is a high-efficiency light-emitting diode (LED), installed within the glass tube to provide high-efficiency lighting and enable the microalgae carbon capture device to maintain nighttime visibility and capture carbon through photosynthesis 24 hours a day; a photovoltaic panel installed on top of the glass tube for capturing solar energy and converting it into electricity; a highly efficient aeration unit installed in the glass tube to improve the dispersion and utilization efficiency of carbon dioxide; a smart monitoring unit connected to the glass tube, the high-efficiency LED light-emitting component, the solar panel, and the high-efficiency aeration unit, for monitoring environmental parameters, carbon dioxide utilization rate, and LED color temperature, and for determining the algae concentration, chlorophyll content, and carbon dioxide removal efficiency as key indicators to obtain the algae accumulation and carbon dioxide removal efficiency through the high-efficiency algae seed cultivation; Contains, An apparatus for recovering carbon from microalgae, characterized by:

2. 2. The apparatus for recovering carbon from microalgae according to claim 1, wherein the glass tube is a tempered glass tube.

3. 2. The apparatus for recovering carbon from microalgae according to claim 1, wherein the microalgae are cyanobacteria, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and Chlorella.

4. 2. The apparatus for recovering carbon from microalgae as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the high-efficiency LED light-emitting component is a color-correctable LED lamp.

5. 2. The apparatus for recovering carbon from microalgae according to claim 1, wherein the environmental parameters include pH value, water temperature, light intensity, and carbon dioxide concentration.

6. The apparatus for recovering carbon from microalgae as described in claim 1, characterized in that the smart monitoring unit automatically adjusts lighting based on weather and light, and monitors the voltage, current and temperature data of the solar panel in real time with a solar panel fault detection model.

Images