System for coupling anaerobic digestion units and biological transformation units

Abstract

The invention discloses a system for coupling an anaerobic digestion unit and a unit for biological transformation of organic matter by insect larvae, the anaerobic digestion unit being suitable for receiving as input a first stream of organic matter, the system comprising: at least one bypass device connected to at least one subassembly of the anaerobic digestion unit, at least one control device, configured to control the at least one bypass device to carry out at least one operation of: i) collecting at least one portion of the stream of matter treated by the anaerobic digestion unit, which portion is collected from at least one subassembly of the anaerobic digestion unit, so as to constitute a second stream and supply it as input to the biological transformation unit; ii) collecting a stream of matter at the outlet of the biological transformation unit in order to supply it as input to at least one subassembly of the anaerobic digestion unit via a reinjection device.

Description

[0001] System for coupling methanization units and biological transformation units

[0002] technical field

[0003] The invention lies at the intersection of the renewable energy production sector and the field of bioengineering. Driven by the demands of the agro-energy transition, both sectors are experiencing strong growth in demand for their products and for innovations that increase production and reduce costs.

[0004] Thus, in France, GRDF forecasts that biogas production from methanization will increase from 12 TWh / year in 2023 to 50 TWh / year in 2030, and that it could represent between 90 and 130 TWh, or two-thirds of gas needs, by 2050. This growth in production capacity will occur within a virtuous circular economy framework, using a portion of agricultural and agri-industrial waste, food waste, and sewage sludge as inputs for methanization units. At the same time, agricultural production practices, themselves significant producers of greenhouse gases, must evolve, particularly in the livestock sector. The search for protein-rich substitutes for animal feed or meat has grown in recent years, with these substitutes being produced from plant-based raw materials or proteins derived from insect farming.The inventors understood that insect farming can profitably take advantage of the organic matter used as inputs for methanization units, as well as the co-products of methanization facilities, and that these could, where appropriate, benefit from co-products from the production of insect oils.

[0005] In order to achieve these synergies, they have designed and are implementing a system of coupling methanization units and biological transformation units of organic matter by insect larvae.

[0006] Prior art

[0007] International patent application WO2023148479 describes the extraction of oils by centrifugation as a step in the methanation process. However, this document does not provide any information on how to feed a process for the production and growth of insect larvae.

[0008] It is also known from the Korean patent application published under number KR20170107227 that a two-phase methanation process is being implemented to optimize bacterial growth and methanation yield. However, this document does not address the feeding of a process for the production and growth of insect larvae.

[0009] It is known from the US patent application published under number US2023331637 to produce insect protein from food waste but this document does not disclose in any way a coupling with a methanization unit.

[0010] The present invention overcomes the limitations of this prior art by in particular coupling a methanization unit with a biological transformation unit of organic matter from insect larvae, which in particular makes it possible to reduce in a very significant way the costs of supplying materials and energy to said biological transformation unit.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] To this end, the present invention discloses, according to a first aspect, a coupling system of a methanization unit and a biological transformation unit of organic matter by insect larvae, said methanization unit being adapted to receive as input a first flow of organic matter, said system comprising: a) at least one bypass device connected to at least one subset of said methanization unit;b) at least one control device configured to command said at least one bypass device to carry out at least one operation of: i) taking at least a part of said material stream processed by said methanization unit, taken from at least one subset of said methanization unit, to constitute a second stream and supply it as input to the biological transformation unit, ii) taking a material stream at the output of the biological transformation unit to supply it as input to at least one subset of said methanization unit through a reinjection device.

[0013] Advantageously, at least one control device of the coupling system is programmed from a digital twin of at least the methanization unit or the biological transformation unit.

[0014] Advantageously, the coupling system also includes a heat exchanger to recover at least some of the waste heat produced by the methanization unit and supply it to the biological transformation unit to maintain an operating temperature substantially between 20°C and 35°C.

[0015] Advantageously, the coupling system control device is configured to control at least one operation b) ii).

[0016] Advantageously, at least one operation b) ii) includes supplying at least one subset of the methanization unit with a fraction of the insect larval waste produced by the biological transformation unit, said fraction being determined to increase the methanogenic power of said subset to a predetermined level.

[0017] Advantageously, the control device is configured to control at least one operation b) i).

[0018] Advantageously, the second stream represents a percentage of raw material of at least 10% and at most 80% of the first stream, said percentage being able to be determined over a predetermined unit of time according to the composition of said first stream.

[0019] Advantageously, the second stream has a dry matter content of at most 40% and at least 5%.

[0020] According to a second aspect, the invention also discloses a methanization unit, at least one of whose sub-assemblies is connected to a biological transformation unit via a coupling system as disclosed according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0021] According to a third aspect, the invention also discloses a biological transformation unit connected to a methanization unit via a coupling system as disclosed according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect, the invention also discloses a computer program product configured to run on at least one control device of a coupling system as disclosed according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0023] According to a fifth aspect, the invention also discloses a method of coupling a methanization unit and a biological transformation unit of organic matter by insect larvae, said methanization unit being adapted to receive as input a first waste stream comprising said organic matter, said method comprising at least one step of: a) taking at least a part of said material stream treated by said methanization unit, taken from at least one subset of said methanization unit to constitute a second stream and supplying it as input to the biological transformation unit; b) taking a material stream at the output of the biological transformation unit to supply it as input to at least one subset of said methanization unit.

[0024] Advantageously, the first stream comprises materials with high lignocellulosic content and at least one step a is configured to recognize a portion of said materials with high lignocellulosic content and to constitute from it a portion of the second stream in order to improve its bioavailability and return it to the methanization unit by at least one step b.

[0025] Advantages of the Invention: The invention improves the technical, economic, and environmental performance of biological processing (or biotransformation) and methanation units when they are co-located and connected by a coupling system according to one of the embodiments described in this application. This performance is improved by reducing operating costs and / or by increasing the revenue of the operators of said units. Not all of these advantages are necessarily provided by all the embodiments described in this application, and an operator's choice of a particular embodiment may be guided by the fact that the operator, based on their specific needs, may wish to prioritize one advantage over another. This consideration parenthetically highlights the great versatility of implementation afforded by the present invention, which in itself constitutes a significant advantage.

[0026] Cost savings in the operation of a biogas plant can be achieved, in particular, through:

[0027] - a decrease in the cost of treating digestates (integrated into the biotransformation cycle and then back into the methanization cycle via frass);

[0028] - a valorization of unpacking waste which goes into biotransformation rather than into ultimate waste treatment);

[0029] - a reduced need to purchase expensive highly methanogenic waste, in the embodiment where insect larvae excrement (aka "frass") produced by the biotransformation unit are reinjected into the methanization unit;

[0030] - the sale / pooling of energy costs via the recovery of waste heat transferred in part to the biotransformation unit to maintain the reactor at a sufficient temperature.

[0031] An increase in revenue for a biogas plant can be achieved through:

[0032] - a pre-treatment of the lignocellulosic material by the biotransformation unit which leads to an improvement in bioavailability and the rate of carbon transformed which in turn leads to an increase in biogas production;

[0033] - reinjecting frass into the digester not only leads to a decrease in input costs but also to an increase in biogas production, and in particular biomethane;

[0034] - a release of capacity in the methanizer to process more material (biogas volume effect) or to accept “poorer” waste (and be paid for its processing);

[0035] - a double energy recovery (in cascade): liquid fuel (oils) then biogas. Similarly, the benefits for the operator of the biotransformation unit include a reduction in the costs of supplying waste and transport logistics thereof, a reduction in energy costs (heating of the biotransformation unit), additional revenue in the event of reinjection of insect larvae waste and frass into the methanization unit.

[0036] In a first set of embodiments of the invention, in which part of the material streams treated by the methanization process is taken from different stages of said methanization process, the feeding of the biotransformation unit can be automated by a set of pipes, pumps, valves, feed screws or other diversion devices controlled by a control device, according to arrangements and modalities which will be described later in this description, which very significantly reduces the operating costs of said unit.Furthermore, since the biotransformation unit is expected to operate at a temperature generally between 20°C and 35°C, maintaining this temperature within this range can advantageously be achieved at zero marginal cost by integrating into the coupling system according to the invention a heat exchanger for recovering the waste heat produced by the cogeneration or flare combustion stage of the methanization unit.

[0037] The operator of the biogas plant will also benefit from shared feed costs and will receive better compensation for the waste streams processed by the biotransformation unit, as its outputs have a higher market value than those of the biogas plant. For example, the oils synthesized by insect larvae reared on the biogas inputs will be extracted by the biotransformation unit. Furthermore, the biotransformation unit will provide the biogas plant operator with a solution for minimizing waste and residues from the deconditioning and digestion stages. This integration will also give the biogas plant operator greater flexibility in managing its input streams, maximizing the utilization rate of production equipment, and optimizing retention and digestion times to maximize the degradation of organic matter.

[0038] In another embodiment of the invention, complementary or alternative to those of the first assembly, in which the fractions of the outputs of the biotransformation unit other than oil are injected into the digester of the methanization unit through a reinjection device according to the modalities and arrangements which are described later, the operator of the latter will benefit in a very advantageous way from the strong methanogenic power of said fractions (de-oiled larvae, frass, ...).

[0039] Summary of Figures The invention will be better understood by reference to the following figures, which represent different aspects of the invention, by way of non-limiting examples:

[0040] • Figures 1a, 1b, 1e and 1d represent examples of implementation of the invention in a first set of embodiments; • [Fig.2] represents an example of implementation of the invention in another embodiment, not exclusive of the embodiments of the first set;

[0041] • Fig. 3 represents an example of an implementation of the invention in a combination of embodiments of the first set and the other embodiment;

[0042] • Fig. 4 represents a flowchart of the processes of a method of the invention in several of its embodiments;

[0043] • Fig. 5 represents a flowchart of the processes of a computer program intended to implement a control device according to several embodiments of the invention.

[0044] The table below gives the meaning of the numerical references on the figures.

[0045] Detailed description of the invention

[0046] The examples of implementation of the invention in the first set of embodiments have in common that they draw on flows of solid or liquid organic matter normally intended for the methanization process: the direction of the flow from a subset of the methanization unit to the biotransformation unit. The subset of the methanization unit from which the drawing takes place can be, for example, a material storage tank at the inlet of the methanization unit ([Fig. aa]), a deconditioner ([Fig. lb]), a feed pipe to the digester (biogas production equipment, [Fig. le]), or a digestate discharge pipe ([Fig. ld]).

[0047] These examples are neither exhaustive nor mutually exclusive. They can therefore be combined. However, some embodiments will be better suited than others to a type of methanization unit characterized by a type of input (agricultural waste, agro-industrial waste, food waste, sewage sludge), a type of operator (farmer, agricultural cooperative, agri-food industrialist, inter-municipal public cooperation establishment, etc.), and a farm size. The detailed design of the coupling system according to the invention will take into account this typology and that of the biotransformation unit to optimize the characteristics of said coupling. Advantageously, a digital twin of the two units, modeling the input, output, and exchange flows of the two units, will be implemented, as explained in the comments of [Fig. 5].

[0048] In some embodiments, several biotransformation units can be connected to a methanization unit with a particularly large processing capacity. In other embodiments, several small or medium-sized methanization units (or units producing only unpurified biogas) can be connected to a single biotransformation unit with a significant capacity. These embodiments are neither illustrated nor described in detail, but a person skilled in the art can easily design the necessary adaptations based on the principles outlined in this description.

[0049] A state-of-the-art biogas plant may include, optionally, and without being restrictive or exhaustive:

[0050] - a receiving and storage area for methanization inputs, where they can be unloaded and stored in a manner adapted to each type of input (solid, liquid or paste) before being transferred to

[0051] - one or more input preparation pieces of equipment, such as a packaged biowaste unpacker, pulper or macerator, or centrifugal unpacker, and

[0052] - one or more tanks to adjust the dry matter content by mixing and / or diluting the feed,

[0053] - one or more anaerobic hydrolysis tanks for the hydrolysis, acidification and acetylation of the stream, before transferring it to

[0054] - one or more heat exchangers to sanitize the flow by raising its temperature to a sanitization temperature, then maintaining the sanitization temperature long enough to ensure adequate sanitization, before transferring it to

[0055] - one or more digesters or post-digesters, by regular introduction of the prepared input mixture, with the possibility of adding anti-foaming agents, such as vegetable oils, in case of foaming, with a view to the degradation of organic matter by bacteria in the absence of oxygen, for the production of biogas (CH4, CO2, H2S, H2O) collected in the upper part of the digester or post-digester,

[0056] - one or more stages of biogas purification into biomethane and / or cogeneration or flaring of biogas or biomethane,

[0057] - A subsystem for regular digestate extraction, with or without the possibility of phase separation (liquid digestate / solid digestate) and secure storage of said phases before economic valorization by spreading. - One or more online analyzers, sensors or cameras allowing the measurement, among other things, of temperature, humidity level or dry matter content, homogeneity or particle size, pH or acidity level of the different streams.

[0058] Such a methanization unit will be adapted according to the embodiments described below to be connected to the coupling system according to the invention according to the various embodiments described later in the description.

[0059] A state-of-the-art biotransformation unit includes, optionally, and without being restrictive or exhaustive:

[0060] - a reception and storage area for inputs to the biotransformation unit;

[0061] - an area for preparing inputs, systems and equipment for dosing, weighing, sterilizing and / or mixing if necessary;

[0062] - a subset for the production of insect eggs, incubation for the hatching of eggs and / or a system for inoculating inputs with insect larvae;

[0063] - a larval growth area from trays, containers and other aeration, ventilation and / or environmental monitoring and control systems;

[0064] - a harvesting and separation area, conveyors for transferring trays, vibrating or rotary sieves, equipment for separating and washing larvae;

[0065] - a larva processing area, slaughtering equipment, dryers, crushers, presses or centrifuges and filtration systems for separating oil and other co-products, firass and de-oiled larvae;

[0066] - an area for processing, conditioning, storing and bagging the products of the biotransformation unit;

[0067] - utilities and ancillary services, boilers and heat production systems to maintain the larval growth area at a temperature preferably between 20°C and 35°C, air treatment and filtration units, water purification system, control, automation and online analysis systems.

[0068] Such a biotransformation unit will be adapted according to the embodiments described below to be connected to the coupling system according to the invention according to the various embodiments described below.

[0069] Figure 1a represents a first example of implementing the invention in a first set of embodiments. In this first example, one or more diversion devices 10a are configured such that a portion of the material flow is diverted by a system comprising one or more pipes and / or feed screws and / or other equipment, for example, conveyor belts or buckets, downstream of the liquid waste feed zone 1 or the solid waste discharge zone 3 and upstream of the first storage tank 2 of the methanization unit, in order to feed the biotransformation unit. In this first example, raw inputs from the methanizer are therefore sent to the biotransformation unit. As an example, only one diversion device is shown in Figure 1a, but several can be provided.This or these diverting devices are controlled by one or more control devices 10b, such as valves, pumps, and / or actuators, whether manual or motorized. For simplicity, these control devices are represented by a symbol common to the diverting device, but physically, they can be either indistinguishable, like a CNC-controlled motorized extrusion screw, or distinct, like a pump connected to a pipeline. The control device itself can be controlled either purely manually by an operator who actuates the valve or pump, or by control logic implemented on a control circuit. This second case, which has several variations, is described in detail in the commentary to [Fig. 5]. [Fig. 1b] represents a second example of an implementation of the invention in a first set of embodiments.

[0070] In this second example, the bypass device 10a is configured so that a portion of the material flow is drawn from the deconditioner rejects, light, heavy, or fine fractions (plastic or inert residues, packaging, lightweight cardboard, polystyrene pieces, bone fragments, eggshells, etc.) 5 by a system of one or more pipes and / or feed screws and / or other equipment such as conveyor belts or buckets. These bypass devices are controlled by one or more control devices 10b (e.g., valves, pumps, and / or actuators) upstream or at the reject container 5b downstream of the Solid Waste Deconditioner 3, in order to feed the biotransformation unit. In this second example, the deconditioner rejects are therefore recovered.

[0071] Alternative embodiments of the bypass devices and control devices similar to those described above in relation to [Fig. aa] are also applicable to the example embodiment of [Fig. lb].

[0072] Figure 1a represents a third example of an implementation of the invention in a first set of embodiments. In this third example, the diversion device 10a is configured such that a portion of the material flow is diverted by a system of pipes or other equipment, controlled by the control device 10b, composed, for example, of valves and / or pumps at the Pipeline 8 located downstream of the Buffer Tank 7 supplying the Digester 16, in order to serve as feed for the biotransformation unit. In this third example, the input flow to the biotransformation unit is therefore identical to that of the digester, consisting of a solid / liquid / pasty mixture, generally referred to as slurry.

[0073] Alternative embodiments of the bypass devices and control devices similar to those described above in relation to figures 1a and 1b are also applicable to the example embodiment of [Fig. 1e].

[0074] Fig. Id represents a fourth example of implementation of the invention in a first set of embodiments.

[0075] In this fourth example, the diversion device 10a is configured so that a portion of the material flow is drawn by a system of pipes or other equipment, controlled by the control device 10b, composed, for example, of valves and / or pumps, from the Liquid Digestate 12 located in the Liquid Digestate Storage Tank 20, downstream of the Digester 16 and after phase separation of the digestate 18, in order to serve as feed for the biotransformation unit. In this fourth example, the Liquid Digestate can therefore be utilized in a way that is often more profitable than traditional methods, such as spreading, particularly if it is mixed with the output of the biotransformation unit.

[0076] Alternative embodiments of the bypass devices and control devices similar to those described above in relation to Figures 1a, 1b, and 1e are also applicable to the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1d]. Similarly, the examples in these four figures may also have alternative embodiments depending on the specific characteristics of the biogas plants connected to the coupling system according to the invention. Alternative embodiments that are within the grasp of a person skilled in biogas production, possessing the knowledge and skills outlined in this description, are also included within the scope of the claims of this application.

[0077] Figure 2 represents an example of an implementation of the invention in another embodiment, not exclusive of the embodiments of the first set. In this example of an implementation of the invention in another embodiment, the reinjection device 15a, which is a particular form of a bypass device 10a, is configured such that all fractions of the outputs of the biotransformation unit 11, or only a part thereof, namely the de-oiled larvae 13 and / or the frass 14, are reinjected by a system of pipes, feed screws and / or other equipment, such as conveyor belts or buckets. This bypass device is controlled by the control device 15b, which is a particular form of the control device 10b, composed of valves, pumps and / or actuators to reinject these fractions of outputs from the biotransformation unit into the Digester 16 of the methanization unit.In this alternative embodiment, the methane content of the biogas is greatly increased and is therefore particularly advantageous for the operator of the methanization unit, as demonstrated by the recent publication by Hol, S., Elissen, H. & van der Weide Combined digestion of insect frass and cow manure for biogas production (June 2022).

[0078] Alternative embodiments of the bypass devices and control devices similar to those described above in relation to Figures 1a, 1b, 1e, and 1d are also applicable to the exemplary embodiment in [Fig. 2]. Similarly, the exemplary embodiment in [Fig. 2] may also have alternative embodiments depending on the specific characteristics of the biotransformation units connected to the coupling system according to the invention. Alternative embodiments that are within the grasp of a person skilled in biotransformation, possessing the knowledge and skills outlined in this description, are also included within the scope of the claims of this application.

[0079] Figure 3 represents an example of an implementation of the invention in a combination of embodiments of the first set and the other embodiment.

[0080] Figure 3 represents a coupling system between a methanization unit and a biotransformation unit combining the examples of the first set of embodiments shown separately in Figures 1b, 1 and 1d, as well as the example of the embodiment including the reinjection device shown in Figure 2. It is easy to understand that all or only two of the implementation examples of the first set of embodiments and / or the example of the other embodiment may be present.

[0081] In this example, the bypass device 10a is configured so that part of the material flow is taken by a piping system, valve, pumps or other equipment, controlled by the control device 10b at the Pipeline 8 located downstream of the Buffer Tank 7 feeding the Digester 16, in order to serve as feed to the biotransformation unit, and this according to the data of an Online Analyzer 23 located at the pipe 8, knowing that those skilled in the art understand that other Online Analyzers may be present, but are not shown in [Fig.3].

[0082] The reinjection device 15a is configured so that all or part of the fractions of the outputs of the biotransformation unit 11, i.e. the de-oiled larvae 13 and / or the frass 14, are reinjected by a system of piping, valve, pumps or other equipment, controlled by the control device 15b of the reinjection device, into the Digester 16 of the methanization unit.

[0083] Figure 3 also shows a heat exchange circuit 24 from the methanization unit to the biotransformation unit, which must be maintained at a temperature preferably between 20°C and 35°C, as indicated above in the section of the description relating to prior art biotransformation units that can be connected to a coupling system according to the invention. This heat exchange circuit 24 is optional but can be an advantageous element of the coupling system according to the invention, by allowing the use of some of the waste heat produced for self-consumption by the entire system, by drawing this waste heat from the hygienization unit, as shown in Figure 3, or at the cogeneration or flare stack stage of the methanization unit. Figure 4 shows a flowchart of the processes of a method of the invention in several of its embodiments.

[0084] The organic matter streams processed by the methanization unit are pre-treated at a subset of the methanization unit, namely the methanization unit's supply system. The coupling process, which is the subject of the invention, can either draw a portion of this material stream through a bypass device to feed the biotransformation unit, or draw certain fractions of the outputs for reinjection through a reinjection device into the methanization unit's digester. These two steps can also be carried out simultaneously in an embodiment of the process of the invention. By way of example, [Fig. 4] illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which both drawing steps—from the inputs of the methanization unit and from the outputs of the biotransformation unit—are performed. However, only one of the two steps may be performed.

[0085] The step of removing a portion of the inputs from the methanization unit can be carried out at different stages of the methanization process itself. These different embodiments, belonging to the first set of embodiments, have been described in relation to Figures 1a, 1b, 1e, and 1d; their description is not repeated here.

[0086] Certain parameters of this sampling stage can be adjusted according to a process, such as the sampling rate at one or more points in the methanization unit. Advantageously, the nature of the inputs can also be a selection parameter, these inputs being identified, for example, by image processing using a video camera or by data analysis from sensors; thus, a fraction particularly rich in woody material can be sampled at this stage of the methanization process to be sent for biotransformation to improve its bioavailability.

[0087] Thus, the overall raw material rate taken over a predetermined unit of time, i.e. the sum of the withdrawals at various points (called second flow) of raw material from the flow entering the methanization unit (called first flow) relative to the raw material flow of the first flow, is advantageously between 10 and 80% to preserve the operation of the methanization unit, the adjustment of this parameter being carried out as described below in relation to [Fig.5]. The period over which the raw material rate taken is fixed at a given value, or over a given range, will itself be determined in particular according to the supply cycle of the methanization unit, said cycle including phases during which the composition of the first flow is either substantially homogeneous for one or more given materials, or variable according to a known or calculated law.The dry matter content of the second feed stream must also be adjusted, particularly according to the feed cycle of the biogas plant. Ideally, the dry matter content of the second feed stream should be between 5% and 40% during a given phase of this cycle to ensure the proper functioning of the biotransformation unit.

[0088] Adjusting these parameters can also advantageously take into account the evolving needs of the biotransformation unit according to the phases of its own production cycle. For example, the food waste content of the second stream will ideally be between 10 and 35%.

[0089] Figure 5 represents a flowchart of the processes of a computer program intended to implement a control device according to several embodiments of the invention.

[0090] The coupling system according to the invention can be implemented manually, with one or more control devices 10b being manually operated by one or more operators in cases where the methanization and / or biotransformation units are not instrumented by online flow analyzers, as well as in cases where one or more of these analyzers are out of order or undergoing maintenance. Advantageously, the methanization and / or biotransformation unit is instrumented by online analyzers (reference 23 of the exemplary embodiment in [Fig. 3]).

[0091] The process begins by verifying the presence of the 23 Online Analyzers in operation. If not, the control device(s) are manually operated using a "pick and choose" flow selection logic. If they are operational, the system reads the data from the online analyzers. If there is a large amount of data, it performs a cross-analysis. Next, it checks for multiple bypass devices. If so, it determines the best location for a given sample; otherwise, it uses the single available point. The program then calculates the optimal bypass flow rate and adjusts the bypass device accordingly. The data and actions are recorded. The process repeats in a loop as needed, returning to the data reading from the analyzers.This approach allows for dynamic and adaptive flow management based on real-time conditions, thus optimizing the efficiency of the diversion system.

[0092] The coupling system according to the invention will advantageously take advantage of the existence of a possible digital twin of the methanization unit, a real-time virtual representation of the methanization process, based on the data collected by the Online Analyzers 23. It will allow, thanks to the digital twin of the biotransformation unit, a real-time virtual representation of the biotransformation process, to simulate, optimize and predict the operation of the two installations in order to improve their performance.

[0093] The computer programs configured to implement these processes can be executed in a decentralized manner by computing logic units mounted on computing boards connected to the control devices. Advantageously, these computing logic units can exchange parameters via a data transfer network operating on a wired or radio frequency physical layer. Alternatively, these computing programs can run on a centralized computer server connected to the control devices via a local network. These two variants can also be combined, with some parameters calculated on the server and others on the local computing boards. In all three of these computer architecture variants, the control of the coupling system can be advantageously enhanced by the integration of machine learning tools to optimize the parameters.

[0094] The invention can be implemented in various organizational and / or economic models. For example, the methanization and biotransformation units can be operated by a single entity, which will then operate the coupling system according to the invention. However, the two units can also be operated by two separate entities linked by contract, with the coupling system then being operated by one of the two units. These two entities are bound by a contract that defines the terms of the input withdrawals and output returns. The coupling system itself can be operated by one of the entities or by a third party.

[0095] It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. A person skilled in the art will readily understand that modifications can be made to these embodiments in light of the teachings of this description. Nothing in this application shall be construed as limiting the scope of the claims to the embodiments described above. On the contrary, all terms shall be construed as including their equivalents for a person skilled in the art, in light of the teachings of this description.

Claims

Demands 1. Coupling system of a methanization unit and a unit (11) biological transformation of organic matter by insect larvae, said methanization unit being adapted to receive as input a first stream of organic matter, said system being characterized in that it comprises: a. at least one bypass device (10a, 15a) connected to at least one subset (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 16, 20) of said methanization unit, b. at least one control device, (10b, 15b) configured to command said at least one bypass device to carry out at least one operation of: i. taking at least a part of said stream of matter treated by said methanization unit, taken from at least one subset of said methanization unit, to constitute a second stream and supply it as input to the biological transformation unit, ii.sampling of a material stream output from the biological transformation unit to supply it as input to at least a subset of said methanization unit through a reinjection device.

2. Coupling system according to claim 1, wherein at least one control device is programmed from a digital twin of at least the methanization unit or the biological transformation unit.

3. Coupling system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a heat exchanger to recover at least part of the waste heat produced by the methanization unit and supply it to the biological transformation unit to maintain an operating temperature substantially between 20°C and 35°C.

4. Coupling system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one control device is configured to control at least one operation b) ii).

5. Coupling system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one operation b) ii) comprises supplying at the input of said at least one subset of the methanization unit with a fraction of the insect larvae waste produced by the biological transformation unit, said fraction being determined to increase the methanogenic power of said subset to a predetermined level.

6. Coupling system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one control device is configured to control at least one operation b) i).

7. Coupling system according to claim 6, wherein the second stream represents a percentage of raw material of at least 10% and at most 80% of the first stream, said percentage being able to be determined over a predetermined unit of time according to the composition of said first stream.

8. Coupling system according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the second stream has a dry matter content of at most 40% and at least 5%.

9. Methanization unit, at least one of whose sub-assemblies is connected to a biological transformation unit via a coupling system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Biological transformation unit connected to a methanization unit via a coupling system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. Product computer program configured to run on at least one control device of a coupling system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

12. A method for coupling a methanation unit and a biological transformation unit for organic matter using insect larvae, said methanation unit being adapted to receive as input a first waste stream comprising said organic matter, said method being characterized in that it comprises at least one step of: a. taking at least a portion of said waste stream treated by said methanization unit, taken from at least a subset of said unit a. methanization to constitute a second stream and supply it as input to the biological transformation unit, b. taking a stream of materials from the output of the biological transformation unit to supply it as input to at least a subset of said methanization unit.

13. Coupling method according to claim 12 wherein the first stream comprises materials with high lignocellulosic content and at least one step a is configured to recognize a portion of said materials with high lignocellulosic content and to constitute from it a portion of the second stream in order to improve its bioavailability and return it to the methanization unit by at least one step b.

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