Algae Reactor CO2 Utilization and Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and energy intensity of carbon capture and storage systems, along with limited infrastructure for utilization and storage of captured carbon dioxide, hinder the widespread adoption of carbon capture technologies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for processing carbon dioxide-containing gas, which includes collection, drying, treatment, and compression, followed by feeding the compressed gas into an algae reactor for algae growth, harvesting, and processing into saleable products, with monitoring and control by sensors and computing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solvent-based capture techniques are used, then carbon dioxide can be captured effectively, but energy consumption increases due to heating requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful CO2 emissions into a beneficial resource by using it as carbon source for algae cultivation. The flue gas that would otherwise require energy-intensive separation is directly utilized by algae, which naturally absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, eliminating the need for solvent-based capture and heating processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The algae system performs self-service by autonomously absorbing CO2 from the flue gas through photosynthesis without requiring external energy input for capture. The algae naturally regulate their own growth and CO2 absorption, converting waste CO2 into biomass that can be harvested for various applications.
2Quantity of substance
If extensive pipeline networks and storage facilities are established, then carbon dioxide storage capacity increases, but infrastructure costs and logistical complexities increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing CO2 as a waste product requiring complex infrastructure, the patent converts it into valuable algae biomass. The CO2 is transformed into a useful resource that generates economic value through algae products, eliminating the need for storage facilities and pipeline networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state and form of CO2 from a gaseous waste product to solid/liquid algae biomass through biological conversion. This parameter change from gas to biomass eliminates the need for gas storage infrastructure while creating portable, valuable products.
3Reliability
If carbon capture facilities are constructed, then carbon dioxide capture capability is established, but initial investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for expensive capture facilities by using algae as a natural, low-cost CO2 absorption system. The algae reactor replaces complex capture infrastructure with simple biological systems that naturally absorb CO2, dramatically reducing capital investment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses relatively inexpensive algae cultures that can be easily cultivated and replaced, replacing expensive, long-lived capture infrastructure. The algae provide a low-cost, flexible solution that can be scaled according to needs without significant capital investment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the operational costs and energy consumption associated with carbon capture, while providing a viable method for utilizing captured carbon dioxide through algae biomass production, which can be sold or used for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The compressed gas may be fed into an algae reactor which maintains optimal conditions for algae growth
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for processing carbon dioxide-containing gas based on biomass. Such processing may include collection from a point source or atmosphere, drying, treatment, and compression. The compressed gas may be fed into an algae reactor that maintains optimal conditions for algae growth. The algae may be allowed to grow until a predetermined density associated with harvesting is reached. The harvested algae may be processed and packaged. The process may be monitored by sensors and controlled by a computing device in communication with the devices associated with each stage of processing.