Algal Carbon Capture Loop for Long-Term CO2 Sequestration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide due to man-made activities exceeds the capacity of natural photosynthetic processes to mitigate, leading to global warming and climate change, necessitating effective methods for capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a growth module, drying module, and sequestration module, along with conduits and monitoring devices, captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, converts it into biomass, and sequesters it in a manner that inhibits re-emission, utilizing an artificial carbon cycle for long-term storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If naturally-occurring photosynthetic processes are used to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, then carbon dioxide capture occurs, but the capture capacity is insufficient to mitigate the magnitude of carbon dioxide released by man-made activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an artificial photosynthesis system as an intermediary between atmospheric carbon dioxide and sequestration storage. This system uses engineered algae cultures in controlled photobioreactors to mediate the conversion of carbon dioxide into biomass, which can then be sequestered. The intermediary system amplifies the natural photosynthetic capacity while providing controlled conditions to maximize carbon dioxide removal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the photosynthetic process by controlling environmental conditions (light intensity, temperature, nutrient supply, CO2 concentration) in artificial photobioreactors. These parameter optimizations enable the algae cultures to achieve higher carbon dioxide fixation rates than natural photosynthesis, directly addressing the insufficient capture capacity problem.
2Reliability
If carbon dioxide is captured and converted into biomass, then carbon sequestration is achieved, but the biomass may release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts carbon dioxide from the biomass through controlled combustion or decomposition processes, separating the carbon content from the organic matrix. The extracted carbon is then converted into stable mineral forms (such as calcium carbonate) through carbonation reactions, permanently removing it from the carbon cycle and preventing re-emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions in the carbon material to achieve stable sequestration. By converting organic carbon in biomass through thermal decomposition and subsequent carbonation, the carbon transitions from an unstable organic phase to a stable inorganic mineral phase, effectively locking it in a form that will not release CO2 back into the atmosphere under normal conditions.
3Productivity
If an artificial carbon cycle system is implemented with multiple modules, then carbon dioxide capture and sequestration is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the carbon sequestration system into distinct functional modules: photobioreactors for carbon dioxide capture, biomass harvesting systems, processing units for biomass conversion, and storage facilities for sequestered carbon. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and facilitates modular scaling, where additional units can be added to increase capacity without redesigning the entire system.
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
The system effectively captures and sequesters carbon dioxide, converting it into biomass that is stored under conditions to prevent re-emission, contributing to atmospheric balancing and mitigating climate change.
Implementation Method 1
Photosynthesis from land-based plants and from ocean-bound algae (i.e., a photosynthetic microorganism) are the two primary naturally-occurring processes for removing carbon dioxide from Earth's atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
A carbon dioxide capture and sequestration system comprises a growth module, a drying module, a sequestration module and a carbon dioxide recapture apparatus. The carbon dioxide recapture apparatus includes at least one conduit coupled to the growth module, the drying module, and the sequestration module for routing carbon dioxide liberated from at least one of the harvested algal biomass within the drying module and the dried algal biomass withing the sequestration module to the growth module.