Biogas Aggregation Network With Central Purification Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current biogas collection and conversion technologies face challenges in efficiently aggregating and processing biogas from remote, geographically distributed sources into biomethane, due to variability in biogas availability and quality, which affects the reliability and predictability of renewable energy supply and greenhouse gas emission reduction.
Innovation Solution
A network of conduits and a central controller system that monitors and predicts biogas availability and quality from remote sources, aggregating and conveying biogas to a central processing facility for purification and compression into biomethane, which can be injected into natural gas pipelines or used for electricity generation, addressing the variability and quality issues through real-time data and automated control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If biogas is collected from geographically distributed remote sources, then the quantity of biogas available for processing increases, but the complexity of aggregation and transport infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the biogas aggregation network into multiple regional zones, each with its own collection infrastructure feeding into centralized processing facilities. This segmentation allows independent development and operation of different regions while contributing to the overall biogas supply, managing infrastructure complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary processing facilities that serve as intermediate collection and pre-processing points between remote biogas sources and final processing plants. These intermediaries aggregate biogas from multiple small sources, standardize quality parameters, and facilitate efficient transport to central facilities, reducing the direct complexity burden on the entire system
2Reliability
If biogas availability is monitored in real-time from remote sources, then the predictability of energy supply improves, but the complexity of monitoring and control systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback loops where sensors at remote biogas sources continuously monitor gas availability, quality parameters, and flow rates. This data is transmitted to central control systems that automatically adjust collection rates, routing decisions, and processing operations to maintain optimal supply predictability while reducing manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Remote biogas sources are equipped with automated monitoring and self-diagnostic capabilities that enable the system to autonomously detect and respond to supply variations. The infrastructure performs self-monitoring of gas composition, flow conditions, and equipment status, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms while maintaining high predictability
3Productivity
If biogas is transported through a network of conduits to central processing facilities, then the efficiency of biogas utilization improves, but the loss of biogas during transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary biogas conditioning and quality adjustment at collection points before transport, optimizing the gas composition and pressure for efficient conduit transport. This preliminary preparation reduces the need for extensive processing during transport and minimizes losses by ensuring gas is in the optimal state for conveyance through the network
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of transport parameters including pressure, temperature, and flow rate along the conduit network based on real-time conditions. By optimizing these parameters during transport, the system maximizes biogas delivery efficiency while minimizing losses from leakage, condensation, or degradation, thereby reconciling high utilization efficiency with low transport loss
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 solution enables reliable and predictable conversion of biogas into biomethane, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing biogas as a continuous renewable energy source, improving the efficiency of biogas utilization and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.
Implementation Method 1
a network of conduits configured to convey biogas from the plurality of remote sources of the biogas based on a monitored or automatically detected availability and quality of biogas
Implementation Method 2
A biogas compressor at each of the remote locations is controlled by a central controller
Implementation Method 3
The central treatment facility includes several biogas treatment operations for purifying the biogas into biomethane
Implementation Method 4
The central processing facility also has a biomethane gas compressor for compressing the produced biomethane
Implementation Method 5
the biogas may be compressed to a fuel cell or to an internal combustion engine powered generator for direct conversion of the biogas to electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A biogas collection and purification system that includes a plurality of sources of biogas and a network of conduits configured to convey the biogas from the sources to a central processing facility for processing the biogas into methane. The central processing facility removes impurities to convert biogas to biomethane and may include an H2S removal stage; an activated carbon scrubber; a gas drier; and a carbon dioxide removal stage. The facility also has a biomethane gas compressor configured to deliver the biomethane for use in power plants, for CNG production. Ancillaries to the system include fuel cells for direct electricity generation from biogas/biomethane.