Biomass Drying System with Vertical Stacked Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biomass drying systems require large installation spaces and are inefficient in utilizing vertical space, limiting their compactness and flexibility for installation in smaller building units.

Innovation Solution

A compact drying system featuring vertically spaced upper and lower drying surfaces with movable conveying elements, such as reversible hooks, that are indirectly attached to a traction means, allowing for efficient distribution and mixing of biomass across multiple drying levels, enabling efficient use of vertical space and compact installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conventional single-level drying surfaces are used, then the drying process is simple, but the installation space requirement is large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoiddrying system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-level horizontal drying surface to a multi-level vertical stacking configuration. Multiple drying surfaces are arranged at different heights and connected by conveyors, utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce the horizontal footprint of the drying system while maintaining drying capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The drying system employs a nested configuration where multiple drying surfaces and conveyors are stacked vertically within each other. The conveyors run through the vertical structure, and drying surfaces are positioned at different levels, creating a compact nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If vertically stacked drying surfaces are implemented, then the installation space is reduced, but the conveying system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidconveying system
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyors serve multiple functions: they transport material between drying surfaces, turn the material over for even drying, and are indirectly driven by traction elements that can be controlled centrally. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Indirectly driven conveying elements are used as intermediaries between the traction elements and the drying surfaces. The traction elements drive the conveyors without direct contact, allowing for easier adjustment, maintenance, and replacement of conveying components while maintaining the vertical stacking configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If material is spread on multiple drying surfaces, then the drying efficiency is improved, but the conveying and distribution system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial distribution system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyors continuously move material across multiple drying surfaces in sequence, maintaining continuous drying action without interruption. Material is progressively dried on each level as it moves through the system, ensuring continuous productive operation rather than batch processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The drying process is segmented into multiple stages across different vertical levels, with each drying surface handling a portion of the total drying load. This segmentation allows parallel processing of material on multiple surfaces simultaneously, improving overall drying efficiency while distributing the complexity across modular units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 dries biomass in a compact format, reducing the required installation space and allowing for efficient use of vertical space, making it suitable for smaller building units and facilitating easier integration and delivery as a complete system.

Implementation Method 1

conveying elements movable or moved by at least one traction element are provided, wherein the traction element(s) is/are arranged circumferentially around the upper drying surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The moisture-containing material, in particular biomass, can be spread over the upper and lower drying surfaces for drying

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3927668B1Device for drying biomass and compact system for drying biomass
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 BOEHM DRYRUN GMBH
  • EP3927668B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3927668B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3927668B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for drying, in particular for drying biomass, comprising at least one upper and one lower drying surface (11, 12), which are spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction, onto which material, in particular biomass, can be applied flat for drying, wherein conveying elements (16) that are/can be moved by at least one pulling means (14) are provided for the application of the material, in particular the biomass, wherein the at least one pulling means (14) is arranged such that it circulates around the upper drying surface (11). The invention also relates to a compact system for drying comprising at least two devices of this type and a method for drying material, in particular biomass.