Dynamic Biomethane Membrane Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biogas membrane separation processes for producing biomethane lack a system to dynamically control multiple membrane separation units in parallel, leading to inefficient energy consumption and maintenance issues due to fluctuating biogas flow rates, particularly in farms where flow rates oscillate between 100 and 200% of the threshold value.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a processor to adjust the number and operating capacity of membrane separation units based on real-time biogas flow data, using hysteresis to optimize energy consumption and methane conversion efficiency by starting or stopping units as needed, and distributing flow to maintain optimal operating ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of membrane separation units is increased to handle fluctuating biogas flow rates, then the installation can meet higher production demands, but the energy consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of membrane separation units by adjusting the number of operating units and their individual capacities based on real-time biogas flow rate measurements. The system transitions from static operation to dynamic adaptation, allowing units to be started or stopped and their capacities adjusted according to actual production demands, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (number of active units and their capacity settings) in response to varying biogas flow rates. By monitoring the flow rate and adjusting the operational configuration of membrane separation units accordingly, the system optimizes energy efficiency across different production scenarios without sacrificing the ability to meet demand.
2Productivity
If membrane separation units operate continuously to meet peak demand, then productivity is maintained, but wear and tear increases requiring more frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of operating membrane separation units based on actual biogas flow rates. During low-demand periods, fewer units operate, reducing wear and tear. During peak demand, additional units are activated to maintain productivity. This dynamic approach balances equipment lifespan with continuous production requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic monitoring of biogas flow rates and adjusts unit operation accordingly. Rather than continuous operation of all units, the system activates or deactivates units in periodic cycles based on demand fluctuations, thereby reducing cumulative wear while maintaining productivity when needed.
3Productivity
If multiple membrane separation units are operated in parallel to increase capacity, then biomethane production is enhanced, but the complexity of controlling and optimizing each unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that monitors biogas flow rates and automatically adjusts the number and capacity of operating membrane separation units. This feedback mechanism simplifies control complexity by using automated decision-making based on measured parameters, eliminating the need for complex manual coordination of multiple units while maintaining optimal productivity.
4Productivity
If the operating capacity of membrane separation units is increased to meet higher demand, then productivity improves, but energy consumption per unit increases reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the total biomethane production requirement across multiple membrane separation units operating in parallel. Rather than overloading a single unit, the system segments the workload, allowing each unit to operate within its optimal efficiency range while collectively meeting high production demands. This segmentation maintains energy efficiency even at higher overall productivity levels.
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 ensures efficient operation of membrane separation units within their optimal energy consumption and methane conversion ranges, reducing wear and tear and optimizing maintenance schedules by dynamically adjusting unit operation based on demand.
Implementation Method 1
purification of biogas into biomethane by a membrane permeation process
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A device for adjusting the equipment of a biomethane production plant I, using a biogas stream comprising methane and carbon dioxide, said device comprising: - A control means capable of receiving at least one data point D from the biogas stream to be treated or from the biomethane stream and transmitting this data point D as a signal to a processor P, - The processor P implementing an algorithm to: • Compare the data point D with a threshold value, • Determine the difference between the threshold value and the data point D, and • Adjust the number of equipment of the same type in parallel in plant I according to the determined difference, and/or • Adjust the operating capacity of each piece of equipment according to the determined difference.