Bioreactor Control via Urban Sanitation Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air purification systems, particularly in urban areas, face challenges such as the difficulty in collecting compost, odor nuisances, and economic inefficiencies, limiting their widespread adoption for carbon dioxide reduction and air quality improvement.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that connect micro-algae bioreactors to urban sanitation and water networks, allowing for remote regulation and optimization of CO2 absorption, biomass management, and biogas production, while maintaining fluidic isolation and integrating with street furniture, enabling efficient carbon capture and renewable energy production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If micro-algae bioreactors are deployed in urban areas for CO2 absorption, then air quality improves and greenhouse gases are reduced, but compost collection becomes difficult and odor nuisances increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system connecting bioreactors to existing urban sanitation networks. The sanitation network acts as a mediator that transports biomass and manages odors, separating the air purification function from the compost collection problem. This allows CO2 absorption to continue while odor and biomass management issues are handled through the intermediary sanitation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the problematic compost collection and odor management functions from the bioreactor system itself, relocating these functions to the urban sanitation network. By taking out the biomass evacuation and odor control responsibilities, the bioreactor can focus on its primary function of CO2 absorption while the sanitation network handles the harmful byproducts.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional air purification systems are implemented, then CO2 absorption capacity increases, but economic efficiency decreases due to high operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the bioreactor system multi-functional by integrating it with existing urban sanitation networks that already provide water supply, biomass transport, and energy generation capabilities. The sanitation network serves multiple purposes: it provides water to the bioreactor, collects biomass for biogas production, and can generate renewable energy. This universality eliminates the need for separate dedicated infrastructure, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining high CO2 absorption capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-sustaining by utilizing the urban sanitation network's existing infrastructure. The bioreactor receives water and nutrients through the sanitation network, and the biomass produced is automatically collected and converted to biogas for energy generation. This self-service approach minimizes external resource inputs and operational expenditures, improving economic efficiency while maintaining high productivity.
3Ease of operation
If bioreactors are connected to sanitation networks for biomass evacuation, then operational complexity increases, but ease of maintenance improves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bioreactor system with the existing urban sanitation network, combining two separate systems into one integrated infrastructure. The sanitation network's existing pipes, pumps, and processing facilities are utilized for biomass evacuation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated biomass transport infrastructure. This merging simplifies biomass management by using already-established operational procedures and maintenance protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of building a separate dedicated biomass collection system from scratch, the patent inverts the approach by utilizing the existing sanitation network in reverse - using the same infrastructure that handles wastewater to also handle bioreactor biomass evacuation. This inversion leverages existing capabilities rather than adding new complexity, making the system easier to operate and maintain.
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 enhances urban air quality, reduces greenhouse gases, and produces renewable energy by optimizing CO2 absorption and biomass management, addressing logistical and economic issues of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The general principle of the invention consists in placing a biochemical reactor in the environment, in controlling the biochemical reactions taking place in this reactor... for example, by injecting matter and/or energy therein and, after biochemical treatment within the reactor, to recover transformed material and/or energy
Implementation Method 2
allowing its connection from the urban public space to a collective sanitation network and thus achieving a virtuous cycle of capturing carbon dioxide and producing biogas
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a computerized process for controlling an air purification system comprising a bioreactor. In particular, the system may comprise a photobioreactor for treating urban air, in particular for CO2 removal. The system may be connected to the sewerage network and/or to a (drinking and/or municipal) water supply network. The connection and the drainage system may in particular maintain a fluidic isolation between the two types of networks. The system may optionally be equipped with measurement sensors and/or actuators that make it possible to control the internal activity of the bioreactor. Various control modes of a grid of bioreactors are described. Data on the status of the connected networks (e.g. water, sewerage, cold, heat networks) contribute to the control of a network of geolocalized bioreactors. The software aspects are described. The supervision of the grid of bioreactors may in particular be carried out remotely via onboard communication devices.