Atmospheric CO2 Capture Module for Bioreactor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide face challenges such as insufficient CO2 concentration in atmospheric air, presence of harmful impurities, and inefficient removal of oxygen, which hinder optimal growth of microorganisms in bioreactors.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an air capture module connected to a bioreactor, where atmospheric CO2 is bound using an adsorber material and made available through heat or vacuum treatment, ensuring continuous supply to autotrophic microorganisms, while removing oxygen and impurities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If atmospheric air is directly introduced into photobioreactors, then the device complexity is reduced, but the CO2 concentration is insufficient for optimal microorganism growth
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate modules: an air capture module that concentrates CO2 from atmospheric air, and a bioreactor module that cultivates microorganisms. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently - the air capture module handles the complex task of CO2 concentration while the bioreactor focuses on microorganism growth, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and CO2 concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary CO2 transfer mechanism connects the air capture module to the bioreactor. The air capture module produces concentrated CO2 which is then transferred to the bioreactor where microorganisms utilize it for growth. This intermediary transfer system enables the bioreactor to receive high-concentration CO2 without requiring direct introduction of atmospheric air, thus maintaining optimal growth conditions while managing system complexity.
2Productivity
If waste gas flows from power plants are used as CO2 source, then carbon sequestration is achieved, but harmful impurities inhibit microorganism growth
Solution Approach 1:
The air capture module extracts and concentrates only the CO2 component from atmospheric air, separating it from all harmful impurities present in the atmosphere. This extraction process produces pure CO2 that can be safely introduced into the bioreactor without inhibiting microorganism growth, while still achieving carbon sequestration objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful presence of various gases in atmospheric air into a benefit by selectively capturing only the useful CO2 component. The air capture module acts as a filter that transforms the complex, impurity-laden atmospheric air into purified CO2 stream, turning what would be a harmful mixture into a beneficial pure gas source for microorganism cultivation.
3Productivity
If chemically pure CO2 is used, then optimal microorganism growth is achieved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air capture module utilizes the natural composition of atmospheric air, which already contains approximately 0.04% CO2. By capturing and concentrating this naturally present CO2, the system avoids the need for energy-intensive chemical production processes. The module essentially serves itself by directly harvesting CO2 from the environment rather than requiring external energy-intensive CO2 generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the concentration parameter of CO2 from the natural atmospheric level (0.04%) to an optimized level for microorganism growth (1-20%) through the air capture module. This parameter change is achieved through physical concentration processes rather than chemical synthesis, maintaining energy efficiency while providing optimal CO2 concentrations for biomass production.
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 efficient, continuous sequestration of atmospheric CO2, optimizing microorganism growth by providing optimal CO2 concentrations and removing harmful substances, thereby enhancing biomass production and carbon sequestration.
Implementation Method 1
a capture unit configured for binding the atmospheric carbon dioxide by way of an adsorber material
Implementation Method 2
after treatment by way of heat or a vacuum, the atmospheric carbon dioxide being kept available
Implementation Method 3
the atmospheric carbon dioxide is continuously supplied to autotrophic microorganisms in the at least one bioreactor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and to a method for sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide using at least one air capture module in conjunction with a biorcactor equipped with an autotrophic microorganisms.