Corn Residue Combustion Facility for Soil Decomposition and Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-yield corn crops generate excessive corn residue, which can clog tillage equipment, delay soil decomposition, and interfere with field warming and germination, ultimately reducing crop yields.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing excess corn residue by identifying a suitable facility site location near high-yield corn acres, constructing a combustion and steam generation facility, harvesting and baling the corn residue, and using it as a primary fuel source to generate power, while minimizing transportation costs and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If corn residue is left on fields to maintain soil fertility, then soil organic content is improved, but excessive residue clogs tillage equipment and delays soil decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts excessive corn residue from the field system by implementing a residue removal and transportation system. Baling equipment collects and bundles the residue, which is then transported off-site to a combustion facility, effectively removing the harmful excess while maintaining beneficial amounts in the field
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful excess corn residue into a beneficial fuel source by transporting it to a combustion facility where it is burned to generate electricity. This transforms the waste problem into an energy production opportunity, benefiting both the agricultural operation and power generation
2Productivity
If corn residue is removed from fields to prevent clogging and improve decomposition, then crop yields are improved, but transportation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the corn residue management system into distinct functional zones: field-level baling, on-farm storage areas, and centralized combustion facilities. This segmentation allows for efficient local processing and reduces transportation distances by processing residue at multiple distributed locations rather than transporting all residue to a single distant facility
3Quantity of substance
If corn residue is used as feed for cattle, then animal nutrition is improved, but excess residue accumulates and requires alternative disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional residue management system where corn residue serves multiple purposes: cattle feed, soil maintenance, and fuel source. The system allows flexible allocation of residue to different uses based on seasonal needs and economic conditions, maximizing the utility of the biomass resource
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 manages excess corn residue, generates power from a renewable bio-fuel source, creates local jobs, and enhances soil productivity by removing excess residue, leading to increased corn grain yields.
Implementation Method 1
constructing a combustion and steam generation facility
Implementation Method 2
combustion and steam generation facility
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing excess above-ground corn residue are disclosed. Systems and methods for combusting corn residue to produce heat for generating steam are also disclosed. Additionally, methods and systems for harvesting and pre-processing corn residue prior to combustion of the corn residue are disclosed.