Anaerobic Digester with Deformable Tubes for Remote Waste Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack an efficient and scalable solution for converting waste materials into renewable fuels and food sources using anaerobic microorganisms, particularly in remote or resource-constrained areas.
Innovation Solution
A renewable energy system utilizing an anaerobic digester with deformable tubes and insulating trench configurations that supports anaerobic digestion of waste, producing methane and nutrient-rich byproducts for fuel and hydroponic crop growth, featuring flexible tube designs and temperature control for optimal microorganism activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional waste conversion methods are used, then scalability and efficiency are limited, but implementing advanced anaerobic digestion systems requires significant infrastructure and technical expertise that is unavailable in remote areas
Solution Approach 1:
The digester is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber for initial digestion, second chamber for further processing) connected by conduits. This segmentation allows each chamber to perform specific functions, improving overall conversion efficiency while keeping individual chamber designs simple and modular for easy deployment in remote areas.
Solution Approach 2:
A subsurface flow distribution system acts as an intermediary between waste input and final output, distributing effluent through a network of pipes embedded in gravel beds. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall system by providing passive, low-maintenance flow distribution without requiring complex pumping or control mechanisms.
2Productivity
If anaerobic digestion is performed without temperature control, then energy consumption is reduced, but microorganism activity and digestion efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter by utilizing exothermic chemical reactions within the digester and passive heat transfer through the earth. The subsurface flow system allows heat generated during digestion to be retained and distributed, maintaining optimal temperatures for microorganism activity without requiring external energy input for heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The digester is designed to be self-regulating, where the biological and chemical processes within generate sufficient heat to maintain optimal digestion temperatures. The earth-covered design and subsurface flow system passively retain and distribute this heat, eliminating the need for external energy input while maintaining high digestion rates.
3Productivity
If multiple treatment stages are implemented, then waste conversion efficiency improves, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular chambers and components that can be assembled in sequence. Each chamber is a discrete unit with standardized connections, allowing multiple treatment stages to be implemented by simply connecting pre-fabricated modules together, thereby maintaining assembly simplicity while achieving high conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The chambers and flow distribution system are designed to operate at similar pressure levels, eliminating the need for complex pumping systems between stages. Effluent flows passively from one chamber to the next through gravity and pressure equalization, simplifying assembly and reducing the number of moving parts while maintaining multi-stage treatment efficiency.
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 converts waste into renewable fuels and nutrients for hydroponic crops, providing energy, food sources, and promoting local food production while being easy to assemble and deploy in remote areas.
Implementation Method 1
A renewable energy system utilizing an anaerobic digester with deformable tubes and insulating trench configurations that supports anaerobic digestion of waste, producing methane and nutrient-rich byproducts for fuel and hydroponic crop growth
Implementation Method 2
A renewable energy system utilizing an anaerobic digester with deformable tubes and insulating trench configurations that supports anaerobic digestion of waste
Data Source
AI summary
A renewable energy system includes a digester assembly having an outer tube with an input region and a digestion region. The input region extends above grade and is configured to receive liquid waste. At least a portion of the digestion region is positioned below grade and configured to receive the liquid waste and to anaerobically digest the liquid waste with microorganisms to supply renewable byproducts, such as methane, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and/or carbon dioxide-rich water. The digester assembly can include two or more deformable tubes that are configured to move liquid through the outer tube by alternatingly compressing one another. In one embodiment, the deformable tubes are configured to replenish waste liquid and to deliver liquid byproducts. In another embodiment, the deformable tubes are configured to exhaust air, such as for delivery of gas byproducts and fostering an anaerobic environment.