Fermentation CO2 Conversion for Bioprocessing Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bioprocessing facilities face challenges in effectively utilizing carbon dioxide produced during fermentation and in reducing their carbon intensity, as existing methods do not efficiently convert this carbon dioxide into valuable products or utilize its thermal energy.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where carbon dioxide from fermentation is reacted with a reactant in an exothermic reaction to produce a reaction product, with the thermal energy from this reaction being used within the bioprocessing facility, either for electricity generation or in processes like evaporators, distillation, or dryers, thereby integrating carbon utilization and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If carbon dioxide from fermentation is not utilized, then the bioprocessing facility operates with existing infrastructure, but carbon intensity increases and valuable resource is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts carbon dioxide, traditionally viewed as a waste product increasing carbon intensity, into valuable chemical products through exothermic reactions. By integrating a chemical production system that reacts CO2 with reactants to produce useful chemicals, the system transforms a harmful emission into a beneficial resource, simultaneously reducing carbon intensity and creating economic value.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers carbon dioxide that would otherwise be discarded from fermentation processes. The chemical production system captures CO2 from the fermentation stream and converts it into valuable reaction products, preventing waste and creating additional revenue streams while reducing the facility's carbon footprint.
2Loss of energy
If thermal energy from exothermic reaction is not utilized, then the chemical production process is simpler, but energy efficiency of the bioprocessing facility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the chemical production system with the bioprocessing facility by integrating the exothermic reaction unit with fermentation processes. The thermal energy generated from CO2 conversion reactions is captured and reused within the same facility for heating requirements, creating a synergistic system where waste heat from one process becomes a useful resource for another.
Solution Approach 2:
The bioprocessing facility serves its own energy needs by utilizing the thermal energy generated from the exothermic conversion of carbon dioxide. The system becomes self-sufficient by using its own process-generated heat for facility operations, reducing external energy requirements and improving overall energy efficiency.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If carbon dioxide is converted into valuable products, then carbon intensity is reduced, but additional processing equipment and infrastructure are required
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical production system is designed to perform multiple functions: converting carbon dioxide into valuable chemical products, generating thermal energy for facility use, and potentially producing multiple different reaction products depending on the reactants used. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall infrastructure complexity.
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 enables the efficient conversion of carbon dioxide into valuable products and utilizes thermal energy within the bioprocessing facility, reducing carbon intensity and enhancing energy efficiency, while also producing reaction products like methane or sustainable aviation fuel.
Implementation Method 1
reacting at least one reactant and carbon dioxide to form the at least one reaction product via an exothermic reaction
Implementation Method 2
fermenting a fermentable composition at a bioprocessing facility, wherein fermenting generates at least one target biochemical and carbon dioxide
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for making a reaction product using carbon dioxide produced at a bioprocessing facility. The bioprocessing facility involves fermenting a fermentable composition to generate at least one target biochemical and carbon dioxide. At least a portion of the carbon dioxide is reacted with at least one reactant to form at least one reaction product.