Fertilizer Gradient Energy System Using Membrane Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy systems used in agriculture, such as those for fertigation, face inefficiencies in energy capture and conversion due to limited concentration gradients and energy capture/conversion limitations, particularly in fertilizer gradient systems.
Innovation Solution
A fertilizer gradient energy system utilizing a membrane module with semipermeable or ion exchange membranes to facilitate pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) and reverse electrodialysis (RED) processes, allowing for the efficient capture of energy from fertilizer concentration gradients by separating sections with different solutions and membranes to generate mechanical and electric energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional fertigation systems are used, then fertilizer application is achieved, but energy capture and conversion efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical energy conversion systems with biological systems. Microorganisms are introduced to convert fertilizer concentration gradients into electrical energy through metabolic processes, substituting mechanical/electrical conversion mechanisms with biological energy transduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in fertilizer concentration parameters to drive energy generation. By maintaining concentration gradients between different compartments and allowing microorganisms to metabolize the concentration differential, the system converts chemical concentration parameters into electrical energy output.
2Power
If membrane modules are used for concentration gradient energy capture, then energy generation is enabled, but membrane fouling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Microorganisms serve as an intermediary between the fertilizer concentration gradient and the membrane module. Instead of direct contact between high-concentration fertilizer and the membrane, microorganisms metabolize the fertilizer and produce energy, reducing direct fouling interactions while maintaining energy generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-cleaning mechanisms where the metabolic activity of microorganisms and the flow dynamics created by energy generation help prevent membrane fouling. The continuous movement and biological activity reduce deposition and accumulation on membrane surfaces.
3Power
If concentrated fertilizer solutions are used, then energy gradient is increased, but membrane area requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized zones of high concentration gradient where microorganisms are concentrated. Instead of requiring large membrane areas for uniform low-concentration processing, the system creates intense local energy generation zones with high microbial density and concentrated fertilizer gradients, increasing power density per unit membrane area.
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 increases fluid pressure and electric potential, enabling the generation of significant power densities, potentially exceeding traditional salt gradient systems, while minimizing membrane fouling and optimizing membrane area usage.
Implementation Method 1
The semipermeable membrane may be configured to facilitate pressure retarded osmosis of the water solution from the first section to the second section to increase a fluid pressure in the second section
Implementation Method 2
The anion exchange membrane and/or the cation exchange membrane may be configured to facilitate reverse electrodialysis of ions of the freshwater feed solution from the first section to the second section and/or the third section to create a potential across the membrane module
Data Source
AI summary
A fertilizer gradient energy system includes a membrane module. A membrane module may include a first section and a second section. The first and second sections may be separated by a semipermeable membrane. A load may be connected to the membrane module. The first section may be configured to receive a concentrated fertilizer solution. The second section may be configured to receive a freshwater feed solution. In embodiments, a semipermeable membrane may be configured to facilitate pressure retarded osmosis of the freshwater feed solution from the first section to the second section to increase a fluid pressure in the second section. The semipermeable membrane may include an anion exchange membrane. The membrane module may include a third section. A cation exchange membrane may separate the first and third section. Anion and cation exchange membranes may facilitate reverse electrodialysis. Methods of capturing energy via a membrane module are also disclosed.