Floating Biomass Membrane for Algae Cultivation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current biofuel production methods, such as using corn, face challenges like high energy consumption, land erosion, and competition with food sources, while algae-based biofuels offer high power density but require efficient cultivation methods.
Innovation Solution
A biomass producing system utilizing a flexible polymeric membrane in a large body of water to create a freshwater pool for growing algae, with a filtration system to maintain freshwater purity and a biomass extractor to harvest the algae, allowing for continuous biofuel production without land use or food source competition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If corn is used to produce biofuel, then biofuel can be produced from a crop capable of being converted to alcohol, but it takes more energy to produce the ethanol than is actually obtained from it and corn is used as food for humans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the biomass production process from traditional land-based agriculture and relocates it to aquatic environments using floating membranes. This separates biofuel production from food production entirely, as algae grow in water bodies without competing for arable land or food resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating membrane system acts as an intermediary between the water body and the algae culture. The membrane provides structural support and containment while allowing light penetration and gas exchange, enabling efficient algae growth without the need for intensive energy input required by traditional corn-based ethanol production.
2Quantity of substance
If corn is used to produce biofuel, then biofuel can be produced, but corn production is hard on the land because it erodes the soil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions biofuel production from a two-dimensional land-based system to a three-dimensional aquatic system. Floating membranes are deployed on water surfaces, allowing algae to grow vertically in the water column while the membranes remain supported by buoyancy. This eliminates soil contact and erosion entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system copies the natural photosynthetic process that occurs in aquatic environments and replicates it using controlled floating membrane reactors. This artificial aquatic ecosystem mimics natural algae growth without requiring agricultural land, thereby avoiding soil erosion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a floating biomass producing system is used, then biofuel production can be scaled to large bodies of water of indefinite size, but the system requires a filtration system to maintain freshwater purity and a biomass extractor to harvest algae
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular floating membrane units that can be independently deployed and scaled. Each membrane module contains its own filtration and harvesting interfaces, allowing the overall system to be expanded by simply adding more modules without increasing proportional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating membrane structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the algae culture, acts as a barrier to retain biomass, facilitates light transmission for photosynthesis, and enables integration of filtration and harvesting systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
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 system enables renewable and efficient biofuel production from algae, minimizing environmental impact and energy costs, with the potential for large-scale, continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane is impermeable to sea water
Implementation Method 2
A float is connected to the perimeter edge of the membrane to give the membrane buoyancy
Implementation Method 3
The filtration system has an inlet that is for introduction of sea water and an outlet that is for discharging freshwater into the volume of the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A water based biomass producing system that is disposed in a body of water, for example a freshwater lake or a sea, and is capable of producing a biomass that can be converted into a biofuel. The system relies on a pool of freshwater that is suspended in the body of water to grow the biomass. The pool is contained within a flexible polymeric membrane that is impermeable to the water of the body of water. The membrane is suspended in the body of water by a float. A filtration system is connected to the float that has an inlet that is for introduction of water from the body of water and an outlet that is for discharging freshwater into the pool. A biomass extractor is provided to harvest the biomass from the freshwater pool. The harvested biomass can then be converted into a biofuel.