Floating Bioreactor System for Climate-Neutral Protein Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing protein and omega-3 fatty acids are not climate-neutral and struggle to meet the growing demand, leading to environmental concerns and reliance on imported soya and fish oil, with limited facilities capable of producing sufficient volumes profitably.
Innovation Solution
A bioreactor and fermentation system designed for floating production units, utilizing renewable energy sources and CO2 capture, integrated with photo-bioreactors and chain conveyors for efficient nutrient distribution and harvesting, capable of producing single-cell protein and omega-3 fatty acids while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional soya and fishmeal production methods are used to meet growing protein demand, then protein supply increases, but environmental damage occurs and climate neutrality is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of protein production by shifting from traditional agriculture (soya, fishmeal) to cellular agriculture (cell cultures). This involves changing the substrate from agricultural land to bioreactors, the energy source from fossil fuels to renewable energy, and the production method from farming to controlled cellular cultivation, thereby achieving climate neutrality while meeting protein demand
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cell cultures as an intermediary substance between agricultural raw materials and final protein products. These cell cultures serve as a mediator that can be grown in controlled bioreactor environments using renewable energy and sustainable substrates, replacing the need for extensive agricultural production of soya and fishmeal
2Object-affected harmful factors
If single-cell protein production is implemented as an alternative to soya, then protein production becomes more sustainable, but production volume and profitability are currently insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the production process into distinct modular bioreactor systems that can be scaled independently. Each bioreactor unit operates as a separate module with its own substrate preparation, cell culture, and harvesting systems, allowing incremental scaling from pilot to industrial production while maintaining profitability through optimized resource utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal production platform that can produce multiple types of protein products (single-cell protein, omega-3 fatty acids, other biologically active compounds) using the same core bioreactor technology. This multi-functionality allows the system to serve multiple markets and optimize profitability by producing the most valuable products based on market demand
3Object-affected harmful factors
If floating production units are used for bioreactor deployment, then land use is reduced and production becomes more climate-neutral, but device complexity and operational challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the floating platform structure with the bioreactor systems, integrating support functions (anchoring, ballast, platform stability) directly into the production units. This combination eliminates the need for separate land-based facilities and reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple functions into unified floating modules
Solution Approach 2:
The floating bioreactor units are designed to be self-sufficient, generating their own power through renewable energy sources (wind, wave, solar), managing their own ballast and stability, and handling their own waste processing. This self-service capability reduces operational complexity and enables deployment in remote locations without extensive infrastructure
4Object-affected harmful factors
If CO2 capture and waste heat utilization are integrated into the bioreactor system, then climate neutrality is improved, but system complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts harmful emissions (CO2 from combustion engines, waste heat from power generation) into beneficial resources for cell culture production. CO2 is captured and supplied to autotrophic cell cultures as carbon source, while waste heat is used to maintain optimal temperature in bioreactors, thereby eliminating emissions while supporting productive growth
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces CO2 capture and waste heat exchange systems as intermediary components between emission sources and bioreactors. These intermediaries transfer and transform energy and material flows, converting waste streams into usable resources that support cell culture metabolism and bioreactor operation
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
Enables large-scale, climate-neutral production of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, reducing reliance on imported materials and lowering production costs, while utilizing waste heat and CO2, thus addressing environmental and economic challenges.
Implementation Method 1
Photo-bioreactors
Implementation Method 2
fermentation system
Data Source
AI summary
Production equipment for production of biological material, comprising a bioreactor 12, 3 for the cultivation and production of unicellular microorganisms and communities of microorganisms as well as multicellular aquatic plant and animal organisms. The bioreactor has at least one space for the proliferation 21 of unicellular microorganisms, communities of microorganisms, multicellular aquatic plants and animals, which space is in communication with a device 23 for cultivating, transporting and harvesting said microorganisms or aquatic organisms, comprising a pipe chain conveyor.