Flue Gas Reclamation via Algae Farm Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flue gas cleaning systems are costly and vary in effectiveness, struggling to meet stringent governmental regulations for pollutant reduction in flue gas emissions from industrial sources.
Innovation Solution
A flue gas reclamation system comprising a combustion engine, generator, compressor, holding tanks, and an algae farm, where flue gas is processed and enriched, then supplied to an algae farm for carbon dioxide utilization, reducing pollutants and providing nutrients for algae growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flue gas cleaning systems (electrostatic precipitators, gas scrubbers, dust filters) are used to remove pollutants, then pollutant removal efficiency is improved (90 percent or more), but installation and operating costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts harmful flue gas emissions into a beneficial resource by directing them to an algae farm, where the algae consumes carbon dioxide and produces biomass. This transforms a waste stream requiring expensive treatment into a valuable input for renewable fuel production, eliminating the need for conventional expensive cleaning systems while meeting emission regulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the destination and utilization parameter of flue gas from atmospheric discharge to controlled delivery to algae cultivation systems. By altering how the flue gas is handled (from removal to utilization), the system achieves pollutant reduction without requiring expensive conventional cleaning infrastructure.
2Reliability
If conventional flue gas cleaning systems are installed to meet governmental regulations, then compliance with emission limits is improved, but system complexity and variety of treatments required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The algae farm serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a carbon dioxide sink, produces renewable biomass/fuel, and functions as a natural flue gas treatment system. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple specialized cleaning devices (precipitators, scrubbers, filters) with a single integrated system that handles pollutant removal while generating valuable byproducts.
Solution Approach 2:
The algae farm naturally performs the cleaning function through biological processes. The algae self-regulates by consuming carbon dioxide and other flue gas components, requiring minimal external intervention or complex control systems compared to conventional mechanical cleaning devices.
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 reduces pollutants in flue gas, provides energy and nutrients for algae cultivation, and generates biofuel, offering a cost-effective and adaptable solution for industrial facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a combustion engine including an intake member, an output shaft, and an exhaust outlet, the intake member of the combustion engine configured to receive flue gas from a gas source
Implementation Method 2
a generator connected to the output shaft of the combustion engine
Implementation Method 3
a compressor connected to the exhaust outlet of the combustion engine; at least one holding tank connected to the compressor, wherein the compressor stores enriched flue gas from the exhaust outlet of the combustion engine in the at least one holding tank
Implementation Method 4
an algae farm in fluid communication with the at least one holding tank, wherein the algae farm is configured to receive the stored enriched flue gas from the at least one holding tank
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for flue gas reclamation is described. In one embodiment, a flue gas reclamation system is provided. The system includes a combustion engine including an intake member, an output shaft, and an exhaust outlet. The intake member receives flue gas from a gas source. A generator is connected to the output shaft and a compressor is connected to the exhaust outlet of the combustion engine. At least one holding tank is connected to the compressor and the compressor stores enriched flue gas from the exhaust outlet of the combustion engine in the at least one holding tank. A battery is connected to the generator and is configured to provide electric power to the flue gas reclamation system. An algae farm in fluid communication with the at least one holding tank is configured to receive the stored enriched flue gas from the at least one holding tank.