Geothermal Gas Recirculation for CO2-Controlled Algae Cultivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geothermal gas, containing high levels of CO2 and toxic gases like H2S, is challenging to use in algae cultivation due to potential toxicity and explosion risks, leading to inefficient CO2 utilization and harmful effects on algae growth.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop system with sensors and controllers regulates the circulation of geothermal gas, monitoring CO2, H2S, and O2 levels, adjusting gas mixtures to maintain optimal conditions for algae growth by adding or replacing gases to maintain safe and effective CO2 supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If geothermal gas is introduced into the algae culture to provide CO2, then CO2 supply for photosynthesis is improved, but toxic gases (H2S) and explosive gases (hydrogen, methane) contaminate the culture and harm algae growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes toxic components (H2S, hydrogen, methane) from the geothermal gas through a purification system before introducing the cleaned gas into the algae culture. This separation allows the beneficial CO2 to be utilized while eliminating harmful substances that would otherwise inhibit algae growth or cause safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary purification system between the geothermal gas source and the algae culture. This intermediate stage processes the raw geothermal gas, removing toxic components through chemical absorption (using solutions like NaOH for H2S removal) and filtration, thereby mediating the interaction between the gas source and the sensitive algae culture.
2Quantity of substance
If geothermal gas is mixed with air to provide CO2, then CO2 availability is improved, but explosion risk increases due to presence of hydrogen and methane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes explosive components (hydrogen and methane) from the geothermal gas through specific purification steps before the gas is introduced into the culture system. This extraction eliminates the explosion hazard while preserving the CO2 that is essential for algae photosynthesis and growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by removing explosive gases before they can mix with air and create a hazardous atmosphere. The purification process occurs upstream, preventing the formation of explosive mixtures and eliminating the need for complex explosion prevention measures in the culture system.
3Productivity
If CO2 rich gas is continuously supplied to the algae culture, then photosynthesis efficiency is improved, but majority of CO2 is released and wasted into the atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a gas recirculation system that captures the gas exiting the algae culture, which still contains unabsorbed CO2. This recovered gas is重新introduced into the culture system after passing through the purification stage, thereby recovering valuable CO2 that would otherwise be wasted and reducing the need for continuous fresh gas supply.
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 ensures efficient CO2 utilization and prevents toxic gas accumulation, promoting healthy algae growth and reducing odor issues, while minimizing explosion risks.
Implementation Method 1
the CO2 needs to be dissolved into the water surrounding the algae culture
Implementation Method 2
the algae biomass to perform photosynthesize and grow
Data Source
AI summary
A method of growing algae in a cultivation container is disclosed. In some the method may include: circulating, via the cultivation container, in a closed loop, a first predetermined amount of gas mixture comprising a first type of gas and at least one second type of gas, the gas mixture may enter the container via one or more entrance spargers and exit via at least one exit pipe, the first type of gas may contain CO2 at a known first amount; receiving signal indicative of the amount of CO2 or H2S, in the gas mixture; when the signal indicates that the amount of CO2 drops below a first predetermined level or when the signal indicates that the amount of H2S rises above a first predetermined level, extracting a second predetermined amount of the gas mixture from the cultivation container: and adding an amount of the first type of gas to the gas mixture, equal to the second predetermined amount.