Hot Compression Molded Solid Fuel from Plant Seeds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid fuels, including biofuels and plastics, are inadequate in reducing carbon dioxide production and face challenges in form retention stability during storage, transportation, and use in thermal power generation, disrupting ecological and economic balances.
Innovation Solution
A solid fuel composition comprising 70 wt % or more of fruit seeds or press cakes from Ricinus communis, Triadica sebifera, Jatropha curcas, Brassica rapa L. var. nippo-oleifera, Palmae, Zea mays, or honey mesquito, hot compression molded without binders, achieving high hardness and form retention stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If fruit seeds or press cakes are used as solid fuel, then carbon dioxide production is reduced, but form retention stability during storage and transportation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite materials by combining fruit seeds or press cakes with natural binders (starch, cellulose, lignin) to create a molded solid fuel product. This composite approach maintains the carbon-reducing benefits of plant-based fuel while the binder matrix provides structural integrity and form retention stability during storage and transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes physical parameters through hot compression molding, applying heat and pressure to transform loose fruit seed material into a dense, stable molded fuel product. This parameter change (temperature and pressure during molding) creates strong bonds between particles, significantly improving form retention stability while maintaining the low-carbon advantage of plant-based fuel.
2Stability of the object's composition
If binders are added to improve form retention stability, then form retention stability improves, but manufacturing complexity and harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses inexpensive, naturally occurring binders (starch, cellulose, lignin) that are readily available and easy to work with. These simple, short-chain molecular binders provide adequate bonding for fuel applications without requiring complex processing or specialized materials, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving sufficient form retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention exploits self-service properties of natural binders that contain inherent binding groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl groups) capable of forming hydrogen bonds and other interactions with fruit seed particles. This self-binding capability eliminates the need for complex binder application systems or multi-step manufacturing processes, simplifying production while ensuring form retention stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If plastics are used as solid fuel, then form retention stability improves, but carbon dioxide production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and density of plant-based material through hot compression molding, achieving form retention stability previously associated with plastics. By applying heat and pressure, the material transforms into a dense, structurally stable fuel product that rivals plastic fuel in handling stability but maintains the environmental advantage of low carbon dioxide production through complete combustion of plant matter.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts what would normally be waste materials (fruit seeds and press cakes) into a beneficial solid fuel product. By utilizing these abundant plant by-products that would otherwise be discarded, the invention creates a fuel source that provides the handling stability needed for practical use while simultaneously reducing carbon dioxide emissions by replacing fossil fuels with renewable plant-based energy.
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 resulting solid fuel exhibits excellent form retention stability and a high calorific value, minimizing fragmentation and harmful gas production, making it suitable for thermal power generation while reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a solid fuel which comprises a composition containing 70 wt % or more, on dry basis, of a fruit seed or press cake thereof of Ricinus communis, Triadica sebifera, Jatropha curcas, Brassica rapa L. var. nippo-oleifera, Plamae, Zea mays or honey mesquito and is hot compression molded
Implementation Method 2
The solid fuel of the present invention is substantially formed from a plant in nature, does not produce a harmful gas and leads to the suppression of carbon dioxide
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem] To provide a solid fuel suitable for thermal power generation by making use of the fruit seed or press cake thereof of a plant which grows in large quantities in nature.[Solution] The solid fuel comprises a composition containing 70 wt % or more, on dry basis, of the fruit seed or press cake thereof of Ricinus communis, Triadica sebifera, Jatropha curcas, Brassica rapa L. var. nippo-oleifera, Plamae, Zea mays or Prosopis glandulosa (honey mesquito) and is hot compression molded.