Linked Bioreactor System for CO2 Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for large-scale production of mycelium materials face challenges in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and achieving cost-effective, energy-efficient processes.
Innovation Solution
A reactor system comprising at least two reactors, one for phototrophic organisms like algae and one for non-phototrophic organisms like mycelium, where the reactors are fluidly linked to facilitate the exchange of gases such as CO2 and O2, allowing for a zero or negative CO2 emission production process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional single-reactor systems are used for mycelium production, then the production process is simple, but CO2 emissions are high and energy efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a phototrophic reactor (algae) and a heterotrophic reactor (mycelium) into a single integrated system where the two reactors are fluidly connected. The algae reactor produces oxygen and consumes CO2, while the mycelium reactor produces CO2 and consumes oxygen. By merging these two previously separate processes into one system, CO2 emissions are reduced through internal gas exchange, and the overall device complexity remains manageable through modular reactor design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful CO2 emission from the mycelium production process into a beneficial resource for the algae reactor. The CO2 produced by heterotrophic organisms in one reactor is transferred to the phototrophic reactor where algae consume it for photosynthesis, transforming a waste product into a valuable input that reduces external CO2 emissions and eliminates the need for separate CO2 abatement systems.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional mycelium production methods are used, then the production process is straightforward, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated reactor system provides self-service by internally generating and exchanging gases between reactors. The phototrophic reactor produces oxygen that is automatically available to the heterotrophic reactor, while the heterotrophic reactor produces CO2 that is automatically available to the phototrophic reactor. This self-sustaining gas exchange eliminates or reduces the need for external aeration systems, CO2 injection systems, and other energy-intensive equipment, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining high productivity.
3Reliability
If separate reactors for phototrophic and heterotrophic organisms are used, then gas exchange is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reactor system into distinct phototrophic and heterotrophic reactor zones while maintaining fluid connection between them. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific organism type and metabolic requirements, ensuring reliable gas exchange. The modular segmented design manages complexity by creating clearly defined functional zones rather than a single complex undifferentiated reactor, making the system both reliable and manageable.
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 enables a fully automated, cost-effective, and energy-efficient large-scale production of mycelium and algae, reducing carbon footprint and providing sustainable materials for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reactor Rp comprises phototrophic organisms... adjusting conditions in reactor Rp to allow organisms in reactor Rp to produce O2... transferring O2 produced in step d) from reactor Rp to reactor Rn-p
Implementation Method 2
at least one other reactor Rn-p comprises heterotrophic organisms... adjusting conditions in reactor Rn-p to allow organisms in the reactor Rn-p to produce CO2... transferring CO2 produced in step c) from reactor Rn-p to reactor Rp
Implementation Method 3
V1 of at least one reactor Rp is fluidly linked with V1 of the at least one other reactor Rn-p... transferring CO2 produced in step c) from reactor Rn-p to reactor Rp, transferring O2 produced in step d) from reactor Rp to reactor Rn-p
Implementation Method 4
V1 of at least one reactor Rp is fluidly linked with V1 of at least one other reactor Rn-p... facilitating the exchange of gases such as CO2 and O2
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a reactor system comprising at least two reactors, a reactor batch within the reactor system, and a method of culturing organisms simultaneously in the reactor system. The gas-filled volume of at least one reactor is fluidly linked with the gas-filled volume of at least one other reactor.