Low-Carbon Fuel Supply Chain Control Using Regenerative Feedstocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel production methods emit high levels of greenhouse gases, and there is a need for systems and methods to produce low carbon intensity transportation fuels using regenerative agriculture to reduce carbon emissions across various stages of fuel production, transport, and delivery.
Innovation Solution
Implementing regenerative agricultural practices and utilizing a controller to determine and optimize feedstock procurement, transportation pathways, production processes, and distribution pathways to maintain carbon intensity below a defined threshold, incorporating renewable energy sources and carbon sequestration techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional fuel production methods are used, then fuel can be produced efficiently, but high levels of greenhouse gases are emitted
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel production system is divided into multiple independent components: regenerative agriculture feedstock production, renewable energy-powered processing facilities, carbon capture systems, and traditional refinery integration. Each segment can be optimized independently for low emissions while maintaining overall production efficiency through coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines regenerative agriculture operations with traditional fuel production facilities, integrating renewable energy sources and carbon capture technologies into the existing infrastructure. This merging allows the system to maintain the proven efficiency of traditional production while adding low-carbon capabilities.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If regenerative agriculture practices are implemented across the supply chain, then carbon intensity is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller system performs multiple functions: it monitors carbon intensity across the supply chain, optimizes feedstock procurement from regenerative sources, manages renewable energy integration, coordinates transportation routing, and controls processing operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates between diverse supply chain participants (farmers, processors, transporters, refiners) and integrates regenerative agriculture practices with existing infrastructure. This intermediary manages complexity by providing a single point of coordination rather than requiring direct complex interactions between all parties.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If carbon intensity thresholds are strictly maintained throughout production and transport, then low carbon intensity fuel is produced, but operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters such as feedstock sourcing decisions, transportation routing, and processing conditions in real-time based on current carbon intensity measurements and threshold requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain compliance while responding flexibly to changing conditions in the supply chain.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors carbon intensity at each stage of the supply chain and uses this feedback to adjust operations. When carbon intensity approaches threshold levels, the system automatically modifies procurement, transportation, or processing decisions to remain compliant, enabling flexible response to maintain thresholds without rigid operational constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods utilizing regenerative agriculture for the procurement, production, refinement and/or transformation of low carbon intensity transportation fuels, including low carbon intensity biodiesel and/or renewable diesel, low carbon intensity biogasoline, low carbon intensity aviation, marine and kerosene fuels as well as fuel oil blends, low carbon intensity ethanol, and low carbon intensity hydrogen, that may be beneficially commercialized directly to consumers. In further aspects, the systems and methods of the present disclosure advantageously generate low carbon intensity comestibles, including sustainably-sourced meal and/or feed. The disclosed systems and methods may be utilized and optimized such that the resulting fuels and foodstuffs are characterized by a reduction in greenhouse gas production and a diminution in the fertilizer, pesticide and water required for producing the associated crop feedstocks.