Modular Bioenergy System for Distributed Organic Waste Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current organic waste processing facilities face high costs due to large, centralized designs that incur significant transportation expenses for feedstocks and by-products, and are often hindered by local construction challenges, necessitating a more efficient and adaptable solution for waste management and energy production.
Innovation Solution
A prefabricated, multi-modal, portable, modular bio-mimicry system, known as the Bioenergy System, which includes bio-mimicry vessels capable of anaerobic digestion and other processes, designed for quick deployment and operation at smaller scales, minimizing transportation costs and leveraging by-product synergy for energy and fertilizer production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large, centralized facilities are designed for organic waste processing, then economies of scale are achieved, but transportation costs for feedstocks and by-products increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized processing system into multiple distributed modular units that can be deployed at or near waste generation sites. Each module handles a portion of the processing independently, eliminating the need to transport bulk feedstocks and by-products over long distances while maintaining overall system productivity through parallel operation of multiple modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single large-scale centralized facility to a multi-dimensional distributed network of modular units. This spatial redistribution across multiple locations transforms the system architecture, allowing processing to occur closer to waste sources and reducing transportation requirements while preserving total processing capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If facilities are constructed on-site in challenging geographic areas, then local waste processing is enabled, but construction difficulties and risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs prefabricated modular units that are manufactured and pre-assembled in controlled factory environments before being transported to final deployment locations. This preliminary construction phase allows complex components to be built under optimal conditions, reducing on-site construction complexity and enabling deployment in challenging geographic areas that would be difficult to access during construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic, flexible system where modular units can be easily transported and reconfigured based on local conditions. The modular architecture allows the system to adapt to various deployment scenarios and geographic constraints, making it versatile for locations ranging from urban centers to remote areas with challenging access.
3Loss of time
If prefabricated modular systems are used, then deployment speed and local resilience improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overall processing system into standardized modular units, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation enables rapid deployment by allowing modules to be manufactured, tested, and transported separately, then quickly assembled at the deployment site. The modular structure reduces deployment time while the standardization of interfaces minimizes the complexity of system configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs modular units with universal interfaces and standardized connection protocols that can be applied across different deployment scenarios. This universality simplifies system configuration by allowing the same module type to be replicated and interconnected in various configurations, reducing the learning curve and operational complexity despite the distributed nature of the system.
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 Bioenergy System reduces implementation risks and costs by enabling on-site processing of organic waste, minimizing trucking expenses, and promoting distributed energy generation and local resilience through efficient, prefabricated, modular units that can be easily transported and deployed, thereby supporting the goals of the Zero Waste Movement.
Implementation Method 1
a first anaerobic digester that receives a first feedstock and converts the first feedstock into a first by-product and energy
Implementation Method 2
a second aerobic digester that receives a second feedstock and converts the second feedstock into a second by-product and energy
Implementation Method 3
a gasification system that receives a third feedstock and converts the third feedstock into a third by-product and energy
Implementation Method 4
a trans-esterification system that receives a fourth feedstock and converts the fourth feedstock into a fourth by-product and energy
Implementation Method 5
a drying system that receives a fifth feedstock and converts the fifth feedstock into a fifth by-product and energy
Implementation Method 6
a prilling system that receives a sixth feedstock and converts the sixth feedstock into a sixth by-product and energy
Implementation Method 7
heat production from composting
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this invention provide an apparatus that allows for the biodegrading of materials including food waste, food service paper products, wet waste, paper cardboard, landscape waste, and other organic solids using a prefabricated, multi-modal, portable, modular system that includes a series of bio-mimicry vessels in multiple mode deployment.