Decentralized Biogas Production via Modular Transfer Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biogas production systems are inefficient and costly due to the need for large, centralized production plants that require significant workforce and long-distance transportation of biomaterial and biogas, making it difficult to achieve the EU's goal of a comprehensive biomethane refueling network.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a biogas reactor with transfer containers adapted for lorry transport, enabling automated and decentralized biogas production and distribution, where biowaste is transported in sealed containers, and biogas is purified and stored for efficient distribution to refueling stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large centralized production plants are used, then biogas production capacity is sufficient, but transportation distance of biomaterial and biogas becomes long and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized biogas production system into multiple decentralized modular units. Each module includes a biogas reactor, handling equipment, and transfer containers that can operate independently. This segmentation allows production to be distributed closer to refueling stations, reducing transportation distances for both biomaterial and produced biogas while maintaining sufficient total production capacity through multiple distributed units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by placing biogas production modules directly at or near refueling stations rather than relying on centralized remote plants. This dimensional shift in the production-distribution network transforms the system from a centralized hub-and-spoke model to a distributed network model, fundamentally changing the logistics and transportation requirements.
2Productivity
If large centralized production plants are used, then biogas production capacity is sufficient, but workforce requirements and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular units are designed with automated handling equipment that can autonomously load biomaterial into biogas reactors and transfer produced biogas to storage containers. The systems include self-contained control mechanisms and automated monitoring, reducing the need for manual intervention and workforce at each production site while maintaining high productivity through continuous automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling equipment and transfer containers are designed as universal, standardized components that can be deployed across multiple modular units. This universality allows for simplified operation and maintenance, as the same equipment design can be operated by similar skill sets across different locations, reducing the overall complexity of workforce requirements for the distributed network.
3Extent of automation
If decentralized production with transfer containers is used, then automation is improved and workforce needs are reduced, but requires new handling and transfer equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent standardizes key parameters of the transfer containers and handling equipment across all modular units, including container dimensions, connection interfaces, and transfer mechanisms. By fixing these parameters, the system achieves high automation through standardized automated handling while avoiding excessive device complexity, as the same standardized equipment can be replicated across multiple units rather than requiring custom complex solutions for each location.
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
This system reduces operational costs by minimizing workforce needs, allows biogas production near biomaterial sources and traffic routes, and prevents odor and liquid spills, facilitating the establishment of a dense biomethane refueling network.
Implementation Method 1
a biogas reactor having a first end and a second end for producing biogas from biomaterial with dry anaerobic digestion
Implementation Method 2
a biogas upgrading unit connected to the biogas recovery equipment for purifying biogas
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is related to a system for producing and distributing biogas, the system (10) including - a biogas reactor (12) for producing biogas from biomaterial with dry anaerobic digestion, - first conveyor units (20) for transporting biomaterial, - first handling equipment (18) for unloading biomaterial, - first transfer equipment (19) for supplying biomaterial to the biogas reactor (12) - second transfer equipment (22) for unloading digestate from the biogas reactor (12), - second conveyor units (21) for carrying away digestate, - biogas recovery equipment (28), a biogas upgrading unit (32), a depot (30) and a refueling unit (34) for distributing biogas from the depot (30) to a user. The first conveyor units (20) and the second conveyor units (21) are transfer containers (36) adapted to be transported by lorries (48), and the system (10) further includes at least one lorry (48) for transporting said transfer containers (36).