Modular Vertical Photobioreactor for NOx Abatement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial plants face challenges in installing NOx abatement systems due to space constraints, and current chemical methods for reducing NOx are costly and generate secondary pollutants.
Innovation Solution
A modular and scalable biological plant using vertically stacked photobioreactor tanks for microalgae culture, equipped with gas distribution, temperature regulation, agitation, and LED lighting systems, which allows for efficient NOx abatement and biomass production with minimal footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If chemical methods are used for NOx reduction, then NOx emissions are reduced, but secondary pollutants are generated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts harmful NOx emissions into beneficial microalgal biomass by using microalgae to absorb and metabolize NOx as a nutrient source. This transforms a harmful pollutant into a valuable resource for producing high-added-value compounds such as pigments, proteins, and oils, thereby eliminating secondary pollutants while reducing NOx emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces chemical methods with a biological system using microalgae for NOx reduction. Instead of using chemical reagents that generate secondary pollutants, the system employs living microalgal cells that naturally absorb and metabolize NOx through biological processes, eliminating the generation of harmful byproducts.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional NOx abatement systems are installed, then NOx emissions are reduced, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from horizontal spatial arrangement to vertical stacking of photobioreactor modules. By arranging multiple photobioreactor modules vertically one above another, the system achieves significant NOx abatement capacity while occupying minimal ground area, making it suitable for installation in existing industrial plants with limited space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention divides the NOx abatement system into multiple standardized photobioreactor modules that can be vertically stacked. Each module contains photobioreactor tanks arranged in parallel, and multiple modules are superimposed vertically to create a compact, scalable configuration that maximizes treatment capacity within a small footprint.
3Use of energy by moving object
If biological processes are used for NOx reduction, then energy and economic costs are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photobioreactor modules serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support for vertical stacking, contain the microalgal culture medium, facilitate gas-liquid contact for NOx absorption, enable light penetration for photosynthesis, and allow for easy modular assembly and scalability. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the biological process requirements.
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 effectively reduces NOx emissions, produces high-value algal biomass, and can be installed in space-limited industrial settings, reducing energy and economic costs while eliminating secondary pollutants.
Implementation Method 1
microalgae are a good option for the treatment of NOx, as they can reduce emissions by using it as a nutrient
Implementation Method 2
there is an artificial LED lighting system, capable of generating and adequately distributing the light to the entire volume of the tank
Implementation Method 3
The temperature regulation means may include a heat exchanger inside each tank, and are fed by a heat transfer fluid to perform the function of tempering and maintaining the temperature of the fluid
Implementation Method 4
the gas inlet to each tank is carried out through means for the dispersion of the gas by bubbling within the fluid
Implementation Method 5
The tank has an agitation and fluid movement system designed with a triple objective: (i) to enable the distribution of microalgae inside the tank; (ii) to favour the distribution of gases and nutrients throughout the volume of fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention is a modular and vertically scalable biological plant for NOx abatement. The plant comprises: a support structure formed by a plurality of vertically superimposed modules, a plurality of photobioreactor tanks suitable for carrying out a microalgae culture inside, wherein each tank is arranged in one of the modules of the structure, such that all the tanks are vertically aligned with respect to the floor. The plant further comprises: means of temperature regulation inside each photobioreactor tank, means of culture fluid agitation inside each of the photobioreactor tanks, and means of culture lighting inside each of the tanks. The plant requires a minimum footprint so that it can be installed in industrial plants already in operation.