Salinity Gradient Power Generation for Energy-Independent Smart Farms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Smart farms require energy-independent systems for efficient operation and customized growth raw materials, and existing technologies face limitations in energy supply and resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

A salinity gradient power generation system utilizing high- and low-concentration solutions, such as filtered wastewater and fertilizer liquids, to generate electricity and supply growth raw materials, integrated with an energy storage system and central control device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If smart farm facilities operate using conventional energy supply systems, then energy consumption can be maintained, but energy independence and stability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy supply stabilityVSAvoidenergy independence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The smart farm system generates its own electricity using a salinity gradient power generator that utilizes the concentration difference between high-concentration solution (waste water, fertilizer liquid) and low-concentration solution (fresh water). This self-powered mechanism eliminates dependence on external energy supplies while ensuring stable and sustainable energy for farm operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system simultaneously generates electricity and produces growth raw materials (nutrient solutions) for crops. The salinity gradient power generator serves dual purposes: power generation and nutrient solution production, making the system highly adaptable and self-sufficient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If conventional fertilizer solutions are used for crop growth, then basic nutritional needs are met, but customized growth raw materials optimized for specific crop types cannot be provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrop growth optimizationVSAvoidcustomization for different crop types

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system adjusts the composition and concentration of growth raw materials according to the specific needs of different crop types. By controlling the mixing ratio of high-concentration and low-concentration solutions, the system provides customized nutrient solutions optimized for each crop's growth stage and requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the concentration parameters of growth raw materials by varying the mixing ratio of high-concentration and low-concentration solutions. This allows precise control over nutrient composition to match the specific nutritional requirements of different crops

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If waste resources are not utilized, then environmental pollution may occur, but energy and resource efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidwaste pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts waste resources (waste water, fertilizer liquid, fresh water) into valuable outputs (electricity and growth raw materials). The salinity gradient power generator transforms the concentration difference in waste streams into electrical energy, while the mixed solution becomes optimized nutrient solution for crops, turning potential pollution into productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system recovers energy and nutrients from waste resources that would otherwise be discarded or pollute the environment. By utilizing the concentration gradient in waste water and fertilizer liquid, the system extracts electrical energy and produces useful growth materials, preventing waste and pollution simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 achieves energy independence and optimized crop growth by generating electricity from waste resources and supplying appropriate growth materials, addressing the water-energy-food nexus challenges.

Implementation Method 1

generates electricity by using a concentration difference between the high-concentration solution and the low-concentration solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSalinity gradient power generation: Osmosis

Data Source

PatentEP3680847B1Salinity gradient power generation-based energy-independent smart farm system

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 KOREA INST OF ENERGY RES

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AI summary

Disclosed is a smart farm system based on salinity gradient power generation. The smart farm system includes: a farm facility in which crops are cultivated; and a salinity gradient power generator which receives a high-concentration solution including at least one selected from the group consisting of filtered waste water, food waste acid fermentation liquid, carbon dioxide absorption liquid, filtration liquefied fertilizer, and fertilizer liquid and a low-concentration solution having a lower concentration than a concentration of the high-concentration solution and generates electricity by using a concentration difference between the high-concentration solution and the low-concentration solution, and supplies a growth raw material used in growing the crops.