Solid Phase Biomass Carbon Storage Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for biofuel production do not effectively account for carbon flows and regulatory values, particularly in mitigating anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, and lack incentives for environmental benefits within regulatory frameworks.
Innovation Solution
The development of Solid Phase Biomass Carbon Sequestration (SPBCS) systems and methods that involve storing and processing agricultural biomass residues to sequester carbon, thereby reducing emissions and assigning regulatory values to biofuels based on carbon intensity, enabling tradable credits within regulatory systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If biomass carbon is not converted into biofuel or other products, then carbon sequestration benefits are achieved, but economic value and energy benefits are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments biomass into different fractions: a first fraction is converted to biofuel for energy benefits, while a second fraction is sequestered for carbon storage benefits. This segmentation allows simultaneous realization of both energy value and carbon sequestration value from the same biomass resource.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of biomass carbon from a single-use parameter (either energy or sequestration) to a multi-state system where different fractions are assigned different fates based on their potential to deliver environmental and economic benefits.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biomass is sequestered indefinitely, then carbon sequestration benefits are maximized, but future chemical or energy benefits are foregone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic sequestration system where biomass can be stored indefinitely for carbon benefits, but retains the option to be reprocessed into products providing continued sequestration benefits or energy products with or without CCS, allowing adaptation to future needs and technological developments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary sequestration of biomass carbon while preserving the option for future reprocessing. The biomass is stabilized and stored in a state that prevents degradation and carbon release, yet maintains the potential for future chemical or energy utilization if conditions change.
3Measurement precision
If allocation accounting methodology is used, then emissions credits are distributed to products, but complexity in determining fractions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allocating a specific fraction (e.g., 50%) of lifecycle emissions to the sequestered biomass fraction, simplifying the accounting process while maintaining measurement precision for regulatory compliance.
4Measurement precision
If system expansion accounting methodology is used, then net emissions reductions are credited, but difficulty in establishing baseline scenarios increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by comparing the sequestered biomass pathway against a baseline scenario where the same biomass would have been used for energy production or allowed to decompose, enabling precise measurement of net emissions reductions.
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
SPBCS enables the quantification and monetization of environmental benefits, providing an economic incentive for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving biofuel sustainability metrics, while allowing for the continued use of sequestered carbon in products that maintain climate benefits.
Implementation Method 1
flows from the atmosphere (e.g., carbon fixed from the atmosphere via photosynthesis) representing LCA accounting credits
Data Source
AI summary
A computerized method of using a data processor having a memory to account for carbon flows and determine a regulatory value for a biofuel includes (i) storing, in memory, a first set of one or more carbon flow values characterizing the production and use of a biofuel, wherein the biofuel is derived from a first fraction of an agricultural biomass, (ii) storing, in memory, a second set of one or more carbon flow values characterizing the sequestration of solid phase biomass carbon, wherein the solid phase biomass carbon is derived from a second fraction of the agricultural biomass and wherein the sequestration mitigates anthropogenic greenhouse gas emission, and (iii) calculating, using the data processor, a regulatory value for the biofuel from the first and second sets of carbon flow values.