Modular Waste-to-Biohydrogen and Biomethane With Algal Carbon Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste-to-energy conversion systems are inefficient in producing low-carbon biohydrogen and biomethane, lack modularity and scalability, and do not effectively integrate carbon sequestration, making them inaccessible to a wide range of users and failing to provide valuable byproducts like nutrient-rich digestate.
Innovation Solution
A modular system integrating anaerobic digestion and a photosynthetic bioreactor for producing biohydrogen and biomethane, with optional CHP engines, capable of processing various waste streams and incorporating carbon capture through photosynthetic algae, producing nutrient-rich digestate as a byproduct.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing waste-to-energy conversion systems are used, then organic waste can be processed, but the systems are inefficient in producing low-carbon biohydrogen and biomethane
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a first anaerobic digester for biohydrogen production, a second anaerobic digester for biomethane production, and a photosynthetic bioreactor for carbon sequestration. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall efficiency while reducing carbon emissions through specialized processing and carbon capture.
Solution Approach 2:
A photosynthetic bioreactor containing algae is introduced as an intermediary component that captures carbon dioxide emissions from the anaerobic digestion process. The algae convert CO2 into biomass through photosynthesis, effectively mediating between the waste processing function and carbon reduction goals, thereby producing low-carbon energy products.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing waste-to-energy conversion systems are used, then organic waste can be processed, but the systems lack modularity and scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs separate, standalone anaerobic digester units that can be independently configured and scaled. The first anaerobic digester for biohydrogen and the second for biomethane operate as independent modules that can be adjusted based on waste availability and energy demands, enabling scalability without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to process various types of organic waste streams (food waste, agricultural waste, municipal solid waste) through universal feedstock preparation and treatment units. The modular anaerobic digester configuration can be adapted to handle different waste compositions and volumes, providing versatility across applications while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing waste-to-energy conversion systems are used, then organic waste can be processed, but they do not effectively integrate carbon sequestration
Solution Approach 1:
The photosynthetic bioreactor is merged with the anaerobic digestion system, allowing the algae to capture CO2 emissions directly from the digesters. This integration combines waste processing with carbon sequestration in a unified system, where the biological processes serve dual purposes: energy production and carbon reduction, without requiring separate carbon capture infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The photosynthetic bioreactor acts as an intermediary carbon capture component that receives CO2 emissions from the anaerobic digestion process and converts them into biomass. This intermediary approach effectively integrates carbon sequestration with waste processing by using the algae as a biological mediator between the two functions.
4Quantity of substance
If existing waste-to-energy conversion systems are used, then organic waste can be processed, but they fail to provide valuable byproducts like nutrient-rich digestate
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers and utilizes the digestate produced during anaerobic digestion as a valuable byproduct. The digestate, which contains nutrients, is collected from both anaerobic digesters and can be applied as fertilizer or animal feed. This recovery approach transforms what would otherwise be waste into a useful product, increasing the overall value of the system output.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to produce multiple valuable outputs from the same waste input: biohydrogen, biomethane, and nutrient-rich digestate. The anaerobic digestion process serves multiple functions simultaneously - energy production and fertilizer generation - thereby increasing productivity and the quantity of useful substances produced from the waste.
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 efficiently converts organic waste into low-carbon renewable energy, reduces carbon emissions, and generates valuable byproducts, making it accessible to diverse users and promoting sustainable waste management and energy production.
Implementation Method 1
a photosynthetic bioreactor which enables carbon capture
Implementation Method 2
organic waste is microbially converted into biohydrogen
Implementation Method 3
conversion of organic waste into renewable energy, specifically targeting the production of biohydrogen and biomethane through anaerobic fermentation processes
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a system, method and apparatus for generating renewable energy from common waste streams in a low-carbon manner. This system is modular and applicable to operations of a range of sizes. The system comprises a waste homogenization system; a feedstock preparation component involving dilution, nutrient adjustment, and mixing; a pretreatment tank; a hydrolysis tank; and an optional photosynthetic bioreactor. Through use of the system, organic waste is converted into biohydrogen (H2) and/or biomethane (CH4). The choice between producing each gas individually or in combination is controlled via selective treatment of the incoming waste.