Waste Pyrolysis Gasification System with CO2 Algae Cultivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for processing solid municipal and industrial waste and biomass for energy and heat generation are inefficient, leading to low power generation efficiency, high costs, and environmental concerns due to low efficiency in waste disposal and emission of greenhouse gases.
Innovation Solution
A method and structural configuration that involves loading and milling waste and biomass for pyrolysis and gasification, capturing and compressing carbon dioxide from pyrolysis gas, and using it along with syngas for electric power and heat generation, while producing basalt-like slag for insulation and cultivating algae for biodiesel, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If turbine generator sets are used to generate electric power from steam produced by burning pyrolysis gas, then electric power can be generated, but the power generation efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy conversion pathways: pyrolysis gas is used both as fuel for combustion to generate steam for turbines, and as feedstock for producing biofuels through biological conversion. This merging of thermal and biological conversion processes increases overall energy utilization efficiency by capturing energy that would otherwise be lost in single-pathway systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates electric power through turbine generators, produces heat through combustion, and manufactures marketable products (biofuels, chemicals) from pyrolysis gas. This multi-functionality allows the system to maximize value extraction from the same input material, thereby improving overall efficiency and reducing energy waste.
2Reliability
If additional fuel such as natural gas or diesel fuel is supplied to the gas turbine combustion chamber, then the gas turbine can operate, but the price of the entire waste processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system produces its own fuel supply by converting pyrolysis gas into biofuels and chemical products through biological and chemical processes. This self-service approach eliminates or reduces the need for external fuel supplements like natural gas or diesel, thereby maintaining gas turbine operability while significantly reducing processing costs and eliminating the need to purchase additional fossil fuels.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding pyrolysis gas or using it solely for low-value combustion, the system recovers and upgrades it into high-value biofuels and chemicals. This recovery process transforms a potential waste stream into a valuable resource that can fuel the gas turbine and generate profit, eliminating the need for costly additional fuel purchases.
3Power
If carbon dioxide is emitted during electric power and heat generation, then energy can be produced, but greenhouse gas emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts carbon dioxide, a harmful greenhouse gas emission from combustion, into a valuable resource for biological conversion. By capturing CO2 and using it to cultivate algae and other biomass, the system transforms an environmental liability into a productive input that generates additional marketable products while reducing net emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than discarding carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the system recovers it from combustion exhaust and repurposes it as a carbon source for biological production. This recovery process eliminates harmful emissions while creating additional value through the production of biofuels, chemicals, and other carbon-based products.
4Power
If pyrolysis gas is used as fuel for diesel units or gas turbines, then electric power can be generated, but the unit efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges direct combustion of pyrolysis gas in turbines with biological conversion processes. By combining these two pathways, the system maximizes energy extraction: high-energy content gas fuels efficient turbine generation, while lower-value components are converted into biofuels and chemicals, achieving high overall unit efficiency that neither pathway could achieve alone.
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 approach enhances the efficiency of energy and heat generation, reduces carbon dioxide emissions, and produces marketable products like algae biomass and oil, expanding waste processing capabilities and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
waste and biomass are loaded and milled and afterwards they are subject to pyrolysis and gasification
Implementation Method 2
waste and biomass are loaded and milled and afterwards they are subject to pyrolysis and gasification
Implementation Method 3
from the heat occurred during pyrolysis gas cooling, additional electric power is generated
Implementation Method 4
cleaned pyrolysis gas is compressed and accumulated together with syngas
Implementation Method 5
carbon dioxide is fed as a nutrient to cultivate algae; algae is cultivated using light and heat sources and carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 6
cleaned pyrolysis gas is compressed and accumulated together with syngas and they are used for electric power and heat generation
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the method and structural configuration for environmentally safe waste and biomass processing to increase the efficiency of energy and heat generation. In the structural configuration of the invention solid municipal and industrial waste as well as biomass are loaded and milled and afterwards they are subject to pyrolysis and gasification. The produced pyrolysis gas is cooled, cleaned and carbon dioxide is captured from it, pyrolysis gas is compressed and accumulated together with syngas and they are used for electric power and heat generation and this generated electric power and heat is supplied to external consumers. During pyrolysis and gasification, melting occurs and basalt-like slag is produced which is processed and used for production of a heat- insulation material or granulated slag, additional electric power is further generated from the heat occurred as a result of pyrolysis gas cooling. Carbon dioxide captured from exhaust gases occurred as a result of electric power and heat generation, is compressed and accumulated together with carbon dioxide recovered from pyrolysis gas, and after distribution and dosing, first, it is sent to plasma torches as plasma-forming gas, second, it is used for production of marketable products using carbon dioxide for external consumers, third, it is fed as a nutrient to cultivate algae; herewith, seed material is loaded and algae is cultivated using heat source and carbon dioxide and thus algae biodiesel and biomass production is provided. Produced biodiesel is cleaned, accumulated and used for generation of electric power and heat. Biomass extraction is returned to the beginning of the process, algae biomass and oil received as a result of liquid biofuel production are supplied to external consumers as marketable products. In addition, for the purpose of processing waste range expansion, coal dust is loaded simultaneously at the beginning of the process afterwards syngas is generated using heat then it is compressed and together with pyrolysis gas it is accumulated and used for generation of electric power and heat.