Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to simple control system to improve the yield of biogas plants.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Small biogas plants lack simple and effective instrumentation to optimize digestion processes, maintain proper microbial activity, and improve biogas production. Challenges such as inconsistent temperature regulation, inefficient slurry mixing, and pathogen presence in bio-slurry further hinder the system’s effectiveness. Additionally, traditional electrical systems are not feasible due to high costs, infrastructure requirements, and lack of skilled labor for maintenance.
PRIOR ART
US20210277342: The invention relates to a modular, mobile, compact, multi-stage and highly efficient biogas facility, a method for operating a modular biogas facility, and a system for the computer-assisted, decentralized monitoring and control of at least one modular biogas facility. The system can be equipped with modular, local intelligence and a local control unit. The modular biogas facility is provided with a plurality of tanks for accommodating biomass. The tanks can be fluidically connected to one another. Furthermore, at least one gas reservoir is provided for the biogas produced in the modular biogas facility. Each of the tanks is a module in the biogas facility. Each tank can be positioned in a rigid and cuboidal frame, with the cuboidal frame having six side faces. The side faces of the cuboidal frame define an envelope for the tank.
US20220002761: The present invention relates to a booster composition for enhancing the biogas yield and stabilizing the operation of a biomethanation plant, a method for the preparation of said booster composition and a method for enhancing the biogas yield and stabilizing the operation of a biomethanation plant using said composition by ameliorating the effect of shock conditions like pH and temperature. The booster composition comprises of specifically defined constituents selected from controlled release agents, redox potential balancers, direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) improvers, micronutrient balancers, and Co-factors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The proposed invention is a non-electric, mechanically driven biogas optimization system designed to enhance anaerobic digestion efficiency, improve biogas yield, and regulate slurry temperature without the need for electronic components. The system utilizes animal-powered mechanical motion to drive a chain-driven gear mechanism, which in turn operates mixing blades and a dual-piston system for improved slurry agitation and methane extraction.
Additionally, the system features a passive air vortex tube that aids in temperature regulation, ensuring an optimal environment for microbial activity. Unlike conventional electrical agitators and heaters, this solution is low-cost, sustainable, and does not require an external power source, making it ideal for rural and off-grid applications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: TOP AND PERSPECTIVE VIEW
FIGURE 2: INTERIOR VIEW
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a",” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", “third”, and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The proposed invention is a non-electric, mechanically driven biogas optimization system designed to enhance anaerobic digestion efficiency, improve biogas yield, and regulate slurry temperature without the need for electronic components. The system utilizes animal-powered mechanical motion to drive a chain-driven gear mechanism, which in turn operates mixing blades and a dual-piston system for improved slurry agitation and methane extraction.
Additionally, the system features a passive air vortex tube that aids in temperature regulation, ensuring an optimal environment for microbial activity. Unlike conventional electrical agitators and heaters, this solution is low-cost, sustainable, and does not require an external power source, making it ideal for rural and off-grid applications.
The present invention relates to a simple control system for improving the yield of biogas plants through a non-electric and mechanically driven design. The system eliminates the dependence on electricity by employing an animal-powered chain-driven gear mechanism that drives slurry mixing and gas extraction. This ensures low-cost and reliable operation in rural and off-grid environments where access to electricity is limited.
In one embodiment, the system integrates a dual-piston mechanism coupled with mixing blades to provide continuous agitation of the slurry inside the digester. This enhances anaerobic digestion efficiency by ensuring uniform distribution of organic matter and microbial activity, thereby improving methane yield.
The invention further incorporates an air vortex tube for passive thermal regulation, which separates hot and cold air streams to maintain optimal microbial digestion temperatures. This avoids the use of external heaters or electronic controllers, reducing operational costs and ensuring system stability even under fluctuating environmental conditions.
Additionally, a recyclable filtration unit is provided to purify methane gas before storage. This ensures that the biogas produced is clean and suitable for energy use. The structural components are constructed from durable, corrosion-resistant metals and biodegradable composites, making the system both robust and environmentally sustainable.
The system is designed to be scalable and low-maintenance, offering a cost-effective solution for small-scale and community-based biogas plants. By combining mechanical slurry agitation, dual-piston methane collection, and passive thermal regulation, the invention provides an eco-friendly, automated, and affordable method to increase the efficiency of biogas production without reliance on electronic components.
The present invention relates to a simple control system for improving the yield of biogas plants through a non-electric and mechanically driven design. The system eliminates the dependence on electricity by employing an animal-powered chain-driven gear mechanism that drives slurry mixing and gas extraction. This ensures low-cost and reliable operation in rural and off-grid environments where access to electricity is limited.
In one embodiment, the system integrates a dual-piston mechanism coupled with mixing blades to provide continuous agitation of the slurry inside the digester. This enhances anaerobic digestion efficiency by ensuring uniform distribution of organic matter and microbial activity, thereby improving methane yield.
The invention further incorporates an air vortex tube for passive thermal regulation, which separates hot and cold air streams to maintain optimal microbial digestion temperatures. This avoids the use of external heaters or electronic controllers, reducing operational costs and ensuring system stability even under fluctuating environmental conditions.
Additionally, a recyclable filtration unit is provided to purify methane gas before storage. This ensures that the biogas produced is clean and suitable for energy use. The structural components are constructed from durable, corrosion-resistant metals and biodegradable composites, making the system both robust and environmentally sustainable.
The system is designed to be scalable and low-maintenance, offering a cost-effective solution for small-scale and community-based biogas plants. By combining mechanical slurry agitation, dual-piston methane collection, and passive thermal regulation, the invention provides an eco-friendly, automated, and affordable method to increase the efficiency of biogas production without reliance on electronic components.
The invention uniquely integrates an animal-powered mechanical agitation system with passive thermal regulation to optimize biogas production.
BEST METHOD OF WORKING
The best method of working the present invention involves constructing the system using durable, corrosion-resistant metal components combined with biodegradable composites to ensure long-term usability and environmental sustainability. The system is assembled around a chain-driven gear mechanism powered by animal motion, such as a bullock walking on a treadmill or circular path. The mechanical motion is transferred through the chain and gears to drive slurry mixing blades and a dual-piston mechanism.
The dual-piston mechanism is mounted within the digester to agitate the slurry continuously, ensuring uniform mixing of organic matter and microbial cultures. The pistons also facilitate the extraction and movement of methane gas into a storage chamber. Attached mixing blades improve slurry distribution, enhancing the anaerobic digestion process and increasing methane yield.
For temperature regulation, the system incorporates an air vortex tube. The vortex tube passively separates air streams into hot and cold flows, which are directed appropriately around the digester to maintain stable microbial activity without the need for external heaters or electronic sensors. This ensures efficient digestion even in fluctuating environmental conditions.
The system further integrates a recyclable filtration unit, positioned between the digester outlet and the gas storage tank. This filtration unit removes impurities from the methane gas, providing a clean and usable energy source.
In operation, the invention requires no electricity, batteries, or advanced electronic components, making it suitable for rural and off-grid biogas plants. The animal-powered drive ensures continuous operation at minimal cost, while the passive thermal regulation and mechanical agitation automate key aspects of the digestion process. The system is scalable for both small-scale household digesters and larger community-based plants, requiring minimal maintenance and technical expertise.
This method of working ensures improved methane yield, reduced operational costs, and sustainable energy production using a low-cost, eco-friendly, and tamper-resistant system.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
Eliminates the need for electricity by harnessing mechanical energy from animal movement. Combines slurry agitation and methane extraction using a chain-driven dual-piston mechanism. Regulates temperature without external heating through an air vortex tube, ensuring stable microbial activity. Reduces operational costs by providing an automated, low-maintenance, and scalable solution.
, C , Claims:1. A non-electric biogas optimization system comprising an animal-powered chain-driven gear mechanism that operates slurry mixing and gas extraction without requiring electricity.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chain-driven gear mechanism is configured to continuously agitate the slurry to improve anaerobic digestion efficiency.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a dual-piston mechanism is integrated to enhance slurry agitation and facilitate methane collection.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein mixing blades are attached to the chain-driven mechanism to ensure uniform distribution of slurry.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an air vortex tube for passive thermal regulation, maintaining optimal digestion temperatures.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a recyclable filtration unit is integrated to purify methane gas before storage.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein durable corrosion-resistant metals and biodegradable composites are used for construction to ensure sustainability.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the passive temperature regulation avoids the need for external heating elements or electronic sensors.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is scalable for use in rural and off-grid biogas plants with minimal maintenance requirements.
10.The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the combined animal-powered agitation and passive thermal regulation improve methane yield while reducing operational costs.