INNOVATIVE SYSTEM FOR ENERGY GENERATION FROM FOOD WASTE IN AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

Abstract

This invention presents a system for converting food waste into renewable energy and organic fertilizers. Using anaerobic digestion and gasification, the system produces biogas, biofuels, and nutrient-rich fertilizers, addressing waste management and energy needs in agriculture. By integrating automated sorting, preprocessing, and energy generation units, the invention promotes environmental sustainability, energy resilience, and supports a circular economy in agricultural operations.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to renewable energy and waste management technology, specifically focusing on converting food waste into energy within agricultural operations. By utilizing anaerobic digestion and gasification, the system addresses waste management and energy resilience in the agricultural sector.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Agricultural practices generate significant amounts of food waste, including unsold produce, spoiled items, and processing by-products. The disposal of this waste in landfills not only leads to resource wastage but also contributes to environmental pollution due to methane emissions. Traditional energy sources, largely fossil fuels, add to greenhouse gas emissions, making energy independence a challenge for farmers. Sustainable solutions are necessary to transform this waste into renewable energy, reducing environmental impact and supporting energy resilience in agriculture.
Current waste-to-energy technologies often lack scalability, automation, and are labor-intensive, which limits their adoption in agricultural settings. The demand for efficient, low-cost systems that convert waste into renewable energy without extensive manual intervention is rising. This invention provides a scalable, automated system that utilizes anaerobic digestion and gasification to convert food waste into biogas, biofuels, and organic fertilizers. By integrating waste management and energy production, this invention promotes sustainable agriculture while supporting environmental and economic sustainability.
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 invention presents an automated system for converting food waste into energy through anaerobic digestion and gasification. The system consists of food waste collection bins, an automated sorting mechanism, shredding and preprocessing units, an anaerobic digestion reactor, a combined heat and power (CHP) system, and a nutrient recovery unit. These components work together to produce renewable energy (biogas and biofuels) and organic fertilizers, enhancing waste management practices and providing a sustainable energy source for agricultural operations.
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: ILLUSTRATES THE FOOD WASTE COLLECTION AND SORTING SYSTEM, INCLUDING BINS, SENSORS, AND AN AUTOMATED SORTING MECHANISM.
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 Innovative System for Energy Generation from Food Waste in Agricultural Practices integrates waste collection, sorting, and conversion technologies to maximize energy recovery from food waste. The system begins with food waste collection bins strategically placed across agricultural sites, where food scraps, spoiled produce, and organic materials are deposited. Equipped with sensors, these bins monitor waste levels and transmit data to a central control system, optimizing collection schedules and minimizing operational costs.
The collected waste is directed to an automated sorting mechanism, where sensors and AI-driven algorithms separate food waste from non-organic materials. Conveyor belts and robotic arms handle the sorting process, ensuring that only suitable organic waste proceeds to the preprocessing unit. In the preprocessing unit, the waste undergoes shredding, reducing particle size and enhancing surface area for microbial digestion. A moisture adjustment system regulates the water content to optimal levels, typically between 50-70%, to support efficient anaerobic digestion.
In the anaerobic digestion reactor, the preprocessed waste is introduced into a sealed bioreactor where microorganisms break down organic material in the absence of oxygen. This process generates biogas-a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide-which is collected through gas storage tanks or membrane holders. The bioreactor operates at controlled temperatures (either mesophilic or thermophilic conditions), maintained through heating elements to support microbial activity and maximize biogas production.
The energy generation unit consists of a combined heat and power (CHP) system, which uses the biogas as fuel to produce electricity and heat. The electricity generated powers farm operations, while the heat can be used for agricultural applications like greenhouse heating. Additionally, the system allows for the optional gas-to-liquid conversion of biogas into biofuels, such as biodiesel, providing a versatile energy source for various farm activities. This conversion expands the utility of the biogas beyond immediate on-site use, allowing for potential fuel storage or distribution.
The nutrient recovery system processes the solid and liquid byproducts (digestate) from anaerobic digestion, producing nutrient-rich organic fertilizers. The digestate undergoes solid-liquid separation and composting to enhance nutrient concentration, creating a high-quality fertilizer suitable for agricultural use. This process completes the nutrient cycle, returning essential minerals to the soil and supporting sustainable crop production.
, Claims:1. A system for converting food waste into renewable energy and organic fertilizers, comprising food waste collection bins, an automated sorting mechanism, a preprocessing unit, an anaerobic digestion reactor, an energy generation unit, and a nutrient recovery system.
2. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the food waste collection bins monitor waste levels using sensors and transmit data to optimize collection schedules.
3. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the automated sorting mechanism uses AI-driven algorithms and robotic arms to separate organic food waste from non-organic materials.
4. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the preprocessing unit includes a shredding mechanism to reduce particle size and a moisture adjustment system for optimal anaerobic digestion conditions.
5. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the anaerobic digestion reactor generates biogas from food waste, which is stored for energy generation.
6. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the energy generation unit comprises a combined heat and power (CHP) system that utilizes biogas to produce electricity and heat.
7. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the gas-to-liquid conversion of biogas produces biofuels, providing an additional renewable energy option for agricultural use.
8. A method for processing digestate produced in the system as claimed in Claim 1 to recover nutrients, creating an organic fertilizer suitable for agricultural application.
9. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by capturing methane from food waste decomposition, promoting climate change mitigation.

10. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the integration of waste collection, sorting, and energy recovery components supports a circular economy within agricultural practices.

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