INTEGRATION OF LIVESTOCK-BIOGAS PLANT AND POWER GENERATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARM OPERATIONS

Abstract

This invention introduces a system for integrating livestock waste management with biogas production and power generation, utilizing livestock waste to produce renewable energy and nutrient-rich digestate. By converting manure into biogas, which is then used to generate electricity and heat, the system supports sustainable farming practices, reduces environmental pollution, and enhances soil health through nutrient recycling.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to agricultural technology and renewable energy integration, specifically focusing on a system that combines livestock waste management with biogas production and power generation. The system aims to enhance sustainability in agricultural operations by converting livestock waste into renewable energy, supporting farm energy needs, and promoting environmental conservation through nutrient recycling.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditional livestock farming produces significant amounts of manure and organic waste, which, if improperly managed, leads to environmental pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and potential contamination of water sources. Current waste management practices in agriculture often rely on disposal methods that fail to harness the potential of waste as a renewable resource. Additionally, rising energy costs and dependency on fossil fuels pose challenges for farmers seeking sustainable energy solutions. This invention addresses these issues by introducing a system that converts livestock waste into biogas through anaerobic digestion, which can then be used for electricity and heat generation. This integrated approach not only provides energy for on-site use but also supports nutrient recycling through the production of digestate, a byproduct rich in organic matter and essential nutrients, promoting soil health and sustainable farming practices.
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 provides an integrated livestock-biogas and power generation system that utilizes manure and organic waste from livestock as feedstock for biogas production. The system comprises waste collection equipment, anaerobic digesters, biogas storage, and a power generation unit. The biogas produced is used to generate electricity and heat, which can be applied to farm operations or fed back into the grid. The system also includes a digestate management component, which processes the byproduct of digestion into organic fertilizer. This innovative approach reduces farm dependency on fossil fuels, enhances waste management efficiency, and promotes environmental sustainability by recycling nutrients back into the soil.
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: SHOWS THE LIVESTOCK WASTE COLLECTION SYSTEM, ILLUSTRATING THE EQUIPMENT USED FOR GATHERING MANURE AND ORGANIC WASTE.
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 integration of livestock-biogas and power generation involves a series of components and processes designed to manage waste efficiently and produce renewable energy. The system starts with livestock waste collection, where manure and other organic waste are gathered using vacuum systems, conveyor belts, or scrapers. This waste is then transported to the biogas plant, where anaerobic digesters process it in an oxygen-free environment, promoting microbial activity that breaks down organic matter into biogas, primarily methane and carbon dioxide. The digester's temperature and pH levels are carefully monitored to maximize biogas yield.
The produced biogas is stored in high-capacity gas holders or storage tanks, equipped with safety features to prevent leaks and maintain a constant supply of biogas. This stored biogas is then directed to the power generation unit, typically a combined heat and power (CHP) system or a gas turbine, which combusts the biogas to produce electricity and heat. The generated energy can be used directly for farm operations, such as lighting, heating, cooling, or machinery operation. Any surplus electricity can be supplied to the power grid, creating a potential revenue source for the farm.
Following digestion, the remaining material, known as digestate, is processed to remove excess water and can be applied directly to fields as a fertilizer or further refined into high-quality organic fertilizer products. The digestate contains essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, supporting sustainable soil management and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers.
This integrated system offers numerous advantages, such as reduced environmental pollution, improved animal welfare through effective waste management, and economic benefits from energy savings and nutrient recycling. The system's design also includes real-time monitoring and control, enabling farmers to track waste conversion, energy production, and digestate quality, further optimizing the operation's sustainability and efficiency.
, Claims:1. An integrated livestock-biogas and power generation system for agricultural operations, utilizing livestock waste to produce biogas, electricity, and organic fertilizer.
2. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a waste collection unit collects and transports livestock manure to the anaerobic digester, facilitating efficient waste management.
3. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the anaerobic digester converts organic material into biogas, producing methane and carbon dioxide as primary components.
4. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the biogas storage unit maintains gas pressure and ensures a continuous biogas supply for energy generation.
5. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a power generation unit combusts biogas to generate electricity and heat, which can be utilized in agricultural operations or supplied to the power grid.
6. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the digestate management system processes byproducts into organic fertilizers, enhancing soil fertility and promoting sustainable farming practices.
7. A method for integrating livestock waste management, biogas production, and power generation as claimed in Claim 1, offering renewable energy production, nutrient recycling, and environmental sustainability.

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