Prefabricated multi-modal bioenergy systems and methods

Abstract

A prefabricated, multi-modal, bio-mimicry system that can be quickly deployed.

1 . A prefabricated, multi-modal, bio-mimicry system in which at least two modes are chosen from the group consisting of: an alternating digester system, an above grade anaerobic digestion system, an enclosed ventilated composting system, a wood gasification system, a product-package separation system, a trans-esterification system, a drying/pelleting/prilling system. 
     
     
         2 . The prefabricated, multi-modal, bio-mimicry system of  claim 1  where at least one mode is an alternating digester system, if the input is seasonal food or landscape waste. 
     
     
         3 . The prefabricated, multi-modal, bio-mimicry system of  claim 2  where the alternating digester system is a subterranean alternating digester system. 
     
     
         4 . The prefabricated, multi-modal, bio-mimicry system of  claim 3  where the subterranean alternating digester system is comprised of:
 a subterranean enclosure configured to hold organic matter, the enclosure having a plurality of conduits in a bottom surface of the enclosure; 
 an irrigation system configured to dispense a liquid from a top portion of the enclosure and to recover a percolated liquid from a bottom portion of the enclosure; 
 a ventilation system configured to provide air flow to the bottom portion of the enclosure; 
 a leak detection zone below the bottom surface of the enclosure configured to collect and recover fluid, wherein the fluid includes groundwater that leaks upward, digester liquid that leaks downward from the enclosure, or a combination thereof; and a gas-tight membrane cover configured to cover the enclosure and to store gas produced during digestion. 
 
     
     
         5 . The prefabricated, multi-modal, bio-mimicry system of  claim 1  where at least one mode is an above ground anaerobic digestion system, if the input is food and/or soiled paper waste. 
     
     
         6 . The prefabricated, multi-modal, bio-mimicry system of  claim 1  where at least one mode is an enclosed ventilated composting system, if the input is seasonal landscape waste, biosolids, manure, and/or bedding. 
     
     
         7 . The prefabricated, multi-modal, bio-mimicry system of  claim 1  where at least one mode is a wood gasification system, if the input is green and/or dry wood waste. 
     
     
         8 . The prefabricated, multi-modal, bio-mimicry system of  claim 1  where at least one mode is a product-package separation system, if the input is packaged, unsaleable food. 
     
     
         9 . The prefabricated, multi-modal, bio-mimicry system of  claim 1  where at least one mode is a drying/pelleting/prilling system, if the input is digestate, compost, and/or biochar. 
     
     
         10 . The prefabricated, multi-modal, bio-mimicry system of  claim 1  where at least one mode is a trans-esterification system, if the input is fat, oil, and/or grease waste. 
     
     
         11 . The prefabricated, multi-modal, bio-mimicry system of  claim 1  where odor is controlled in a four-stage, series system of enclosures: biofilter, carbon filter, and counteractant misting system in an exhaust stack. 
     
     
         12 . The prefabricated, multi-modal, bio-mimicry system of  claim 1  where the prefabricated, multi-modal, bio-mimicry system is built onto modular skids. 
     
     
         13 . A method to scale a prefabricated, multi-modal, bio-mimicry system in which at least two modes are chosen from the group consisting of: an alternating digester system, an above grade anaerobic digestion system, an enclosed ventilated composting system, a wood gasification system, a product-package separation system, a trans-esterification system, a drying/pelleting/prilling system to process between 0.1 and 75 tons of input per day.