GB2440527A

GB2440527A - Composting apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2440527A
Application number: GB0615442A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alexander Keith Bushell
Original assignee: NEW UNIVERSAL PRODUCTS Ltd
Current assignee: NEW UNIVERSAL PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date: 2006-08-03
Filing date: 2006-08-03
Publication date: 2008-02-06
Also published as: GB0615442D0; WO2008015385A3; WO2008015385A2

Abstract

A composting apparatus comprises a storage vessel, a solar panel and a solar powered stirring device for stirring the storage vessel contents. The system provides solar powered stirring. When there is sunlight, it is particularly useful to stir the compost to promote an even distribution of heat within the compost. Thus, the use of solar generated power is particularly appropriate as there is an increased need to stir the compost when one part of the container is being heated by the sun.

Description

COMPOSTING SYSTEM

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to composting systems.

Background of the invention

Composting is one way individuals can take an active role in recycling their biodegradable waste, and having a compost area is becoming increasing io common.

Typically, users simply add waste to a compost bin, and wait until the material has composted down before using the compost in the garden. However, this is not the most efficient way to produce compost, and therefore not the most efficient way to get rid of biodegradable waste.

Instead, the composting cycle depends on the levels of moisture, heat distribution through the compost, and the access of the material to air.

Sum mary of the invention According to the invention, there is provided a composting system, comprising: a storage vessel; a solar panel; and a solar powered stirring device for stirring the storage vessel contents.

The system of the invention provides solar powered stirring. When there is sunlight, it is particularly useful to stir the compost to promote an even distribution of heat within the compost. Thus, the use of solar generated power is particularly appropriate as there is an increased need to stir the compost when one part of the container is being heated by the sun.

The stirring device preferably comprises a projection in the base of the vessel, and this can perform both a maceration function and a stirring function.

The base of the vessel can comprise a mesh, allowing air flow to the content in the base of the vessel. The system thus provides optimal conditions for decomposition, with air flow to a part of the compost material in the vessel which changes with time, and with uniform heat distribution.

The stirring device only needs to rotate at a speed to provide uniform heating throughout the day, for example with a maximum speed (i.e. with bright sunlight) of revolutions per hour, or 1 revolution per hour or 1rpm.

The system can further comprise a water container provided in the top of the storage vessel, having a controllable outlet for emptying the contents of the container into the vessel.

The amount of water in the compost also has an important effect on the decomposition cycle. The water container can collect rain water, so does not necessarily need topping up, although this can also be carried out. A humidity sensor can then be used to control the controllable outlet (e.g. a valve) so that water is supplied to the compost as and when needed to improve the composing cycle. The controllable outlet can also be manually controllable.

A temperature sensor and output display can be used for displaying the core temperature.

An upper air vent can be provided in the top of the vessel in combination with the lower air vent in the bottom of the vessel. This enables an air flow through the vessel contents. One or both of the air vents are preferably manually controllable, but the temperature sensor can also be used for automatic control of one or both air vents.

The system may further be provided with a heating element, to promote the continued decomposition when the ambient temperature is very low.

Brief description of the drawings

The present invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a first example of system of the invention; Figure 2 shows a second example of system of the invention; and Figure 3 shows the lid part of the system of Figure 2 in more detail.

Detailed description

Figure 1 shows one example of the system of the invention, comprising a compost io storage vessel 10 having a solar powered stirring device 12 for stirring the compost. A solar panel 14 provides the electrical energy for driving a dc motor 16 which turns the stirring device 12.

The system has solar powered stirring, which is used to promote an even distribution of heat within the compost. The use of solar generated power is particularly appropriate as there is an increased need to stir the compost when one part of the container is being heated by the sun.

The stirring device 12 projects from the base of the vessel upwardly, and tapers toward the tip. The outer surface of the stirring device has ridges 18, and these both grip the compost so that the movement of the stirring device does entrain movement in the compost, but also implements a slow maceration function to assist in the breakdown of the waste material.

The stirring device projects through a mesh 20 in the base of the vessel which allows air flow to the compost through the base. This aeration keeps the micro-organisms in the compost alive, and activates the bacteria. The stirring function provides different portions of the volume compost in contact with the mesh so that over time the whole compost volume is aerated.

The stirring device 12 only needs to rotate at a speed to provide uniform heating throughout the day, for example with a maximum speed as slow as 1rpm, or 10 revolutions per hour, or even 1 revolution per hour. This means that the power consumption of the dc motor 16 can be kept to very low levels, which in turn enables a very small solar panel to be used. These low speeds also present no danger to users who can fill and empty the vessel even with the stirring device activated.

By way of example, the compost vessel may have a capacity of 80 litres, and the required solar panel 14 may have an area of less than 400cm2 (20cm x 20cm) or even less than 225cm2 (15cm x 15cm).

The system may also have a battery which is charged by the solar panel so that the stirring may continue by night, but the system can provide significant improvements to the decomposition with only direct control of the motor based on the solar panel output.

A water container 22 is provided in the top of the storage vessel, and this is designed to collect rain water, with the container 22 overflowing down the outside of the vessel 10 when full, Of course, the container 22 can be topped up when it is seen to be empty.

The bottom of the container 22 has an outlet valve, shown as a mesh 24 in the Figure. When the valve is open, the water in the container is provided to the compost to assist the decomposition cycle.

A humidity sensor 26 is used to control the valve, when the humidity drops below a threshold level. This enables the decomposition cycle to be controlled in optimum manner. In particular, a lack of water will slow down or completely halt the decomposition process, while too much water can interfere with aeration, and also give the compost a strong rotten odour.

A temperature sensor 28 and output display 30 can be used for displaying the core temperature. A drop in temperature is indicative of a problem with the decomposition process, and this can prompt a user to provide more rigorous stirring, and to control the water content manually. For example it may be necessary to remove the lid 32 of the vessel to allow some moisture to evaporate if the compost is seen to be too wet. If the compost is too dry, additional water or nitrogen rich material can be added.

Figure 2 shows a second example of the system of the invention. The same reference numerals are used to denote the same components.

The example of Figure 2 has a fixed solar panel 14.

io The water delivery system has both automatic control (as described above) but also manual control as shown by control lever 40.

The air venting of the contents of the vessel between the top and base is also controllable using a circulatory fan 41. The lower shutter is also controllable by lever 42.

The circulatory fan 41 is controlled automatically in dependence on the temperature sensor reading, to provide an automated ventilation and temperature control system.

Figure 2 also shows a tap 44 for draining liquid (lichate) from the compost Figure 3 shows in greater detail the lid part of the system showing the water container 22 and water release mechanism 24 which can be controlled both manually (by lever 40) and automatically. The fan 41 is also shown more clearly.

The system can be made primarily from recycled plastics. The system can be used in a domestic or industrial environment, and can be scaled to different sizes, with different power motors depending on the expected load. The solar panel and battery capacity can be selected accordingly.

The components required to implement the invention are essentially a solar panel, motor, and a valve device for the water container. These are all standard components which are readily available.

The valve device can be simple solenoid actuated valve, and it may have manual as well as electric control, so that a user can decide to empty the container content into the vessel.

The solar panel 14 can be mountable independently of the main vessel, as shown in Figure 1, with a cable 34 providing the current flow. It may instead be part of or mounted on the outer housing or legs of the vessel as shown in Figure 2.

The thermometer may be electric (as schematically shown) or manual, with the temperature measurement information visible from the outside. As shown, the outside of the vessel has a window 36 to enable the content level to be seen.

The temperature and humidity sensors 26,28 may be provided as part of the tip of the stirring device 12 so that the measurements are taken in the core of the compost, whereas these have been shown on the inside wall of the vessel in the Figure for simplicity.

The system may further be provided with a heating element, to promote the continued decomposition when the ambient temperature is very low. In addition to stirring the contents, the whole device may be driven to rotate about a base, so that the heating of vessel exterior is made more uniform.

Many possible implementations will be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A composting system, comprising: a storage vessel; a solar panel; and a solar powered stirring device for stirring the storage vessel contents.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stirring device comprises a projection in the base of the vessel.

3. A system as claimed in claim I or 2, wherein a base of the vessel comprises a mesh allowing air flow to the content in the base of the vessel.

4. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the stirring device is rotates with a maximum speed of 10 revolutions per hour.

5. A system as claimed in any one of claims I to 3, wherein the stirring device rotates with a maximum speed of 1 revolution per hour.

6. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stirring device rotates with a maximum speed of 1 rpm.

7. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a water container provided in the top of the storage vessel, having a controllable outlet for emptying the contents of the container into the vessel.

8. A system as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a humidity sensor, wherein the controllable outlet comprises a valve which is controlled based on the humidity sensor output.

9. A system as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the controllable outlet is manually controllable.

S

10. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a temperature sensor and output display for displaying the core temperature.

11. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an upper air vent in the top of the vessel and a lower air vent in the bottom of the vessel.

12. A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein one or both air vents are manually controllable.

13. A system as claimed in claim 12, comprising a temperature sensor, and wherein one or both air vents are automatically controllable in based on the temperature sensor output.

14. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a drainage tap in the base of the vessel.

15. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a heating element.