GB2531497A - The solar cycler - Google Patents

Abstract

A composter that utilises solar energy to achieve carbon neutrality comprising a suspended open grid floor that allows compost tea to be recovered. The composter utilizes green heat for the purpose of accelerating germination and growth from CO2 enrichment in the propagator. The composter will preferably be used in greenhouses or polythene tunnels as a bio heater.

Description

The Solar Cycler This invention relates to a composter that utilizes solar energy to achieve carbon neutrality.

When kitchen/garden waste is composted it releases CO2 into the atmosphere and even methane if the pile is allowed to become anaerobic.

To ensure aerobic conditions the organic waste material is mounted on an open grid floor suspended over a catch pit sump. The top is open to a micro-mesh propagator populated with plants whose leaves will absorb CO2.

This arrangement embraces the principle of BECCS (Bio Energy with Carbon Capture and Storage) driven and synchronised by Solar energy.

Seeds germinate faster if the trays enjoy a little bottom heat and the leaves of plants photosynthesise more vigorously in light, usually sunlight, if in a certain degree of warmth. This process is endothermic.

The re-oxygenisation or breakdown of the unwanted parts of plants, particularly kitchen and garden waste, is increasingly carried by composting or biodegradation.

This process is exothermic but is speeded up if in receipt of additional heat from the sun.

Combining the two processes in an insulated unit utilizes the heat desired by the former process with the green heat produced by the latter. The degree of solar synchronisation taking place enables the principle of BECCS to be achieved.

As the solar receipts strengthen the column of emissions, so the solar energy increases the photosynthetic uptake of the plants.

In order to allow convected air currents to pass up through the kitchen and garden waste in the main composting section (B) , the material is suspended on a grid floor(2).

This floor will drop for gravity discharge when one or both poles (3) and (4) are withdrawn. These hollow poles have a hole in the centre to allow replacement air under the grid but exclude rodents (5).

The suspended floor also allows liquid (compost tea) to drain into the catch pit ( C) which is lined with a plastic liner (6) creating a sump. To abstract this green liquid a small plastic tube has one end immersed in this sump and then passes through the central hole in the pole and out to a small suction pump (7) fastened to the outside wall of this composting section (B).

A certain amount of the wall of section (B) is made of transparent uPVC to allow solar energy to pass into the contents, particularly from the floor level upwards.

As the contents biodegrade the heated air will be convected into the propagating section (A) taking with it CO2 and H2O that is released passing under the trays and warming them and then through the leaves of plants who will intercept and absorb CO2 from the now CO2 enriched air.

The propagating section has a solid surround (1) into which a "pond" of the heavier CO2 will settle while allowing the lighter hydrogen gases to continue out through the micro-mesh cover (9).

Solar lamps may be used to keep the leaves photosynthesising in this reservoir during darkness.

If the waste material being processed is of a compact nature then a hollow agitator (10) with hollow spigots, ducting extra air in, may be incorporated, this can be operated externally either manually or perhaps by a battery powered electric drill. It is important that the pile is kept aerobic at all times.

With regard to size the S.C. worked well at 1m3 but the unit can be scaled up or down as required.

The S.C. is constructed of recycled uPVC hollow boards (Link a bord) and is therefore insulated. This enables higher temperatures to be attained by Mesophilic and Thermophilic bacteria, achieving greater sterilization of weeds and toxic pathogens such as e-coli and salmonella and faster composting, while ensuring stronger convective currents and aerobic conditions.

Drawings Figure 1/9 shows the transparent areas for admission of sunlight, the bottom area also provides an indication of the level of the contents.

Figure 2/9 shows the three solid parts of the Solar Cycler separated.

Figure 3/9 shows the main centre body carrying the open grid floor.

Figure 4/9 shows how the propagator section fits on the main body like a biscuit tin lid and can be slid almost halfway across on its poles for charging.

Figure 5/9 shows the propagator section carrying a couple of seed trays on its poles.

Figure 6/9 shows a shallow cover that would be of sufficient height for seed trays particularly if its centre is raised slightly by the four supports as shown.

Figure 7/9 shows a high micro mesh cover with front zip fastener access.

Figure 8/9 shows the plastic sump liner.

Figure 9/9 shows an agitator which can also duct additional air into the pile if required.

Claims (4)

1. Claims 1 A composter that utilizes solar energy to achieve carbon neutrality.
2. 2 A composter according to claim 1 that recovers "compost tea" and prevents the staining of tiles.
3. 3 A composter according to all previous claims that utilizes "green heat" to accelerate germination and growth from CO2 enrichment in the propagator.
4. 4 A composter according to all previous claims that is used in greenhouses or polythene tunnels as a bio heater.