WO2010100224A1

WO2010100224A1 - Method and device for sustainably producing energy and at least one base material

Info

Publication number: WO2010100224A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/052753
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karl Manderscheid; Günter HARBECK
Original assignee: Ecocity Project Gmbh
Priority date: 2009-03-04
Filing date: 2010-03-04
Publication date: 2010-09-10

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and to a device for producing energy and for producing at least one base material. It is provided that a first base material in the form of ethanol is produced in a first system unit (1), wherein a second base material, for example, in the form of a vinasse, results. Furthermore, the second base material is led from the first system unit (1) into a second system unit (2). There, a third base material in the form of a biogas is produced, wherein a fourth base material in the form of a fermentation residue results. The biogas is fed from the second system unit (2) into a third system unit (3), and energy is produced in the third system unit (3). The fermentation residue is led from the second system unit (2) into a fourth system unit (4), in which a fifth base material in the form of a soil conditioner is produced.

Description

Method and device for the sustainable production of energy and at least one base material

description

The invention relates to a method and a device for the sustainable generation of energy and at least one base material. As will be explained below, the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention have the advantage that sustainability is achieved (ie the use of a natural and regenerable system such that its essential properties are retained). Accordingly, one can also speak of a sustainable production of energy and a sustainable production of at least one basic substance.

For a long time plants have been known which generate energy. Also, facilities have long been known with which a base fabric is produced.

For example, plants for the production of ethanol are known. Among other things, ethanol is produced during the fermentation of sugary and starchy substances. By distillation, the ethanol can be concentrated. It is also known from the prior art that ethanol can be obtained by fermentation of biomass. The ethanol produced is often referred to as bioethanol. In addition, CO _{2 is also} generated in the aforementioned generation. Bioethanol is used in particular as biofuel or fuel additive for internal combustion engines.

Furthermore, it is known from the prior art to produce biogas in biogas plants. This is understood in particular as methane gas, which releasing energy during combustion. For the production of biogas, for example, fermentable biomass-containing residues (for example biowaste), plants and plant parts are suitable. These can be cultivated specifically for the production of biogas, for example. Such plants are also known as "renewable resources" or "energy crops". Biogas produced in biogas plants is generally used as fuel in an internal combustion engine coupled to a generator to generate electricity and heat. Alternatively or additionally, the methane content is extracted from the aforementioned biogas, purified, dried, compressed and fed into a gas network in order to lead it to a commercial or private consumer for use.

For the generation of electrical current, it is known from the prior art to use a system in the form of a combined heat and power plant, which has at least one internal combustion engine, for example an internal combustion engine or a gas turbine. The internal combustion engine drives a generator that generates electrical power. The electric power is fed into a power grid. The resulting in the generation of electrical power heat remains unused in many cases, as often lack consumers at the location of the cogeneration plant, which use the amount of heat throughout.

Furthermore, it is known to produce by means of a plant a soil conditioner, such as a fertilizer, which is used in agriculture and horticulture. The key objective of the soil conditioner is to introduce nutrients into the soil to enable, accelerate and / or increase plant growth.

Considerations have now shown that due to the steadily growing raw material prices and the energy required, which is used in the individual production plants, which must be used for the production of, for example, bioethanol, biogas and / or a soil conditioner, a business operation of each of the aforementioned facilities In the so-called "stand-alone operation" is often not very useful "stand-alone operation" means the independent operation of a single one of the aforementioned installations without this single one of the aforementioned installations being coupled with other installations, but the achievable efficiencies often make the operation of a single one of the aforementioned installations unprofitable.

A further disadvantage of the above-mentioned systems is that hydrocarbons from fossil carbon deposits of the earth are very often still used to operate the plants, for example lignite, hard coal, natural gas, crude oil and / or other long-term stored in the earth's crust hydrocarbons. It is well known that these hydrocarbons from fossil carbon stocks of the earth are only available for a limited time under today's economic aspects. Due to an ever-increasing demand for hydrocarbons from fossil carbon deposits of the earth and a shortage of supply of these hydrocarbons, there is also a significant increase in the price of hydrocarbons from fossil carbon storages on Earth.

Another disadvantage of the aforementioned systems is that the combustion of hydrocarbons from fossil carbon deposits of the earth produces CO ₂ . This causes an increase in the concentration of CO ₂ in the atmosphere. However, the atmosphere is too small as a sink of CO ₂ generated by the combustion of hydrocarbons from fossil carbon reserves of the earth. The capacity of the atmosphere to store CO ₂ is so low that, starting from a certain concentration of CO ₂ in the atmosphere (but this concentration is currently not yet precisely quantifiable), damaging consequences for much of the existing life forms of the atmosphere Earth is coming. In particular, there are changes in the climate, the flora and fauna.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a method and apparatus for generating energy and for generating at least one base material, in which no hydrocarbons from fossil Carbon storages of the earth are required, which on the one hand economically profitable and on the other efficient and sustainable work.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1. A device according to the invention is given by the features of claim 12. Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description, the appended claims and / or the accompanying figures.

The inventive method for generating energy and for producing at least one base material comprises a plurality of steps, which are also referred to below as stages.

Thus, in a first stage, a first base substance in the form of ethanol is produced in a first plant unit, for example a bioethanol plant. This results in at least a second base material, for example in the form of at least one vinasse, at least one residue in the production of starch and sugar (for example, a bran, a glume, a vinasse and a bagasse) and / or an accompanying material, which is formed in a distillation. It is explicitly pointed out that many second basic substances can also be produced, for example several vats, several residues in the production of starch and sugar and / or several accompanying substances that are formed during the distillation.

The preparation of the ethanol is carried out, for example, by means of alcoholic fermentation of starchy, sugary and / or cellulosic organic substances. These are supplied, for example, by starchy and / or sugar-containing basic fruits, which are obtained, for example, from energy crops. Additionally or alternatively, however, it is also envisaged to recover the ethanol from further biomass which has been produced by phototrophic organisms with the aid of CO ₂ . It is explicitly stated that the production of ethanol can be made using any type and form of biomass. For further details see below. In a second stage, the at least one second base material resulting from the production of the ethanol, for example in the form of the vinasse, of the at least one residue in the production of starch and sugar and / or the accompanying substance which is formed in a distillation, is derived from the first Plant unit in a second plant unit, such as a biogas plant, led. In addition, it can be provided that plant residues of the energy crops, which remain after separation of the starchy and / or sugary basic fruit, also lead into the second plant unit. In addition or as an alternative to this, it is provided to introduce biomass produced by phototrophic organisms into the second plant unit. In the second plant unit, another base material, namely a third base material in the form of biogas is produced. For this purpose, for example, the anaerobic fermentation is used. In the generation of the biogas, a further base material, namely a fourth base material in the form of a fermentation residue, which in turn is used in a further plant unit. This will be discussed below.

In a third stage, the biogas from the second plant unit is now led to a third plant unit. Energy is generated in the third plant unit.

In a fourth stage, the fermentation residue mentioned above is now led by the second plant unit into a fourth plant unit and used to produce a fifth base substance in the form of a soil improver, for example a fertilizer. In the production of the fifth base material in particular the energy is used, which was generated in the third plant unit. Additionally or alternatively, residual heat can be used in one embodiment, which is obtained in the first system unit.

The aforementioned method has the advantage that on the one hand no hydrocarbons from fossil carbon deposits of the earth are needed. On the other hand, it is envisaged that the base substances, by-products and / or accumulating residues generated at each stage in at least one be reused further stage, in turn to produce another base material. This makes it possible that by a suitably selected use of the base materials, by-products and / or accumulating residues no waste materials incurred that would have to be disposed of (also called sustainable material flow management). This promotes the desired sustainability.

A further advantage of the invention is that the energy generated and / or the heat produced in at least one of the aforementioned stages is used in at least one of the abovementioned plant units so that no energy remains unused. By means of an appropriately selected use of the generated and accumulating energy possible resulting high-caloric amounts of heat and / or low-calorific amounts of heat of each of the aforementioned levels at the corresponding location of another of the aforementioned levels are used (also called intelligent energy management system). This also promotes the desired sustainability.

As will be explained in more detail below, it is in the invention of advantage that when looking at the overall balance, which is achieved with the inventive method, no CO _{2 is released} into the atmosphere, but rather CO ₂ withdrawn from the atmosphere and over the soil improver is stored in the Erdkrume. This also promotes the desired sustainability. The invention ensures that this CO ₂ - certificates can be achieved, which can be sold to third parties, so that these third parties can emit CO ₂ in the atmosphere.

It is also advantageous in the invention that the concentration of CO ₂ in the atmosphere can be influenced. For this purpose, it is provided in the inventive method, for example, to introduce the soil conditioner in the Erdkrume to store carbon, or for example residues in the form of biomass incurred in the process according to the invention to burn to produce CO ₂ and the CO ₂ then release controlled into the atmosphere. It is explicitly pointed out that although hydrocarbons from fossil carbon storages can be used in the process according to the invention. However, the invention does not require this use. It can do without the use of hydrocarbons from fossil carbon storage.

In a further embodiment of the invention, at least one amount of water which is obtained as by-product in at least one of the aforementioned stages is purified and treated. The ingredients obtained during the purification and treatment of the amount of water and extracted from the amount of water are valuable ingredients for the soil improver and are supplied to the fourth plant unit. The purified and treated amount of water can be supplied to the first stage and / or the second stage. Further, it is additionally or alternatively contemplated to use purified and conditioned water to generate steam as a carrier of high calorie energy, which energy in turn may be used and used in any of the foregoing stages.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least one biogenic substrate is added to the second plant unit. These are understood to mean substrates which, for example, are not obtained by chemical synthesis processes. In particular, organic residues from the food industry are used here. These include, for example, grains from breweries, old bakeries, waste glycerin and used fat. The above list is not exhaustive. Rather, any suitable biogenic substrate is suitable, which is suitable for the production of biogas and / or a soil conditioner from the resulting digestate. In particular, it is also envisaged to use synthetic substances based on organic substances as biogenic substrate. It is advantageous if the biogenic substrates are not loaded with heavy metals and / or other pollutants. This ensures that the soil conditioner contains no heavy metals and / or other pollutants due to the biogenic substrate. The feeding of the biogenic substrate into the second system unit can be effected independently of the feeding of the second base material into the second system unit. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the biogenic substrate is added to the second base material before being fed into the second system unit.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, in particular methane gas is produced as biogas. The invention is not limited to pure methane gas. Rather, this also means a biogas containing a fairly high proportion of methane gas, for example in the range of 45% to 75%. The higher the proportion of methane gas, the higher the energy content of biogas. It is advantageous if the proportion of methane gas is extracted from the biogas, purified and dried. The further portions of the biogas can be supplied to the fourth plant unit, for example, and support the production of the soil improver.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, electrical energy and / or heat is generated as energy. The electric power can be fed into a network of a local power company (EVU). Furthermore, at least part of the electrical current can be used for the implementation and operation of the individual plant units of the method according to the invention. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the heat of the first plant unit (in which ethanol is produced) and / or the fourth plant unit (in which the soil conditioner is produced) is supplied. In the fourth plant unit, this heat is used, for example, to produce the soil improver. The low-calorific residual heat obtained in at least one of the aforementioned stages is used, for example, for drying the soil conditioner. In particular, it is intended to dry the soil conditioner by means of an evaporation-based drying process, wherein a temperature range of, for example, 30 ° C to 75 ° C is used. The invention is not limited to this temperature range. Rather, any other suitable temperature richly usable. In particular, it is envisaged to use a fairly low calorific energy level, since it is not absolutely necessary to use a fairly high calorific energy level for the drying.

In yet another embodiment of the method according to the invention, the digestate is subjected to a phase separation. For example, a so-called 3-phase separation, wherein a solid phase, a liquid phase and a gas arise. On the one hand, the phase separation produces a dry mass (solid phase), in particular a separate solid fraction (organic dry matter), which is fed into the fourth plant unit and from which the soil conditioner is prepared. On the other hand, during the phase separation, a gas, in particular a nitrogen-containing gas, is formed. This gas is introduced into the fourth plant unit and also serves to produce the soil improver. Furthermore, during the phase separation, a concentrate (liquid phase) is formed. The concentrate has all dissolved organic and mineral constituents of the digestate. This concentrate is, for example, also introduced into the fourth unit of equipment and also serves to produce the soil conditioner. In addition, during the phase separation, water is formed which is returned to the first plant unit for producing ethanol and / or the second plant unit for producing biogas and used there.

The aforementioned embodiment should also clarify that the second system unit and the fourth system unit need not be connected directly to each other for carrying out the method according to the invention. Rather, an indirect connection is also sufficient, for example via a phase separation unit which enables the phase separation described above.

The invention also relates to a device for the sustainable production of energy and at least one base material. The device is designed in particular for carrying out a method which comprises at least one has the above features or a combination of the above features.

The device according to the invention has a first system unit for the production of a first base material in the form of ethanol. When the ethanol is produced, a second base material is formed, for example at least one of the second base substances already mentioned above.

The device according to the invention also has a second system unit for producing a third base material in the form of biogas. The second system unit is connected to the first system unit via a first connection unit for feeding the second base material (for example at least one of the base materials already mentioned above) from the first system unit to the second system unit. In addition, it may be provided via a further connection unit plant residues of energy crops, which remain after removal of the starchy and / or sugary basic fruit, also introduce into the second plant unit. The production of biogas produces a fourth base material in the form of a digestate, which is also used further, as explained in more detail below.

Furthermore, a third system unit for generating energy is provided, wherein the third system unit is connected to the second system unit via a second connection unit for supplying the biogas from the second system unit to the third system unit.

Also, a fourth plant unit for producing a fifth base material in the form of a soil conditioner in the device according to the invention is provided. The fourth system unit is connected to the second system unit via a third connection unit for supplying the digestate from the second system unit to the fourth system unit. In the production of the fifth base material in particular the energy is used, which was generated in the third plant unit. The device according to the invention has the same advantages as the method according to the invention, so that will not be discussed in detail at this point.

In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the energy generated in the third system unit is designed as electric current and / or heat. Furthermore, it is provided, for example, that the third system unit is connected to the first system unit via a fourth connection unit for supplying the heat from the third system unit to the first system unit. The heat that can be supplied thereby can be used in the production of the ethanol. Moreover, it can be provided that the third system unit is connected to the fourth system unit via a fifth connection unit for supplying the heat from the third system unit to the fourth system unit. By means of the heat supplied in this way, it is possible, for example, to dry the soil improver prepared in the fourth plant unit.

In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention, a fifth system unit for phase separation is arranged between the second system unit and the fourth system unit. Furthermore, the fifth installation unit is connected both to the second installation unit and to the fourth installation unit. This embodiment shows that the second plant unit with the fourth plant unit can also be connected indirectly with the interposition of another unit. The phase separation is carried out, for example, in a multistage system in which initially coarse solids are separated off by means of at least one device for solids separation. This can be done in particular by a method which is based on the principle of gravity. In a further step, a liquid phase leaving the means for solids separation in a first membrane separation stage (for example a micro- or ultrafiltration unit) is converted firstly into a concentrate which contains finely dispersed solid particles and secondly into a permeate which has dissolved constituents , The concentrate with the finely dispersed solid particles is the fourth plant unit for generating the Supplied soil conditioner. The permeate of the first membrane separation stage containing the dissolved constituents is fed to a second membrane separation stage (for example a nanofiltration and / or reverse osmosis unit which can be implemented in multiple stages both on the retentate side and permeate side) and into a retentate containing the dissolved constituents converted from pure water as possible permeate. The last-mentioned permeate is fed back to the first plant unit for producing the ethanol and / or the second plant unit for producing biogas. For this purpose, the fifth system unit is connected, for example, to the first system unit via a sixth connection line for guiding the permeate from the fifth system unit to the first system unit. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the fifth system unit is connected via a further connecting line with the second system unit. Furthermore, in the phase separation, a nitrogen-containing gas is formed, which can be detected separately and fed to the fourth plant unit for producing the soil conditioner.

In the apparatus according to the invention, the second plant unit is designed for example as a fermenter. This is understood to mean a bioreactor in which microorganisms are cultivated under the best possible conditions in order to cause a reaction in such a way that biogas is produced. It is particularly intended to produce biogas with the highest possible proportion of methane.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the third plant unit is designed as a combined heat and power plant, which has for example at least one internal combustion engine for driving a generator. By means of this generator, the electrical energy is generated.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the fourth plant unit is designed to produce the soil conditioner as a reactor. The invention will now be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment by means of figures. Show

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a device for generating energy and of a plurality of base materials; such as

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a device for generating energy and of several basic substances.

FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention for generating energy and for producing a plurality of base materials. Based on this embodiment, the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention will be explained in more detail.

The device according to the invention has a first plant unit 1, in which ethanol is produced. To produce the ethanol, raw materials, for example starchy, sugar-containing and / or cellulosic organic raw materials, are introduced into the first system unit 1. The abovementioned raw materials are obtained, for example, by planting vegetable raw materials, which are planted in particular for the production of the ethanol. The raw materials are supplied for example by starchy and / or sugary basic fruits, which are separated from energy crops. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that any further suitable organic raw materials can be introduced into the first system unit 1. For example, these are biomass produced by phototrophic organisms. The production of the ethanol is carried out by alcoholic fermentation of the aforementioned raw materials. The ethanol thus produced is discharged from the first plant unit 1 and preferably used as biofuel.

The production of ethanol also produces CO ₂ . This is compressed, for example, in a suitable manner and stored for transport in suitable pressure vessels. The CO ₂ thus obtained can be used in further processes. When the ethanol is produced, a second base material is also formed, in particular in the form of a stillage. This vinasse is introduced via a first connection unit 6 into a second system unit 2. Before introduction into the second plant unit 2, the sludge is fed to a biogenic substrate, for example organic residues from the food industry. These include, for example, grains from breweries, old bakeries, waste glycerin and used fat. In particular, it is also envisaged to use synthetic substances based on organic substances as biogenic substrate. It is advantageous if the biogenic substrates are not contaminated with heavy metals and / or other pollutants. In this way it is ensured that the soil conditioner contains no heavy metals and / or other pollutants due to the biogenic substrate.

In addition or as an alternative to the aforementioned stillage, the second base material may also be formed as at least one residue in the production of starch and sugar (for example a bran, a glume, a vinasse and a bagasse) and / or an accompanying substance which is formed during a distillation , It is explicitly pointed out that numerous second base substances can also be produced, for example several vats, several residues in the production of starch and sugar and / or several accompanying substances which are formed during the distillation. All of the aforementioned basic substances are then introduced into the second installation unit 2.

The aforementioned second base material or the plurality of second base materials is or is a biomass which is used in the second system unit 2 for obtaining a biogas. For this purpose, the second plant unit 2 is designed as a fermenter. Alternatively, the second plant unit 2 is formed as a system of several fermenters. In addition or as an alternative, further biomass is introduced into the second plant unit 2. As a further biomass, for example, plant residues of energy plants, which remain after removal of the starchy and / or sugary basic fruit are. In addition or as an alternative, it is provided that biomass generated from phototrophic organisms is introduced into the second plant unit 2. respectively. The second base material, the second base materials and / or the further biomass are fermented in the second system unit 2. This results in the biogas, which contains a large proportion of methane, for example in the range of 45% to 75%.

The biogas is conducted via a second connection unit 7 in a third system unit 3. The third system unit 3 is designed, for example, as a combined heat and power plant and has at least one internal combustion engine and at least one generator, which is driven by the internal combustion engine. The biogas is used as fuel of the internal combustion engine. By means of the generator, on the one hand, electrical power is generated, which can be fed into a network of a local energy supply company. On the other hand, heat is generated, which is introduced via a fourth connection unit 9 into the first system unit 1. The heat is used in the first plant unit 1 to produce the ethanol.

When generating the biogas in the second plant unit 2, a digestate is formed. This digestate is introduced via a third connection unit 8 into a fifth system unit 5. This fifth plant unit 5 is a unit in which phase separation is performed. For example, the fifth plant unit 5 is formed as a unit with a multi-stage phase separation. On the one hand, this produces water which is returned to the first system unit 1 via a sixth connection unit 11 and used there for the production of ethanol. On the other hand, a solid fraction (dry matter) is produced, from which the soil conditioner is prepared and which is fed into a fourth plant unit 4. Furthermore, a gas is formed in the phase separation. This gas is also introduced into the fourth plant unit 4 and also serves to produce the soil conditioner.

As mentioned above, in the phase separation in the fifth plant unit 5, the dry mass is introduced, which is introduced into the fourth plant unit 4. The fourth plant unit 4 comprises a reactor 4A ₁ in which a the improver is made in the form of a fertilizer. In the reactor 4A, the gas is introduced, which is formed during the phase separation in the fifth plant unit 5. The reactor 4A is designed, for example, as a 3-phase reactor, in which a solid-liquid mixture can be mixed intensively and charged with various gases. However, it is explicitly pointed out that the invention is not restricted to the use of such a reactor 4A. Rather, the reactor 4A may have any suitable shape and design.

The soil improver in the form of the fertilizer produced in this way is of organic origin and is transferred to a unit 4B in which it is dried, for example, by means of the heat obtained from the third plant unit 3 and converted into a storable, transportable and spreadable form. For example, the soil conditioner is pelleted or granulated. Then, the soil improver is discharged and can be used, for example, for planting the raw materials introduced into the first plant unit 1. Further details of the soil conditioner will be discussed below.

FIG. 2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention for generating energy and for producing a plurality of base materials. The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2 is based on the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, so that reference is first made to the statements made above. The same components are marked with the same reference numbers.

The further embodiment of the device according to the invention has a separation unit 20, in the first example, energy plants are introduced. For example, starchy, sugar-containing and / or cellulosic base fruits are separated from the energy crops. These basic fruits are introduced as raw material into the first plant unit 1 in order to produce ethanol there. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that any further suitable organic raw materials can be introduced into the first system unit 1. The generation of the etha- nols takes place by alcoholic fermentation of the raw materials. The ethanol thus produced is discharged from the first plant unit 1 and used for example as biofuel.

In the production of ethanol also produces quite pure CO ₂ . This is compressed, for example, in a suitable manner and stored for transport in suitable pressure vessels. The CO ₂ is particularly suitable for use in the food industry, but also in the beverage industry.

When the ethanol is produced, a second base material is also formed, in particular in the form of a stillage. In addition or as an alternative to the aforementioned stillage, the second base material may also be formed as at least one residue in the production of starch and sugar (for example a bran, a glume, a vinasse and a bagasse) and / or an accompanying substance which is formed during a distillation , It can also create numerous second base materials, for example, several vapors, several residues in the production of starch and sugar and / or more impurities that arise during distillation. All of the aforementioned basic substances are then introduced into the second installation unit 2.

In addition or as an alternative to the abovementioned second base material or the abovementioned second base substances, a biogenic substrate, for example organic residues from the food industry, is fed into the second plant unit 2. Reference is also made to above. Additionally or alternatively, the second plant unit 2 biomass in the form of cosubstrates is supplied. By way of example, these are residues which are formed during the separation in the separation unit 20. Additionally or alternatively, any suitable biomass may be introduced into the second annealing unit 2.

By means of the substances introduced into the second plant unit 2, biogas is produced in the second plant unit 2. For this purpose, the second plant unit 2 is designed as a fermenter. Alternatively, the second ani- geneinheit 2 in turn formed as a system of several fermenters. The biogas has a large proportion of methane, which is referred to above.

The production of biogas also produces CO ₂ . This is used, for example, for the production of further biomass by phototrophic organisms, this further biomass, in turn, serving, for example, as biomass for introduction into the first plant unit 1 and / or into the second plant unit 2.

The biogas is conducted via a connection unit in a third system unit 3. The third system unit 3 has at least one internal combustion engine and at least one generator which is driven by the internal combustion engine. The biogas is used as fuel of the combustion engine. By means of the generator, on the one hand, electrical power is generated, which can be fed into a network of a local energy supply company. On the other hand, high-calorific heat is generated, which is introduced via a further connection unit into the first system unit 1. The high calorific heat is used in the first plant unit 1 for producing the ethanol. Further, in the third installation unit 3 CO ₂ is produced as a component of exhaust gases. This is used, for example, for the production of further biomass by phototrophic organisms, this further biomass, in turn, serving, for example, as biomass for introduction into the first plant unit 1 and / or into the second plant unit 2.

It is explicitly pointed out that the CO ₂ which is produced in at least one of the first installation unit 1, the second installation unit 2 and the third installation unit 3 can be used as synthesis gas in carbonation reactions for the production of further products.

When generating the biogas in the second plant unit 2, a digestate is formed. This digestate is introduced via a connection unit into a fifth system unit 5. This fifth plant unit 5 is a unit, in a phase separation is made. For example, the fifth plant unit 5 is formed as a unit with a multi-stage phase separation. On the one hand, during the phase separation, a dry mass (solid phase) is formed, in particular a separated solid fraction (organic dry matter), which is fed into the fourth plant unit 4 and from which the soil conditioner is prepared. On the other hand, during the phase separation a gas, in particular a nitrogen-containing gas (gas (I)) is formed. This gas is introduced into the fourth plant unit 4 and also serves to produce the soil conditioner. Furthermore, the phase separation produces a concentrate K (liquid phase). The concentrate K has all the dissolved organic and mineral constituents of the digestate. This concentrate K is, for example, likewise introduced into the fourth unit 4 and also serves to produce the soil conditioner. In addition, during the phase separation, water is produced, which is supplied to the first plant unit 1 for producing ethanol. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the water of the second plant unit 2 is fed back to produce biogas and used there.

The fourth plant unit 4 comprises the reactor 4A, in which a soil conditioner in the form of the fertilizer is produced. With regard to a possible embodiment of the reactor 4A is referred to above.

As mentioned above, in the reactor 4A, the gas (gas (I)) which is formed in the phase separation in the fifth plant unit 5 is also introduced. In addition thereto, it is provided that at least a second gas (gas (II)) is also introduced into the reactor 4A, for example oxygen or another gas. Further, high calorific heat is supplied to the third plant unit 3 to the reactor 4A. In addition, it is provided that the reactor 4A further additives can be supplied.

The soil conditioner in the form of the fertilizer produced in this way is of organic origin and is transferred to a unit 4B in which it is dried and made storable, transportable and dispersible Form is transferred. For drying, low calorific residual heat, for example, which is obtained in the first plant unit 1, is used. Alternatively, the high calorific heat of the third plant unit 3 is provided, which is not preferred, but possible. For example, the soil conditioner is pelleted or granulated. Then, the soil improver is discharged and can be used, for example, for planting the raw materials introduced into the first plant unit 1. Further details of the soil conditioner will be discussed below.

The fertilizer obtained, for example, by means of the device according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 is a high-quality soil conditioner which contains all substances which promote the formation of permanent humus in the earth's crumb. The fertilizer is a combination of permanent and nutrient humus as well as the native nutrients from the fermentation substrates. It contains 6 - 7% total nitrogen with different availabilities and has a C / N ratio like natural humus. Due to its high cation-exchange and pH-buffering capacity as well as its high water storage capacity, the fertilizer acts as an excellent nutrient reservoir.

An exemplary embodiment of the fertilizer produced by means of the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention is reproduced below, the following parameters relating to one ton of the fertilizer, which is composed of 85% dry matter and 15% H ₂ O. Hereinafter HD means fertilizer, TS dry mass and OTS organic dry matter.

It has been shown that the new soil conditioner in the form of the fertilizer is an organic complex fertilizer, which is very low in pollutants and rich in humic substances (fulvic and humic acids) and nitrogen in different forms of bonding. In particular, ammonium nitrogen, amide nitrogen and firmly organic nitrogen are present. Furthermore, nutrient and trace salts from the fermentation substrates are present in a balanced ratio in the fertilizer due to their vegetable origin.

Due to the low N _min content and high N _fog content of the total nitrogen as well as the permanent humus character, the fertilizer can be used in significantly higher doses than comparable fertilizers to the lasting improvement of numerous soil fertility characteristics in the working soil layer.

The use of the fertilizer in smaller quantities improves the formation of chlorophyll, photosynthesis and the conversion of nutrients and trace elements of the plants cultivated with the help of the soil improver. The method according to the invention and the device according to the invention have the advantage that on the one hand no hydrocarbons from fossil carbon deposits of the earth are needed. However, as noted above, hydrocarbons from fossil carbon stocks of the earth could still be used (for further details see above). On the other hand, it is envisaged that the base substances, by-products and / or accumulating residues produced at each stage be reused in at least one further stage in order to produce a further base material. This makes it possible that by a suitably selected use of the base materials, by-products and / or accumulating residues no waste materials incurred that would have to be disposed of (also called sustainable material flow management). A further advantage of the invention is that the energy generated and / or the heat produced in at least one of the aforementioned stages is used in at least one of the abovementioned plant units so that no energy remains unused. By means of a correspondingly selected use of the generated and accumulating energy, possible resulting high caloric heat quantities and / or low caloric heat quantities of each of the aforementioned stages are used at the corresponding location of another of the aforementioned stages (also called intelligent energy management system). All the above benefits promote sustainability.

It is in the invention of advantage that when looking at the overall balance, which is achieved with the inventive method, no CO _{2 is released} into the atmosphere, but rather withdrawn CO _{2 of} the atmosphere and stored on the soil improver in the Erdkrume. This also promotes the desired sustainability. This will be explained in more detail below.

Simplified, phototrophic organisms (especially algae, plants and / or bacteria) convert the energy of sunlight, this energy being initially stored intermediately in the form of ATP or NAD (P) H. By hydrolysis of ATP and oxidation of NAD (P) H, the Energy released again, with the help of which the previously deprived of the atmosphere CO ₂ carbohydrates are generated. In this case, the release of oxygen (O ₂ ) takes place to the atmosphere. By means of different biochemical processes, the phototrophic organisms can now convert the carbohydrates produced during the photosynthesis into other chemical compounds and store them in the form of biomass. Ingredients such as sugar, starch, cellulose, lignins, fats, fatty acids, proteins and amino acids are essential for these processes. Most components of the biomass can be broken down again with the release of energy. This results in a fermentative conversion of the starches and sugar within a few hours of ethanol (first plant unit 1). In the fermentative conversion of the other biomass (in particular fats, fatty acids, proteins, amino acids, etc.) biogas is produced within a few weeks (second plant unit 2). After the production of biogas, only biomass which is difficult to decompose remains, which consists essentially of celluloses, lignins, humic and fulvic acids. These are fed back via the soil conditioner as Dauerhumus the usable area. Thus, part of the carbon removed by phototrophic organisms of the atmosphere is stored in the soil. The poorly degradable organic compounds introduced via the soil improver into the bottom of the useful area are now gradually decomposed by soil organisms (for example fungi and bacteria) over several years. The compounds formed in the reactor 4A are dissolved and the stored minerals and nutrients are gradually made available to the plant (a so-called slow-release effect). However, since the usable area can be repeatedly treated with the soil conditioner, it is possible to store more carbon, which is formed by extracted from the atmosphere of CO ₂ , in the soil than was previously emitted from fossil carbon storage in the atmosphere.

In addition, because the inventive method and apparatus relinquish the use of hydrocarbons from fossil carbon reservoirs of the earth, which also store carbon for a very long time, it ensures that, on the one hand, no CO _{2 is released} from long-term carbon stores in the atmosphere and that, on the other hand, over a longer period of time, the amount of CO ₂ in the atmosphere can be reduced. In the future, the use of carbon from fossil carbon storages of the earth should be avoided as far as possible in order to achieve a long-term reduction of CO ₂ in the atmosphere. This is possible with a global conversion of energy and fuel production by means of the method described here and the device described in conjunction with other regenerative energy sources (for example, water, wind and sun).

It is also advantageous in the invention that the concentration of CO ₂ in the atmosphere can be influenced. For this purpose, in the method according to the invention, for example, it is provided to introduce the soil improver into the soil crust in order to store carbon or, for example, residues in the form of biomass which are produced in the process according to the invention to be incinerated, in order to produce CO ₂ and the Then release CO _{2 in} a controlled manner into the atmosphere.

It is explicitly pointed out that although hydrocarbons from fossil carbon storages can be used in the process according to the invention. However, the invention does not require this use. It can do without the use of hydrocarbons from fossil carbon storage.

Considerations have shown that by means of the generated soil improver in the form of the fertilizer, the permanent humus in the soil of the utilized area is greatly enriched, so that yields of the usable area (for example arable area) can be significantly increased. In addition, it is possible to make currently unused or currently unusable land (for example in arid and semi-arid areas) arable so that these areas can be used to grow food and energy crops. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 first plant unit

2 second plant unit

3 third system unit

4 fourth system unit

4A reactor

4B unit for drying and granulation

5 fifth system unit

6 first connection unit

7 second connection unit

8 third connection unit

9 fourth connection unit

10 fifth connection unit

1 1 sixth connection unit

20 separation unit

Claims

claims

A method for producing energy and at least one base material, the method comprising the following steps:

Producing a first base material in the form of ethanol in a first plant unit (1), whereby a second base material in the form of a vinasse is produced,

Feeding the vinasse from the first plant unit (1) into a second plant unit (2),

Generating a third base material in the form of biogas in the second plant unit (2), wherein a fourth base material in

Form of a digestate,

Supplying the biogas from the second plant unit (2) into a third plant unit (3),

Generating energy in the third installation unit (3),

Feeding the digestate from the second plant unit (2) into a fourth plant unit (4), and

Production of a fifth base material in the form of a fertilizer.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the ethanol is produced by means of at least one starchy, sugar-containing and / or cellulosic organic material.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the vinasse before feeding into the second plant unit (2) is attached to at least one biogenic substrate.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein as biogas methane gas is produced and in which the methane gas is purified and dried.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein as electric power and heat are generated, and in which the heat of the first plant unit (1) and / or the fourth plant unit (4) is supplied.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the production of the fertilizer service water and biofiltrate is formed.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the digestate is subjected to a phase separation, wherein

Water is produced, which is supplied to the first plant unit (1), a dry mass is formed, which is led to generate the fertilizer in the fourth plant unit (4), and in which - a gas is produced, which is supplied to the fourth plant unit (4).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

at least one quantity of water which is obtained as by-product in at least one of the first installation unit (1), the second installation unit (2), the third installation unit (3) and the fourth installation unit (4), is cleaned and prepared by cleaning and treatment , in the purification and treatment of the amount of water resulting and extracted from the amount of water ingredients of the fourth unit (4) are supplied, and in which the purified and treated amount of water to the first unit (1) and / or the second unit (2) are supplied.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the purified and treated amount of water for generating steam as a carrier of high calorific value shear energy is used and in which the high calorific energy in one of the first plant unit (1), the second plant unit (2), the third plant unit (3) and the fourth plant unit (4) is used.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which biomass produced from phytotropic organisms is introduced into the second plant unit (2).

1 1. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fertilizer is supplied to a floor of a usable area, so that by means of the fertilizer carbon is stored for a long time in the bottom of the usable area.

12. A device for generating energy and at least one base material, in particular for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, with

a first plant unit (1) for producing a first base material in the form of ethanol, wherein a second base material in the form of a vinasse is formed during the production of the ethanol,

- A second system unit (2) for generating a third base material in the form of biogas, wherein the second system unit (2) with the first system unit (1) via a first connection unit

(6) for supplying the vinasse from the first plant unit (1) to the second plant unit (2) and wherein a fourth base material in the form of a digestate is produced during the production of biogas,

- A third system unit (3) for generating energy, wherein the third system unit (3) with the second system unit (2) via a second connection unit (7) for supplying the biogas of the second system unit (2) in the third system unit (3) is connected, and

- A fourth plant unit (4) for producing a fifth sisstoffes in the form of a fertilizer, wherein the fourth plant unit

(4) to the second plant unit (2) via a third connection unit (8) for supplying the digestate from the second plant unit (2) in the fourth plant unit (4) is connected.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the energy generated in the third system unit (3) is formed as electric current and heat.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein

- The third plant unit (3) with the first plant unit (1) via a fourth connection unit (9) for supplying the heat from the third plant unit (3) to the first plant unit (1) is connected, and / or

- The third system unit (3) with the fourth system unit (4, 4B) via a fifth connection unit (10) for supplying the heat from the third system unit (3) to the fourth system unit (4, 4B) is connected.

15. Device according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein between the second plant unit (2) and the fourth plant unit (4) a fifth plant unit (5) for phase separation is arranged and wherein the fifth plant unit (5) both with the second plant unit ( 2) as well as with the fourth plant unit (4) is connected.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the fifth plant unit (5) to the first plant unit (1) via a sixth connecting line (11) for supplying a permeate from the fifth plant unit (5) to the first plant unit (1) is connected.

17. Device according to one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the second plant unit (2) is designed as a fermenter.

18. Device according to one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the third system unit (3) is designed as a combined heat and power plant.

19. Device according to one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the fourth plant unit (4) is designed as a reactor.

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