DESIGN NAME: Gasco
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Methane Handling Drones
INSPIRATION: Livestock contributes 47 per cent of total anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. A single cow can emit up to 500 litres of methane, one of the main greenhouse gases, in its daily emissions. We hope that this project will detect the collection and utilization of methane, mitigating the greenhouse effect while promoting the energy transition.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Gasco is able to monitor and collect the methane gas produced by
cows in real time and convert it into liquid methanol, which, after treatment and purification,
can be used as a direct fuel or further processed for different areas of energy needs. This not
only helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also makes a positive contribution to the
energy transition and sustainable development.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: This device operates autonomously, flying over cattle fields to collect methane emissions. It transforms gas into liquid methanol through a chemical process onboard. Interaction is minimal, mainly automated. Key frames are detection of high methane levels triggering gas collection. It ensures better results by efficiently converting harmful emissions into a usable fuel, contributing to environmental sustainability.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in July 2023 in Xiamen, China and finished in February 2024 in Xiamen, China.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Our design integrates advanced drone technology and chemical engineering. Drones are made with lightweight materials like carbon fiber for strength and agility. Sensors detect methane emissions, and a chemical reactor converts methane to liquid methanol using corrosion-resistant materials. Advanced methods like CAD and CFD optimize system performance. This solution efficiently mitigates methane emissions, aiding environmental sustainability.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: The dimensions of the physical product are 600mm x 600mm x 300mm (W x D x H). This compact size ensures easy maneuverability and deployment in various environments. Additionally, the lightweight construction facilitates efficient operation and transportation.
TAGS: Drone technology, Methane capture, Chemical conversion, Environmental sustainability, Green energy, Innovative solutions, Renewable resources, Carbon footprint reduction, Sustainable agriculture
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Research Type: Applied study on environmental tech.
Research Goal: Design drone system to capture livestock methane emissions, convert to fuel for sustainability.
Methods: Engineering and chemical processes combined for system development. Lab experiments optimized methane conversion.
Data Collection: Used methane sensors on drones and chemical analysis tools.
Participants: Engineers, chemists, environmental scientists collaborated; lab tests conducted.
Results: Developed functional drone-based methane capture system, efficiently converting methane to methanol.
Insights: Technology offers sustainable solution for livestock emissions, promoting environmental sustainability.
Impact: Potential revolutionize agriculture, offer green energy, reduce carbon footprint, enhance public perception of sustainable practices.
CHALLENGE: Creative challenges included integrating drone sensors with a chemical reactor for efficient methane conversion. Overcoming obstacles involved balancing technical research with practical implementation to ensure system stability. External factors encompassed regulatory constraints on environmental technologies, material supply chain considerations, and assessing technological feasibility.
ADDED DATE: 2024-02-21 11:51:42
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Jianyong Liu, 2023.
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