This invention is a smart toilet system designed to deal with human waste in a clean and efficient way. Instead of flushing everything down with water, it first separates the solid and liquid waste right inside the commode. The liquid waste goes to a special device that breaks it down using electricity, producing hydrogen gas. The solid waste drops into a special disposable bag that automatically seals itself. These sealed bags are then collected and burned in an incinerator. The clever part is that the hydrogen gas produced from the liquid waste is used as fuel for this incinerator, making the whole system more self-sufficient. This system is perfect for places where there's no proper plumbing or a lot of water, like remote areas, mountains, or deserts, and it can even use the heat from burning the waste to warm up a living space.
Figure (1) Detailed view of the Human waste segregator.
This invention attempts to create a convenient and accessible method for the disposal of human waste (urine and feces), while reclaiming some of the energy required in the disposal by channeling it into useful applications.
- Segregation of Solid and Liquid Waste by a separator affixed to the commode, leading to better decomposition for both types of waste.
- Incineration of Solid Waste which is a better way of decomposition compared to bio-decomposition by flushing waste with water, which makes the solid waste wet, harder to aerate and is harder to do in regions lacking in water in the first place.
- Use of Disposable Bags for Solid Waste Collection results in more convenience in terms of incineration, prevention of spillage and the suppression of smell; the bag is made of combustible material for easier combustion.
- Electrolysis of Liquid Waste aided by salts dissolved in urine, is used for decomposition, and the energy is used for the incineration.
- Hydrogen Generated by Electrolysis is utilized as fuel for incineration .
- Use of Heat from Decomposition for Heating Homes not letting the energy generated go to waste.
The prototype, as conceptually detailed by the patent, would comprise a specialized commode designed with an integrated separator to achieve initial solid and liquid waste segregation. Physically, it would demonstrate the liquid waste flowing into an attached electrolysis apparatus, while solid waste would be received by a disposable, combustible bag. A key functional aspect of the prototype would be the automated mechanism, involving an actuator and hinged plate, to seal and dispense these individual solid waste bags into a collection chamber. Finally, the prototype would showcase the interconnectedness where the hydrogen gas generated from the liquid waste's electrolysis is channeled via a connecting pipe to fuel the incinerator for solid waste decomposition, potentially also featuring a heat recovery system for ambient warming.
Concept development (TRL 2)
2
Often traditional water based plumbing is not feasible in remote regions such as places in high altitudes or places with water scarcity. This often leads to open defecation which is unhygienic and risky. Thus, good waste disposal Reduces the incidence of open defecation, leading to a significant decrease in waterborne diseases and improved sanitation, especially in remote or underserved communities.
Sanitation, Healthcare, Energy and Environment, Remote and Rural Communities, Military and Defense Installations, Sustainable Tourism, Off-Grid Living.
Geography of IP
Type of IP
201921022014
487261