Each EPL comprises a series of interconnected components, each serving a distinct function in the overall processing of waste and its subsequent conversion into organic soil amendments. One of the primary design objectives is to establish a system capable of generating the electrical power necessary for waste processing from the energy contained within the waste stream. Another crucial design objective is to minimize the utilization of available energy during the process, thereby allowing any surplus energy to be used for other onsite applications. In certain EPL designs, virtually all available energy may be required to power the process, while in others, the system can generate sufficient excess energy to power a farm, small community or light industry.
The process of constructing an EPL that integrates into a network of EPLs is executed in multiple stages. REGENiTECH provides consulting services at each stage until the handover to the client or owner-operator.
Site Analysis
The initial phase of designing an EPL entails comprehending the surrounding environment. It is crucial to ascertain whether the environment can effectively meet the objectives designated by the client, such as powering a farm and providing the requisite amendments for organic farming within the community. Key considerations include identifying the available waste streams and determining the associated costs of transporting them from their accumulation sites to the EPL for processing. Additionally, exploring the potential integration of passive resources into the design can help supplement the power requirements for processing. The Preliminary Design Document (PDD) emerges from the Site Analysis. This document also serves as a feasibility study, wherein the expectations of the target objectives are adjusted to align with the available environmental and economic resources of the client and the region. If the client decides to move forward to the Detailed Design Document (DDD) the cost of the Site Analysis is deducted from the cost of producing the DDD.
Detailed Design Document
To advance construction, it is paramount to have well-defined plans that comply with zoning and environmental regulations. While some site planning and permitting tasks can be completed during the Site Analysis phase, permits usually require the Detailed Design Document (DDD). REGENiTECH collaborates with local architects, engineers, fabricators, and contractors whenever feasible, otherwise we engage with professionals outside of the region. Furthermore, we prioritize sourcing materials from local providers. EPL Design seamlessly integrates artistic and scientific principles to design an integrated system that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It is crucial to comprehend that the EPL is primarily a device rather than a building, necessitating materials that can function within the operating parameters of both internal and external environmental conditions. In-depth understanding of supply chain constraints is an important consideration for the detailed design process.
Procurement
Materials procurement is very much a part of the design process as it is important to source raw materials and provide them to the fabricators and contractors in a timely manor so that the finished components arrive as they are needed for integration into the EPL structure. The DDD will specify how many components are needed to create the closed-loop system that meets the design objective. The fabrication or manufacture of certain EPL components may take longer than others so getting them into the pipeline earlier is important so that other components are not waiting on their arrival for integration.
Construction
Once the Detailed Design Document (DDD) is finalized and the necessary materials are procured, construction can commence. Construction may entail multiple concurrent execution channels, wherein bioreactors and thermochemical reactors are fabricated concurrently with the excavation of geothermal foundations, etc.. Modularization is paramount to the successful execution of the design. Modularization also assumes a crucial role in sustaining the project after the initial structure is completed and the biorefinery commences production. One of the fundamental design elements in every EPL is the capability to upgrade components as their technology advances. Scaling operations, which involve integrating additional components into the system or enhancing the processing capabilities of the biorefinery, are also significant considerations. Although the implementation of the design is overseen by REGENiTECH, the execution is entrusted to competent fabricators and contractors. As with any construction project, unforeseen challenges may arise that necessitate prompt resolution.
Housing some of the components that emit sound may necessitate special attention depending on the location of the EPL. The Detailed Design Document takes into consideration the ingress and egress of delivery vehicles during construction and operation. In certain instances, deploying specific components during the construction phase can be advantageous, such as the Thermo Chemical Reactors (TCRs), which can serve as a dual purpose of providing electrical power or heat.
In all cases, each process component contains some element of automation that requires careful placement of the interconnecting power and data lines. In some cases it is advantageous to install the secure network connection as early as possible. This is sometimes done during the Site Analysis so that some environmental parameters can be monitored to assist in the generation of the Detailed Design Document. The installation of the Natural Solutions Engine (NSE) control hardware and software is done by REGENiTECH, which completes the construction phase.
Training
During the construction phase, some training may be initiated as components are integrated with the NSE. We strongly encourage owner-operators to consider becoming experts in the deployment of other EPL Biorefineries, which can potentially generate additional income for each site. While much of the operation of an EPL is automated and can be monitored and controlled remotely, a comprehensive understanding of operations by one or more qualified individuals remains a prerequisite. Given that EPLs are securely connected to the REGENiTECH Network, some detailed training can be conducted via teleconference. Each EPL can be conceptualized as a Production Node within a network of EPL Nodes. We encourage novice operators to draw upon the experience of more experienced operators whenever possible. Network collaboration is an important aspect of ongoing support.
Support
REGENiTECH's business model prioritizes collaboration over competition. While competition is a factor in most ecosystems and can contribute to ecosystem resilience, it is not the primary determinant of healthy ecosystems. Our regenerative philosophy extends beyond the physical implementation of biorefineries, encompassing how each Node can adapt and support the development of additional Nodes without succumbing to unhealthy competition. In a regenerative model, businesses aim to enhance the well-being of the environment, society, and economy rather than solely minimizing their negative impacts. Regenerative businesses focus on restoring and enhancing natural resources, social systems, and communities. Therefore, it is untenable for REGENiTECH to support the deployment of EPLs that adversely affect the environment or the community in which they operate. Systems that have a positive impact on the environment and community are more likely to achieve economic success. To facilitate ongoing hardware-software updates and upgrades, REGENiTECH imposes a 15% royalty fee upon the system's full operational status. Royalty payments can be in the form of the product generated by the facility rather than monetary transfers. A portion of the royalty fee is allocated to support the product distribution network, while another portion is utilized to fund the development of new technologies offered through the network as upgrades. The royalty serves as a means to sustain the network's expansion and ensure the optimal operational efficiency of all EPL Production Nodes. Detailed information on how the royalty fee is utilized to support the biorefinery is provided in the distribution network documentation. By pooling the network resources to the marketing and sales of EPL products, the return on investment in constructing an EPL will be significantly accelerated.