Current Problem and Motivation

The goal of our projects is to create a device that can convert cattle manure. Today, cattle manure is collected reused as fertilizer. But there are adverse effects as well as advantages. Cattle manure disposal is a major burden on humans. In addition, the stench from the cattle manure causes distress to residents living in the area surrounding the barns. By using our devices, we would like to improve these and offer even more added value.
Therefore, we used Human Practice to discover the specific problems of the current situation, and came up with a proposed implementation that meets the needs of consumers.

Who are the end users?

The end users of our devices are targeted at people working in cattle barn. Directly, the target is the cattle barn. But indirectly, through the use of our devices, the power companies, and ultimately the citizens, will also benefit.

Market research

We went to Ura no Ranch, where the methane production machine is installed, for a hearing. They have been experimenting with various microorganisms for post-treatment of swine manure. However, they still have not found the optimal microorganism.
The reasons for this are that the survival time of the microorganisms is short, averaging less than one month, and that they are not cost-effective for continuous use.
They also seemed very concerned about the safety of using genetically modified microorganisms that do not exist in nature.In addition, they also pay attention to the weather and wind direction for manure disposal to prevent odor damage to the area.
In the field, we found that when introducing new microorganisms, there is demand for those that remain effective for one year and can continue to be used with periodic inspections and improvements.

About safety

The safety of the devices we develop is assured.
Present a means of preventing outflow to the outside world by means of biological containment. In the unlikely event of leakage to the outside world, a kill switch is designed into the device, allowing it to be killed immediately.

Entreprenership

Challenge & Creation2022
This is a university-wide project to subsidize the realization of unique ideas and research projects of Kyushu University students. In this program, we give presentations to professors and experts in their fields to obtain feedback. They told me where to go for hearings, educated me on the demand, etc.In addition, since it was an intramural competition, we also exchanged useful information with another organization that was trying to do entrepreneurship.

Conclution

As described above, through HumanPractice and Entrepreneurship, we have identified the current issues and challenges of our product. The following two issues were identified. Cost-effectiveness and safety issues were found in introducing new devices to the field. The devices we develop are vital and cost-effective compared to existing devices.

Future Prospects

If it becomes possible to generate methane from cattle manure, it will not only eliminate odor damage, but also provide a raw material for energy generation using methane.
　Ultimately, the goal is to create a new environmentally friendly power generation platform through collaboration between the cattle barn, power company, and government.

Mechanism

Preparation Phase
1. Install equipment equipped with the device we developed in each barn. The cost of installing the equipment will be partially covered by the government.
2.The electric power company and the government jointly construct a methane gas power generation facility.

Implementation phase

1.Cattle manure is converted into methane at each barn.
2.The generated methane is collected and purchased by an electric power company.
3.Electricity is generated from the collected methane at the power generation facility.
4. Supply to citizens

For the barn, manure disposal work will become easier, and what was previously worthless will be converted into money.
For electric power companies, procurement of resources for power generation will become easier and cheaper. Also, a stable supply of electricity will become possible.
For the government, it will eliminate odor damage to citizens, lower electricity bills, and use the money saved to revolve the economy. In addition, the environmentally friendly town development can be appealed to the outside world.

Reference

Based on the Human Practices, we have come up with a more specific method of creating products. First, we conducted interviews at piggeries and with experts to analyze the current status and issues in the use of microorganisms in the treatment of swine and cattle manure. In the field, we have found that the survival time, cost-effectiveness, and safety of the microorganisms to be introduced have become issues. Then, we considered how the devices we were developing could contribute to solving the issues and improve society. As a result, we have gained confidence that based on the characteristics and safety of our device, if the device is put to practical use, it will be needed around the world.