Electrochemical carbon capture method based on based on energy management of cooling tower and applications thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a carbon capture method based on electrochemistry and cooling tower energy management, and its application. The method first activates the circulating water in the cooling tower through electrochemical treatment. Then, the circulating water is intelligently monitored and its demand controlled. Next, carbon dioxide is captured from the air using the circulating water to produce calcium carbonate. Finally, the calcium carbonate is recovered. This method effectively prevents scale formation in heat exchange pipelines, solves the energy waste caused by decreased heat exchange efficiency, and simultaneously captures carbon dioxide, with the product being reusable, forming a negative carbon cycle. Without requiring additional carbon capture equipment, it achieves energy saving, water saving, environmental protection, and effective capture and resource utilization of carbon dioxide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of carbon capture technology, and more particularly to a carbon capture method and its application based on electrochemistry and cooling tower energy management. Prior Technology

[0002] With the intensification of global climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide emissions, has become a global consensus.

[0003] Existing carbon capture technologies are costly, inefficient, and mostly concentrated at industrial emission sources. This invention aims to achieve low-cost, high-efficiency carbon capture and resource utilization by utilizing a common industrial facility—the cooling tower—through an innovative water treatment and carbon capture method. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a carbon capture method and its application based on electrochemistry and cooling tower energy management, aiming to solve the problem of high cost of existing carbon capture technologies.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, a carbon capture method based on electrochemistry and cooling tower energy management includes the following steps: activating the circulating water of the cooling tower through electrochemical means; intelligently monitoring and controlling the demand of the circulating water; capturing carbon dioxide from the air using the circulating water to produce calcium carbonate; and recovering the calcium carbonate.

[0006] In a feasible or preferred embodiment of the present invention, the step of activating the circulating water by electrochemical means includes: providing a water treatment device integrated with an electrochemical generator; and enhancing the activity and solubility of ions in the circulating water by means of the water treatment device integrated with the electrochemical generator.

[0007] In a feasible or preferred embodiment of the present invention, the steps of intelligent monitoring and demand control of the circulating water include: introducing a smart sensor network to monitor the circulating water in real time and obtain monitoring data; and automatically adjusting the frequency conversion operation of the cooling tower fan and the circulating water pump based on the monitoring data.

[0008] In a feasible or preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the step of introducing the smart sensor network to monitor the circulating water in real time, the obtained monitoring data includes temperature, pH value, conductivity, calcium ion concentration, and calcium carbonate saturation in the reactor.

[0009] In a feasible or preferred embodiment of the present invention, the step of capturing carbon in the circulating water through the cooling tower includes: increasing the calcium ion content in the circulating water by utilizing the concentration effect of the cooling tower during the heat exchange process; enhancing the dissolution efficiency of carbon dioxide in the air by optimizing the air inlet and spray system, so that carbon dioxide is converted into carbonate ions in the water; accelerating the combination of carbonate ions and calcium ions by the negative electrode titanium mesh in the cooling tower to react and generate calcium carbonate precipitate; and collecting the calcium carbonate precipitate by utilizing the cavity between the coated titanium anode and the titanium cathode.

[0010] Secondly, an application of the carbon capture method based on electrochemistry and cooling tower energy management as described above involves using the carbon capture method based on electrochemistry and cooling tower energy management to capture carbon dioxide generated from oil and gas extraction, or using the calcium carbonate obtained by the carbon capture method based on electrochemistry and cooling tower energy management to produce chemical raw materials.

[0011] This invention discloses a carbon capture method based on electrochemistry and cooling tower energy management, comprising the following steps: electrochemical activation treatment of circulating water; intelligent monitoring and demand control of the circulating water; carbon capture of the circulating water in a cooling tower to obtain calcium carbonate; and recycling of the calcium carbonate after further treatment. Compared with existing carbon dioxide capture technologies, this invention has lower costs, lower energy consumption, and the product has market value. Furthermore, this invention, based on electrochemical methods and a cooling tower system for carbon dioxide capture and utilization, achieves effective capture and resource utilization of carbon dioxide, providing a new approach to addressing global climate change. This technology will show broader application prospects in industrial emission reduction, resource recycling, and new energy development, thereby solving the problem of high costs associated with existing carbon capture technologies.

[0012] To further understand the features and technical content of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of the present invention. However, the drawings provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 is a flowchart of the steps of a carbon capture method based on electrochemical and cooling tower energy management according to the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the steps for activating circulating water through electrochemistry.

[0016] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the steps for intelligent monitoring and demand control of circulating water.

[0017] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of carbon capture in the circulating water by the cooling tower.

[0018] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the implementation steps of a carbon capture method based on electrochemical and cooling tower energy management according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the working principle of electrochemical cooling circulating water treatment.

[0020] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the anti-scaling principle.

[0021] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the descaling principle. Implementation

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0023] Please refer to Figure 1. In the first aspect, a carbon capture method based on electrochemistry and cooling tower energy management includes the following steps: Step S1, activating the circulating water of the cooling tower by electrochemical means; Step S2, intelligently monitoring and controlling the demand of the circulating water; Step S3, capturing carbon dioxide from the air using the circulating water to produce calcium carbonate; and Step S4, recycling the calcium carbonate after processing.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, step S1 includes the following steps: step S11, providing a water treatment device integrated with an electrochemical generator; and step S12, enhancing the activity and solubility of ions in the circulating water through the water treatment device integrated with the electrochemical generator.

[0025] Specifically, in step S11, referring to the scale treatment device of patent CN210683362U, an electrochemical generator with high-efficiency electrode materials and an intelligent monitoring system is designed to ensure the stable generation and automatic collection of calcium carbonate at the negative electrode. In step S12, through anodic oxidation, electric field reaction, and cathodic reduction reaction, the activity and solubility of ions in the water are enhanced, promoting the subsequent chemical reactions. The application of the electrochemical field can effectively break the hydrogen bonds between water molecules, increase the polarity and solubility of water molecules, and provide favorable conditions for the dissolution of carbon dioxide and the formation of carbonate ions.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, step S2 includes the following steps: step S21, introducing a smart sensor network to monitor the circulating water in real time and obtain monitoring data, including temperature, pH value, conductivity and calcium ion concentration; and step S22, automatically adjusting the frequency conversion operation of the cooling tower fan and the circulating water pump based on the monitoring data.

[0027] Specifically, in step S21, a smart sensor network is introduced to monitor key parameters of the circulating water in real time, such as temperature, pH value, conductivity, and calcium ion concentration.

[0028] Specifically, in step S22, based on monitoring data, the frequency conversion operation of the cooling tower fan and the circulating water pump is automatically adjusted to achieve energy saving, consumption reduction and precise control; for details, please refer to the circulating water management equipment, circulation system and management method based on cooling tower of patent No. CN110793379B, and the energy management method of cooling water circulation system of patent No. CN110793380B.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, step S3 includes the following steps: Step S31, utilizing the concentration effect of the cooling tower during the heat exchange process to increase the calcium ion content in the circulating water; Step S32, enhancing the dissolution efficiency of carbon dioxide in the air through an optimized air inlet and spray system, so that carbon dioxide is converted into carbonate ions in the water; Step S33, accelerating the combination of carbonate ions and calcium ions in the negative electrode titanium mesh inside the cooling tower, reacting to generate calcium carbonate precipitate; Step S34, collecting the calcium carbonate precipitate using the cavity between the coated titanium anode and the titanium cathode.

[0030] Specifically, in step S31, the concentration effect naturally formed during the heat exchange process of the cooling tower is utilized to increase the calcium ion content in the circulating water.

[0031] Specifically, in step S32, the heat dissipation material of the cooling tower increases the contact area between water and air; the impact force generated by the spray system (refer to the prior art (CN103282304A)) causes the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions in the water to increase after the cooling water evaporates, and the number of hydroxide ions also increases. By optimizing the design of the air inlet and the spray system, the dissolution efficiency of carbon dioxide in the air is enhanced, so that carbon dioxide is converted into carbonate ions in the water.

[0032] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, in step S33, a reactor 1 is set up in the cooling tower, which includes a titanium mesh 11 as the cathode and a coated titanium electrode 12 as the anode. Circulating water containing a high concentration of carbonate and calcium ions flows through the reactor 1, and under the catalytic action of the titanium mesh 11, the combination of carbonate and calcium ions is accelerated to form calcium carbonate precipitate.

[0033] In reactor 1 shown in Figure 6, an oxidation reaction occurs at the anode, producing strong oxidizing substances such as OH-, O3, and H2O2, which can achieve effects such as descaling, sterilization, algae removal, and corrosion prevention. A reduction reaction occurs at the cathode, directly removing scale-forming ions from the water, which can achieve effects such as desalination, hardness reduction, and increased concentration ratio.

[0034] Specifically, in step S34, the generated calcium carbonate precipitate is collected into a calcium carbonate collector by gravity or auxiliary equipment.

[0035] In step S4, the collected calcium carbonate solid waste undergoes further processing, such as purification or conversion into other high-value products. Simultaneously, high-concentration carbon dioxide gas emitted from the cooling tower is efficiently converted into liquid carbon dioxide using ultragravity recovery technology and stored. Liquid carbon dioxide can be used in various industrial applications, such as chemical raw materials and enhanced oil and gas extraction, achieving the recycling of carbon resources.

[0036] This method uses electrochemical processes to descale and sterilize circulating water, reducing energy losses caused by the heat exchanger structure. It actively generates and removes calcium carbonate, reducing the calcium ion concentration in the water without the need for chemical additives, thus lowering wastewater discharge. This achieves energy saving, carbon reduction, and environmental friendliness. The formation and collection of calcium carbonate utilizes the reaction between cooling tower heat dissipation, water evaporation, and electrochemical scaling mechanisms. While capturing carbon, it not only eliminates the need for additional equipment energy consumption but also reduces the calcium ion content in the cooling circulating water, minimizing unnecessary energy consumption caused by scale formation and reduced heat exchange efficiency during existing equipment operation. Furthermore, the calcium carbonate produced from carbon dioxide capture can be effectively utilized, meeting two requirements of negative carbon technology: 1. Carbon dioxide capture exceeds emissions (this scheme has no carbon dioxide emissions, and even reduces them); 2. The captured carbon dioxide can be effectively utilized or stored.

[0037] Secondly, a carbon capture application based on electrochemistry and cooling tower energy management, employing the carbon capture method based on electrochemistry and cooling tower energy management described in the first aspect, is applied to chemical raw materials, enhanced oil and gas extraction, etc., to achieve the recycling of carbon resources.

[0038] The dissolution of carbon dioxide (CO2) in water is an important chemical process with wide applications in nature and industrial production. When CO2 dissolves in water, a series of chemical reactions occur, the most important of which is the formation of bicarbonate ions (HCO3-).

[0039] Scale formation principle: The following electrochemical reaction occurs between the cathode and the water interface: 2H₂O + 2e → 2OH⁻ + H₂ OH- + HCO3- → H2O + CO3²⁻ Mg²⁺ + 2OH⁻ → Mg(OH)₂ Ca²⁺ + CO³⁻ → CaCO₃ Positive ions (such as Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺) move towards the cathode under electrostatic attraction and react with OH⁻ and CO³⁻ to form precipitates, reducing the scale-forming ions in the water. See Figure 7 for the scale prevention principle and Figure 8 for the scale removal principle.

[0040] Corrosion-resistant principle: The following electrochemical reaction occurs at the interface between the pipe and the water: Fe→Fe²⁺+2e- Fe²⁺ + 2OH⁻ → Fe(OH)₂ 2Fe(OH)2+H2O+1 / 2O₂→2Fe(OH)3 2Fe(OH)3→3H2O+Fe2O3 (Red rust, corrosive to steel) Under the influence of an electric field, red rust reacts with electrons as follows: 3Fe2O3·nH2O+2e→2FeO4+1 / 2O2+3nH2O The formation of magnetic iron oxide (FeO4) can separate the steel pipe wall from water, thus achieving a corrosion-preventing effect. Negative ions (such as OH- and CO32-) move towards the anode due to electrostatic attraction and are oxidized into CO2, thus achieving descaling, reducing bacteria and algae, and degrading organic matter.

[0041] The principle of bactericidal and algae-killing: The following electrochemical reaction occurs at the anode-water interface: 4OH--4e-→2H2O+2[O] O₂ + 2H⁺ + 2e⁻ → H₂O₂ O2- + H+ → HO2 O₂ + 2e → O₂²⁻ 2Cl→Cl2+2e Cl₂ + H₂O → HClO + HCl HClO → H++ClO- Strong oxidizing substances oxidize unsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes, increasing lysosomal membrane permeability, releasing lysosomal enzymes, and causing cell lysis and death, thus possessing sustained bactericidal capabilities. Microorganisms generally carry a negative charge in water, and therefore migrate towards the anode and aggregate, causing bio-discharge that directly kills them.

[0042] The carbon capture method and its application based on electrochemistry and cooling tower energy management provided by this invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0043] I. The carbon capture method and its application based on electrochemistry and cooling tower energy management provided by this invention have significant negative carbon benefits: they achieve the capture and solidification of carbon dioxide while avoiding new carbon emissions, which meets the definition of negative carbon technology.

[0044] II. The present invention provides a carbon capture method and its application in resource recycling based on electrochemistry and cooling tower energy management: converting industrial waste into useful resources, reducing environmental pollution, and lowering treatment costs.

[0045] III. The present invention provides a carbon capture method based on electrochemistry and cooling tower energy management and its application in improving energy efficiency: solving the problem of scaling in cooling towers, improving heat exchange efficiency, and reducing energy consumption.

[0046] IV. The carbon capture method and its application based on electrochemistry and cooling tower energy management provided by this invention are economically feasible: compared with traditional carbon dioxide capture technology, the cost is lower, the energy consumption is less, and the product has market value.

[0047] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred examples of a carbon capture method and application based on electrochemical and cooling tower energy management of the present invention. Of course, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that implementing all or part of the above-described embodiments and making equivalent changes according to the claims of the present invention are still within the scope of the invention.

[0048] S1, S2, S3, S4, S11, S12, S21, S22, S31, S32, S33, S34: Steps 1: Reactor 11: Titanium Mesh 12: Coated titanium electrode

Claims

1. A carbon capture method based on electrochemistry and cooling tower energy management, characterized in that the carbon capture method based on electrochemistry and cooling tower energy management includes: The circulating water in the cooling tower is activated by electrochemical methods, and the circulating water contains calcium ions; the circulating water is intelligently monitored and its demand is controlled; carbon dioxide is captured from the air using the circulating water to produce calcium carbonate, and the concentration effect of the cooling tower during heat exchange is used to increase the calcium ion content in the circulating water; and the calcium carbonate is recovered.

2. The carbon capture method based on electrochemical and cooling tower energy management as described in claim 1, wherein, The step of activating the circulating water by electrochemical means includes: providing a water treatment device integrated with an electrochemical generator; and enhancing the activity and solubility of ions in the circulating water by means of the water treatment device integrated with the electrochemical generator.

3. The carbon capture method based on electrochemical and cooling tower energy management as described in claim 2, wherein, The steps for intelligent monitoring and demand control of the circulating water include: introducing an intelligent sensor network to monitor the circulating water in real time and obtain monitoring data; and automatically adjusting the frequency conversion operation of the cooling tower fan and the circulating water pump based on the monitoring data.

4. The carbon capture method based on electrochemical and cooling tower energy management as described in claim 3, wherein, In the step of introducing the smart sensor network to monitor the circulating water in real time, the obtained monitoring data includes temperature, pH value, conductivity, calcium ion concentration, and calcium carbonate saturation in the reactor.

5. The carbon capture method based on electrochemical and cooling tower energy management as described in claim 3, wherein, The steps for capturing carbon dioxide from the air using the circulating water include: enhancing the dissolution efficiency of carbon dioxide in the air by optimizing the design of the air inlet and spray system, so that carbon dioxide is converted into carbonate ions in the water; accelerating the combination of carbonate ions and calcium ions by the negative electrode titanium mesh in the cooling water tower to generate calcium carbonate precipitate; and collecting the calcium carbonate precipitate by utilizing the cavity between the coated titanium anode and the titanium cathode.

6. An application of the carbon capture method based on electrochemical and cooling tower energy management as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the carbon capture method based on electrochemical and cooling tower energy management is used to capture carbon dioxide generated from oil and gas extraction, or the calcium carbonate recovered by the carbon capture method based on electrochemical and cooling tower energy management is used to produce chemical raw materials.

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