Method for driving an internal combustion engine of a heavy-duty vehicle or bus

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for driving an internal combustion engine of a heavy goods vehicle or bus, in particular a heavy goods vehicle or bus with a permitted total mass of at least 3.5 tons, wherein water is split into hydrogen and oxygen in an electrolysis unit (11) for producing hydrogen, carbon dioxide is extracted from the ambient air in a carbon dioxide absorption unit (12), hydrogen and carbon dioxide are supplied to a methanol synthesis unit (34) for producing methanol and methanol is synthesized in the methanol synthesis unit, a photovoltaic unit (24) absorbs solar energy and converts it into electrical energy, wherein the electrolysis unit (11), the carbon dioxide absorption unit (12) and the methanol synthesis unit (34) are driven by the electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic unit (24), wherein the methanol produced is delivered to at least one tank of the heavy goods vehicle or bus by means of a distribution system and is supplied from the tank to the internal combustion engine as required and is combusted therein to produce mechanical energy.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to the use of methanol (particularly produced via global CO2 neutralization) as fuel for internal combustion engines in heavy-duty vehicles or buses. The invention also relates to a method for powering an internal combustion engine in a heavy-duty vehicle or bus, and to a heavy-duty vehicle or bus with a sustainable drive system.

[0002] Mobility, particularly the mobility of goods, is one of the most important prerequisites for economic success, employment, and prosperity. However, mobility also means that transportation systems and the ever-increasing global transport capacity over the past few decades place a heavy burden on the environment. Admittedly, internal combustion engines have become significantly more efficient and cleaner, quieter. However, due to increased transport capacity, large amounts of greenhouse gases and air pollutants continue to be generated and emitted into the atmosphere. In Germany, for example, energy consumption for transport has more than tripled since 1960. Currently, in Germany, transport is responsible for approximately one-fifth of greenhouse gas emissions. The environmental and climate impacts applicable to Germany also apply to the global climate situation, which is primarily influenced by the combustion of fossil fuels in road transport.

[0003] To counteract this negative development and limit climate damage, Germany, for example, has adopted the Climate Protection Plan 2050, which aims to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector from approximately 160 million tons of CO2 equivalent currently to 95-98 million tons of CO2 equivalent by 2030. The European Commission also pursues the goal of decarbonizing European mobility systems by 2050, i.e., achieving greenhouse gas neutrality. Success depends on the support of society for the measures taken to achieve these goals and their economic viability. A core objective is to ensure that the mobility needs of a large current population can be met in a way that is as environmentally compatible as possible in the future. This means that a successful mobility solution must not only be technically feasible and targeted but also be measured against the costs of current mobility solutions.

[0004] Beyond well-known fuel cell technology and vehicle electrification, the use of synthetic fuels is a crucial component in developing new mobility concepts. Methanol plays a significant role here. Methanol is produced through the synthesis of hydrogen and carbon dioxide, both of which are renewable or obtained through greenhouse gas neutralization. For this purpose, a method is described, for example, in WO 2018 / 112654 A1, in which hydrogen is produced via electrolysis, carbon dioxide is obtained by direct separation from ambient air, and the hydrogen and carbon dioxide are used to produce methanol. However, known methods are not well-suited to providing sufficient quantities and the necessary economic efficiency of energy carriers to significantly reduce climate impact while meeting current mobility needs.

[0005] In terms of drive system electrification, the primary focus is on passenger vehicles (PKWs), as these can achieve sufficient range using currently available energy storage technologies. However, for heavier vehicles, particularly heavy-duty trucks (LKWs) or buses, large energy storage units are required, which can only provide sufficient range for short distances at best. In each case, payload is affected because the energy storage unit significantly increases the vehicle's empty weight. Therefore, this technology is currently not economically viable for long-haul LKWs and tour buses.

[0006] The objective of this invention is to provide the possibility of driving heavy-duty vehicles and buses in a climate-friendly manner without significantly reducing payload. Furthermore, the objective of this invention is to provide a climate-friendly driving method for heavy-duty vehicles and buses, and a heavy-duty vehicle or bus having a climate-friendly driving system.

[0007] According to the present invention, this task is achieved by the driving method for driving an internal combustion engine of a heavy-duty vehicle or bus according to the present application, the use of methanol as fuel for an internal combustion engine of a heavy-duty vehicle or bus according to the present application, and a heavy-duty vehicle or bus having a drive system and a storage tank according to the present application.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention is based on the idea of ​​providing methanol as a fuel for the internal combustion engines of heavy-duty vehicles or buses, particularly those with a permissible gross vehicle weight of at least 3.5 tons. According to the invention, methanol is prepared by the following method, in which:

[0009] In the electrolysis unit used to produce hydrogen, water is split into hydrogen and oxygen.

[0010] The carbon dioxide absorption unit extracts carbon dioxide from the ambient air.

[0011] Hydrogen and carbon dioxide are supplied to a methanol synthesis unit for the production of methanol, and methanol is synthesized in the methanol synthesis unit.

[0012] Photovoltaic units absorb solar energy and convert it into electrical energy.

[0013] Here, the electrolysis unit, carbon dioxide absorption unit, and methanol synthesis unit are driven by electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic unit.

[0014] By using methanol prepared through the above-described steps, heavy-duty vehicles or buses can be driven in a climate-friendly, particularly climate-neutral, manner, where the payload remains substantially unchanged compared to conventionally driven vehicles or buses. In this respect, this technology offers potential for achieving climate-neutral mobility and climate-neutral cargo transport. Methanol is preferably produced in CO2-neutralized environments in regions with high annual solar radiation (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Oman, Australia, or other regions with persistently high solar radiation), facilitating its transport and storage. Therefore, methanol is particularly suitable as an energy carrier available worldwide.

[0015] Furthermore, methanol possesses sufficient energy density, making it rationally suitable for freight or bus transport, particularly for long-distance travel. Refueling is also much faster than charging an accumulator, thus this propulsion concept is expected to gain wider acceptance in economically driven heavy-duty vehicles and bus operations. This is particularly applicable to the operation of heavy-duty long-haul trucks or tour buses. In this regard, methanol is preferably used as fuel for internal combustion engines in heavy-duty vehicles or buses with a permitted gross vehicle weight of at least 3.5 tons, particularly at least 5 tons, particularly at least 7.5 tons, particularly at least 10 tons, and particularly at least 15 tons.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, water is first desalinated in a seawater desalination unit and then supplied to an electrolysis unit, wherein the seawater desalination unit is primarily, and particularly entirely, driven by electricity generated in a photovoltaic unit.

[0017] To convert solar energy into electricity, the photovoltaic unit can have a power output of at least 1.0 gigawatt, particularly at least 1.3 gigawatts, and especially at least 1.5 gigawatts (particularly peak power). Preferably, the seawater desalination unit for producing desalinated water has a receiving capacity of at least 900,000 tons of seawater per year. To produce hydrogen, the electrolysis unit can be connected to the seawater desalination unit via at least one pipeline to supply water, particularly desalinated water. The carbon dioxide absorption unit for absorbing carbon dioxide from ambient air can have an extraction capacity of at least 400,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year, particularly at least 600,000 tons per year. To produce methanol, the methanol synthesis unit can be connected via at least one pipeline to the electrolysis unit for supplying hydrogen and via at least one pipeline to the carbon dioxide absorption unit for supplying carbon dioxide.

[0018] The seawater desalination unit, electrolysis unit, carbon dioxide absorption unit, and methanol synthesis unit can be connected to the photovoltaic unit used for power supply, and arranged together with the photovoltaic unit in the connected equipment area.

[0019] Particularly preferred is that methanol is prepared in areas with high solar radiation, particularly where solar radiation exceeds 2000 kWh / m². 2 a. Especially those exceeding 2300 kWh / m 2 a. Especially those exceeding 2500 kWh / m 2 The photovoltaic unit is prepared in a specific region. Therefore, the photovoltaic unit can be adapted to receive at least 1500 kWh / m². 2 a. Especially at least 2000 kWh / m 2 a. Especially at least 2300 kWh / m 2 a. Especially at least 2500 kWh / m 2 a. In particular, at least 2700 kWh / m 2 a's solar energy.

[0020] The methanol synthesis unit can have an output capacity of at least 300,000 tons, and particularly at least 450,000 tons, of renewable methanol per year. An output capacity of 450,000 tons of renewable methanol per year is particularly preferred.

[0021] The process-related units of this equipment can be individually connected to photovoltaic units for power supply and arranged together with the photovoltaic units in an interconnected equipment area. This means that the units are arranged spatially close to each other and combined in a unified device. The equipment area does not need to be enclosed. For example, the units can be separated from each other by supply lines running through the equipment. This ensures that the transport of materials and the power supply between units are carried out with the lowest possible losses.

[0022] Furthermore, the integrated design of the equipment allows for optimal positioning and self-sufficiency. A key advantage of combining the desalination and photovoltaic units is that the equipment can be placed in geographically advantageous regions such as the Middle East or Africa, where there is both high solar radiation and seawater access. This allows the photovoltaic units to supply energy to the equipment while simultaneously providing sufficient water to the electrolysis units in an economical manner.

[0023] This device produces hydrogen in a renewable manner by powering the electrolysis unit (powered only by the photovoltaic unit). The carbon dioxide required for methanol production can be extracted from the ambient air by a carbon dioxide absorption unit. By combining these two units in the device, methanol production is carried out renewablely without generating carbon dioxide. More precisely, by extracting carbon dioxide from the ambient air, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is even reduced. Therefore, this device is suitable as part of a climate-neutral energy system that uses renewablely produced methanol as an energy carrier to form a global carbon dioxide cycle. This means that the amount of carbon dioxide extracted from the ambient air does not need to be removed or dumped, as is often the case where carbon dioxide is stored in known deep rock formations, where this does not preclude, for example, as an additional measure. The carbon dioxide absorbed from the ambient air is a valuable substance that is used in this device to produce synthetic fuel, methanol, and can therefore be supplied to the carbon dioxide cycle.

[0024] This device makes the economic benefits of the measures taken possible, which is necessary to achieve the aforementioned climate goals. Admittedly, compared to the production and application of hydrogen for fuel cells, methanol synthesis incurs increased conversion losses due to the additional process steps required. However, this is offset by the much larger economic advantage in terms of global infrastructure costs resulting from burning methanol compared to pure electric drive or fuel cell technology. With the combustion of renewablely produced methanol, there is no need for expensive charging stations or the costs of technically complex hydrogen storage. Methanol storage and transportation require no special measures and are comparable to the handling of conventional fuels. Another advantage of renewablely produced methanol compared to energy hydrogen or batteries is its energy density of 4.35 kWh / L, significantly higher than the 1.25 kWh / L of high-pressure hydrogen (800 bar), 2.36 kWh / L of liquid hydrogen, and 0.5 kWh / L of batteries.

[0025] A comparison of current energy prices (aimed at providing a general overview of the energy cost basis for equipment used in the renewable production of methanol) shows that the photovoltaic (PV) units provided within this equipment framework are crucial components, not only for the renewable production of synthetic fuels but also for their economical production, giving these fuels an advantage in competition with other energy sources. Currently (in 2020), wind power (€2.39 / kWh) and hydropower (€1.71 / kWh) are significantly cheaper than fossil fuels, and of course, nuclear power as well. However, the price of energy generated through photovoltaic power is even lower, and electricity produced in regions with high and long hours of solar radiation, such as the Middle East or Africa, costs €1.14 / kWh. For example, there are already 2 gigawatt photovoltaic installations there capable of producing electricity at the aforementioned prices.

[0026] The equipment can be designed for installation in areas unsuitable for large-scale agriculture due to desert or grassland conditions, thus providing a sufficiently large area for correspondingly large-scale photovoltaic units. Preferably, the power, particularly the peak power, of the photovoltaic units is at least 1.0 gigawatt, particularly at least 1.3 gigawatts, and particularly at least 1.5 gigawatts. The seawater desalination unit for producing desalinated water is designed with a receiving capacity of at least 900,000 tons of seawater per year. Preferably, the carbon dioxide absorption unit is designed with an extraction capacity of at least 400,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year from ambient air, particularly at least 600,000 tons per year. Therefore, the seawater desalination unit and the carbon dioxide absorption unit are performance-matched to the methanol synthesis unit, which has an output capacity of at least 300,000 tons, particularly at least 450,000 tons, of renewablely produced methanol per year. The power required to supply the above-mentioned processing units, including the electrolysis unit, should be provided by the photovoltaic unit, which is suitable for receiving at least 1500 kWh / m³. 2 a. Especially at least 2000 kWh / m 2 a. Especially at least 2300 kWh / m 2 a. Especially at least 2500 kWh / m 2 a. In particular, at least 2700 kWh / m 2 Solar energy of type a. Unit: kWh / m³ 2 'a' represents kilowatt-hours per square meter and per year.

[0027] This equipment can form the basic unit of a larger equipment complex comprising multiple devices designed according to the above-described equipment. This allows for the scaling up of methanol production, thereby enabling the satisfaction of a significant portion of the world's energy needs, particularly its total energy demand, with a suitable number of such devices.

[0028] This invention is also based on the idea of ​​providing an internal combustion engine for driving a heavy-duty vehicle or bus, particularly a heavy-duty vehicle or bus with a permitted gross vehicle weight of at least 3.5 tons, in which:

[0029] In the electrolysis unit used to produce hydrogen, water is split into hydrogen and oxygen.

[0030] The carbon dioxide absorption unit extracts carbon dioxide from the ambient air.

[0031] Hydrogen and carbon dioxide are supplied to a methanol synthesis unit for the production of methanol, and methanol is synthesized in this methanol synthesis unit.

[0032] Photovoltaic units absorb solar energy and convert it into electrical energy.

[0033] According to the invention, the electrolysis unit, the carbon dioxide absorption unit, and the methanol synthesis unit are driven by electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic unit, wherein the prepared methanol is delivered to at least one storage tank of a heavy-duty vehicle or bus by means of a distribution system, and supplied from the storage tank to an internal combustion engine as needed, where it is burned to generate mechanical energy.

[0034] Preferably, the distribution system is adapted to distribute renewablely produced methanol from the output device to end consumers that burn the renewablely produced methanol. For example, the distribution system is designed in the form of a logistics network in which methanol is transported to gas stations by tanker trains. At the gas stations, tanks (especially methanol fuel tanks) of trucks or buses can be refilled with methanol.

[0035] An upstream conveying system may be connected to, or be connectable to, the methanol synthesis unit of the apparatus according to the invention. This conveying system is adapted to transport methanol regenerably produced by the methanol synthesis unit from the methanol synthesis unit to at least one output device. The conveying system may be stationary or mobile, and may include, for example, pumps and pipelines or be used for transport via tankers. In this case, conveying systems known per se, such as those used for crude oil transport, may be used. The output device may be a storage tank at a port or pumping station.

[0036] During the combustion of renewable methanol, carbon dioxide is produced and released into the atmosphere. The desired carbon dioxide cycle is closed by a carbon dioxide absorption unit that directly or indirectly separates the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere and uses it in the methanol production process. The methanol produced in this way, along with the carbon dioxide used in its production, is then returned to the carbon dioxide cycle.

[0037] The fact that the vehicles or buses using methanol and the locations where methanol is produced are spatially far apart is irrelevant, because what matters is the overall balance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which remains constant through the formation of a closed carbon dioxide cycle. If carbon dioxide absorption units remove excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and this carbon dioxide is not drawn back into the cycle via methanol as an energy carrier, it is even possible to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The excess carbon dioxide is then removed elsewhere, such as being stored in deep rock formations, as has been practiced in Iceland.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, water is desalinated in a seawater desalination unit and then supplied to an electrolysis unit, wherein the seawater desalination unit is primarily, and particularly entirely, driven by electrical energy generated in a photovoltaic unit.

[0039] To understand this invention, the use of methanol as the primary fuel in an internal combustion engine is essential. Therefore, methanol is not an additive added to another fuel. More precisely, methanol is used directly to power the internal combustion engine.

[0040] Preferably, the internal combustion engine is a reciprocating piston engine that operates with a compression ratio of at least 14:1, particularly at least 16:1, particularly at least 18:1, particularly at least 20:1. In particular, the reciprocating piston engine can be a four-stroke gasoline engine.

[0041] Currently, diesel engines hold a significant market share in heavy-duty vehicles and buses. However, the use of methanol allows gasoline engines to operate at exceptionally high compression ratios. At these high compression ratios, particularly in drives with a balanced air-fuel ratio (λ=1), a significant improvement in efficiency is achieved. This allows for high power output from four-stroke gasoline engines with low fuel consumption. Simultaneously, much of the highly complex exhaust aftertreatment required by diesel engines is eliminated, saving space and weight, further improving the efficiency of heavy-duty vehicles or buses. In particular, this approach provides space for integrating the drive battery of a hybrid drive system into heavy-duty vehicles or buses, where the payload remains essentially unchanged.

[0042] A portion of methanol can be cracked into syngas, consisting of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, or syngas composed of only hydrogen and carbon monoxide, in a cracking unit. This syngas can be introduced into a reciprocating piston engine, either alone or together with methanol. The cracking unit is located in heavy-duty vehicles or buses, particularly between the storage tank and the reciprocating piston engine. The syngas improves the combustibility of methanol fuel, thus contributing to more efficient operation of the reciprocating piston engine.

[0043] Another aspect of the invention relates to a heavy-duty vehicle or bus having a drive system, wherein the drive system includes a generator set, at least one drive battery, and at least one electric motor for obtaining electrical energy from the drive battery. The generator set includes a two-cylinder reciprocating piston engine and at least one generator for generating electrical energy. The two-cylinder reciprocating piston engine has two cylinder piston units arranged in series, wherein each cylinder piston unit has a crankshaft, and the crankshafts of the two cylinder piston units are mechanically connected to each other. Furthermore, at least one crankshaft, and particularly both crankshafts, are mechanically connected to at least one generator.

[0044] Preferably, the twin-cylinder reciprocating piston engine is suitable for driving with methanol, particularly renewablely produced methanol, as the primary fuel. Preferably, the electric motor acts on the wheel axles via a transmission or directly on the wheel axles. Furthermore, a storage tank may be provided, which is in fluid communication with the twin-cylinder reciprocating piston engine and is at least partially, preferably completely, filled with renewablely produced methanol. The drive system may have multiple generator sets, each electrically connected to a shared drive battery or multiple individual drive batteries.

[0045] Particularly preferred is a two-cylinder reciprocating piston engine that drives the aforementioned heavy-duty vehicle or the aforementioned bus according to the aforementioned method.

[0046] The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying schematic diagrams.

[0047] In these attached figures:

[0048] Figure 1 A perspective view of an apparatus for preparing a globally available energy carrier according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0049] Figure 2 A perspective view of an apparatus for preparing a globally available energy carrier according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0050] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 2 A top view of the equipment area in plan view;

[0051] Figure 4 It shows that by according to Figure 3 A schematic cross-section of the planar equipment area of ​​the device;

[0052] Figure 5 It shows the use of according to Figure 1 Equipment or according to Figure 2 A flowchart of a method for using equipment to prepare globally available energy carriers; and

[0053] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a generator set for a heavy-duty vehicle or bus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0054] In the following text, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts and parts that have the same function.

[0055] Figure 1An embodiment of device 10 is shown, which is designed to produce a globally available energy carrier in the form of methanol. Device 10 includes an electrolysis unit 11, a carbon dioxide absorption unit 12, a seawater desalination unit 27, and a methanol synthesis unit 34. To power the above units, a photovoltaic unit 24 is provided, which is electrically connected to the corresponding units 11, 12, 27, and 34.

[0056] from Figure 1 As can be seen, the aforementioned equipment components are arranged on interconnected equipment sites, enabling the exchange of material and energy flows and the supply of power between different units with minimal losses. The shape of the equipment is not limited to... Figure 1 The shape shown.

[0057] Electrolysis unit 11 is connected to seawater desalination unit 27 via at least one pipeline (not shown) for supplying water, particularly desalinated water. The desalinated water is supplied to electrolysis unit 11 via the pipeline. Methanol synthesis unit 34 is connected to electrolysis unit 11 via at least one pipeline, and to carbon dioxide absorption unit 12 via at least another pipeline. Hydrogen produced in electrolysis unit 11 and carbon dioxide separated in carbon dioxide absorption unit 12 are supplied to methanol synthesis unit 34 via these two pipelines. Thus, methanol is produced in methanol synthesis unit 34.

[0058] The seawater desalination unit can be designed to receive and desalinate at least 900,000 tons of seawater annually. The carbon dioxide absorption unit can be designed to extract at least 400,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually from ambient air, particularly at least 600,000 tons annually. The methanol synthesis unit 34 is suitable for producing at least 300,000 tons, particularly 450,000 tons, of renewable methanol annually.

[0059] Photovoltaic unit 24 can have a power output of approximately 1.5 GW and receive at least 1500 kWh / m² of solar radiation. 2 a. Regarding in Figure 1 The selected location in the Middle East, photovoltaic unit 24 is preferably adapted to receive at least 2500 kWh / m². 2 a.

[0060] Electrolysis unit 11 is designed to electrolyze water volume M H2O Decomposed into oxygen component M O2 And hydrogen content. Therefore, electrolysis unit 11 forms a unit for electrolyzing water. Electrolysis unit 11 and a unit for receiving water quantity M H2O The water supply pipe is connected to 13. For example... Figure 1As can be seen, a pump unit 25 is arranged between the electrolysis unit 11 and the water supply pipe 13. The pump unit 25 has at least one pump for conveying water from the reservoir 26. The reservoir 26 can be a seawater-bearing ocean. Alternatively, the reservoir 26 can be a lake containing fresh water. The water supply pipe 13 can also be connected to a river to obtain fresh water for water electrolysis. Figure 1 In the device 10 shown, the water supply pipe 13 is connected to the ocean to obtain seawater. The device 10 is preferably arranged near the coast to maintain a short coverage distance from the water supply device, especially the water supply pipe 13.

[0061] Pump unit 25 is designed to transport seawater from the ocean and make it available for further processing in other equipment components or units. To prepare seawater for the electrolysis process of electrolysis unit 11, equipment 10 includes a seawater desalination unit 27. Seawater desalination unit 27 is connected to pump unit 25 via at least one pipeline. Seawater desalination unit 27 is adapted to transport seawater from a volume M of ocean water. H2O A certain proportion of salt is separated from the seawater, thus reducing the salinity of the seawater after desalination in desalination unit 27. The volume of desalinated seawater M... H2O Corresponding to the oxygen component M decomposed by electrolysis unit 11 O2 The amount of water with hydrogen content M H2O Electrolysis unit 11 is connected to seawater desalination unit 27 via at least one pipeline. At least one additional pump may be connected between the desalination unit 27 and electrolysis unit 11 to transport the desalinated seawater.

[0062] As described above, the electrolysis unit 11 is designed to process the received water volume M H2O Decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen components M O2 Hydrogen is supplied to methanol synthesis unit 34. Oxygen is supplied to M. O2 It is discharged into the environment. Therefore, the electrolysis unit 11 is preferably adapted to process at least 1.5 kg of water M received from the source. H2O At least 1.2 kg of oxygen M was separated from it. O2 And at least 0.15 kg, particularly 0.19 kg, of hydrogen. The oxygen content M produced for emission... O2 The electrolysis unit 11 has an oxygen outlet 16 leading to the outside atmosphere. The equipment 10 has a hydrogen delivery device (not shown) for supplying hydrogen to the methanol synthesis unit 34.

[0063] The device 10 may have a hydrogen storage device, which enables the continuous supply of hydrogen to the methanol synthesis unit 34 as much as possible.

[0064] according to Figure 1The carbon dioxide absorption unit 12 has an air inlet 14 for supplying ambient air UL and a downstream absorption device 15. The carbon dioxide absorption unit 12 may have one or more air inlets 14. The absorption device 15 is connected to the air inlet 14. The absorption device 15 is adapted to extract a certain amount of carbon dioxide from the ambient air UL. The carbon dioxide absorption unit 12 also has an upwardly oriented air outlet 17. The air outlet 17 is used to discharge exhaust air UL' with a carbon dioxide concentration lower than that of the ambient air UL. The air outlet 17 is part of a chimney 19.

[0065] Specifically, the absorption device 15 is arranged between the air inlet 14 and the air outlet 17. In operation, ambient air UL flows to the absorption device 15 through the air inlet 14, and the absorption device 15 separates, in particular filters, a certain amount of carbon dioxide from the air UL, wherein the filtered exhaust air UL' flows into the outside atmosphere through the air outlet 17 after the absorption device 15. Typically, multiple air inlets 14, multiple absorption devices 15, and multiple air outlets 17 can be provided.

[0066] Specifically, in Figure 1 The image shows a single chimney 19 with a height H of 200 meters, which exemplarily illustrates the external structure of the carbon dioxide absorption unit 12. (See image for details.) Figure 1 As shown, air outlet 17, like oxygen outlet 16, leads to the outside atmosphere.

[0067] The device 10 also includes a carbon dioxide delivery device (not shown) designed to supply the amount of carbon dioxide separated from ambient air UL to a carbon dioxide storage unit and / or methanol synthesis unit 34 for further processing. The carbon dioxide storage unit is used to ensure a continuous supply of carbon dioxide to the methanol synthesis unit 34 as much as possible.

[0068] The carbon dioxide absorption unit 12 can have an extraction capacity of at least 400,000 tons, particularly 600,000 tons, of carbon dioxide per year. In other words, the carbon dioxide absorption unit 12 can be designed to process at least 1,500 megatons of ambient air per year. Specifically, the carbon dioxide absorption unit 12 is preferably adapted to extract at least 1.4 kg of carbon dioxide from at least 3,300 kg of ambient air.

[0069] like Figure 1As shown, device 10 has a planar device area 23. Planar device area 23 is directly connected to electrolysis unit 11. A power generation unit 31, which is a photovoltaic unit 24, is arranged on planar device area 23. The photovoltaic unit 24 is connected to each unit of device 10 to provide power. The photovoltaic unit 24 is configured such that the entire device 10 can operate energy-sufficiently. This should be understood as the electricity required to operate the entire device 10 can be entirely provided by solar energy through the photovoltaic unit 24. In other words, the operation of device 10 preferably does not use any fossil fuels.

[0070] The planar equipment area 23 can have a longitudinal extension 32 of approximately 5000 meters and a lateral extension 33 of approximately 2000 meters. In other words, the planar equipment area of ​​equipment 10 is preferably designed to have an area of ​​10 square kilometers. Figure 1 The equipment area containing the electrolysis unit 11 shown can have a sub-longitudinal extension 29 of approximately 2 km. Other sub-longitudinal extensions 29, longitudinal extensions 32, and lateral extensions 33 are also possible.

[0071] The aforementioned seawater desalination unit 27 is connected to the return water pipe 28, through which the increased salinity of the returned seawater M' is transferred. H2O Returning it to the ocean. Specifically, a certain amount of salt is extracted from the collected seawater, and then a portion of the collected seawater is used as the return water volume M'. H2O Then it is returned to the ocean. This provides a water cycle that is harmless to nature.

[0072] The preferred installation location for device 10 is near the coast of the ocean. Particularly preferred is that device 10 is built in the desert. Methanol output pipeline 35 can connect device 10 to a methanol output location, such as a methanol output location in a port.

[0073] according to Figure 1 The equipment 10 is a large power plant. The equipment 10 may have at least one installation area 18, which is connected to the foundation of a building and / or structure. Generally, the electrolysis unit 11 and / or the carbon dioxide absorption unit 12 may be arranged in a common building or in a separate building.

[0074] Preferably, the power supply unit 31 has a power storage device (not shown) adapted to supply power to the device 10 during nighttime operation.

[0075] Figure 2 It shows the relationship with Figure 1 Different devices 10, in which a single carbon dioxide absorption unit 12 is replaced by multiple carbon dioxide absorption units 12. According to Figure 2Each carbon dioxide absorption unit 12 has a chimney 19 and a flow channel 21 extending transversely to the chimney 19. For example, this is in Figure 4 Clearly visible. Flow channel 21 connects to chimney 19 in an area located below the installation location of the chimney. An absorption device 15 is arranged between flow channel 21 and chimney 19, designed to extract carbon dioxide from ambient air (UL). Absorption device 15 consists of an amine exchanger. Other types of absorption devices are also possible.

[0076] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the chimney 19 is arranged along a longitudinal extension 32 of the planar equipment area 23. The planar equipment area 23 has a surface 22 arranged at the top of the installation location. The top-arranged surface 22 is designed to be at least partially dark to absorb solar energy. A flow channel 21 is arranged below the top-arranged surface 22 at the installation location. To supply ambient air UL to the flow channel 21, a plurality of air inlets 14 are constructed in the top-arranged surface 22. The air inlets 14 form channel openings through the top-arranged surface 22. For clarity, these channel openings are... Figure 3 Shown only on the first flow channel 21. The number of air inlets 14 is also variable.

[0077] During operation, ambient air flows into the flow channel 21 through air inlet 14 and then through the absorption device 15. After the absorption device 15, the exhaust air UL' with reduced carbon dioxide concentration flows into the chimney 19 and into the outside atmosphere through air outlet 17. During operation, the ambient air in the flow channel 21, located below surface 22, is heated by the dark-colored top surface 22. Preferably, the temperature of the ambient air UL in the flow channel 21 is approximately 60°C. When the outside temperature of the ambient air UL is approximately 40°C, natural ventilation is generated by the arrangement of the chimney, flow channel 21, and dark-colored surface 22. In other words, no ventilator or blower is required for supplying ambient air UL into the flow channel 21 and for the ambient air UL' flowing through the absorption device 15 and exiting from the chimney 19.

[0078] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 2A top view of the planar equipment area 23 of the equipment 10. The numbers 1 to 40 shown along the longitudinal extension 32 indicate the number of chimneys 19 arranged along the longitudinal extension 32. Lines transverse to the longitudinal extension 32 show a schematic separation between the various flow channels 21. Each flow channel 21 is associated with a chimney 19. Absorption devices 15 are arranged between the flow channels 21 and the chimneys 19. The longitudinal extension 32 of the planar equipment area 23 is approximately 5000 meters, and the transverse extension 33 of the planar equipment area 23 is approximately 2000 meters. A total of forty chimneys 19 and forty flow channels 21 are provided in the planar equipment area 23. They have a total output capacity of at least 1800 megatonnes of exhaust air per year (UL').

[0079] To achieve this, the chimney 19 has a diameter D of 25 meters. Diameter D refers to the area of ​​the chimney 19 that forms the air outlet 17. The air outlet 17 is constructed at the free end of the chimney 19. Furthermore, each chimney 19 has a height H of 100 meters. This constitutes the optimal shape for achieving a natural ventilation chimney effect. Other dimensions of the chimney 19 are also possible.

[0080] In addition, more or fewer than forty chimneys 19 may be arranged in the planar equipment area 23, each chimney 19 having an associated flow channel 21.

[0081] from Figure 4 As can be seen, photovoltaic units 24 are disposed on the top surface 22 of the planar device area 23. In other words, photovoltaic units 24 are disposed on the top surface 22 of the planar device area 23. Preferably, the photovoltaic units 24 have a power output of 1.5 gigawatts per year. Therefore, according to... Figure 2 In device 10, carbon dioxide absorption unit 12 and photovoltaic unit 24 form a common unit in space. Photovoltaic unit 24 forms a power supply unit 31 for the energy self-sufficiency of the entire device 10.

[0082] It should be noted that, apart from the differences described, the above-mentioned basis Figure 1 and according to Figure 2 The device 10 is the same.

[0083] Can be used according to Figure 1 or Figure 2 The method executed by device 10 will be based on... Figure 5 The flowchart will be used to illustrate:

[0084] To produce 1 kg of methanol, approximately 2 kg of seawater is supplied to device 10 and desalinated in desalination unit 27. This produces approximately 1.13 kg of desalinated water. The remaining brine (approximately 0.87 kg) is returned to the ocean via return pipe 28. In the electrolysis unit, the desalinated water and, if necessary, further water produced in subsequent process steps, are decomposed into hydrogen (approximately 0.19 kg) and oxygen (approximately 1.5 kg). Carbon dioxide absorption unit 12 receives approximately 3371.75 kg of air through air inlet 14 and extracts approximately 1.38 kg of carbon dioxide from it. The hydrogen and carbon dioxide are supplied to the methanol synthesis unit, where they are processed into 1 kg of methanol. Excess heat generated during the synthesis process is supplied to carbon dioxide absorption unit 12. Additionally, approximately 0.56 kg of water is generated during the synthesis process and is supplied to the electrolysis unit. For these process steps, the photovoltaic equipment converts approximately 51 kWh of solar energy into approximately 12.83 kWh of usable electrical energy.

[0085] exist Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a generator set 120 for a heavy-duty vehicle or a bus according to the invention. The generator set 120 includes a two-cylinder reciprocating piston engine 121 having a first cylinder piston unit 122 and a second cylinder piston unit 123. Each of the cylinder piston units 122 and 123 includes a piston 124 guided in a cylinder 125. The piston 124 is connected to a connecting rod 126, which connects the piston 124 to a crankshaft 127. The crankshafts 127 are oriented parallel to each other and each carries a spur gear 127a with external teeth. The outer toothed spur gears 127a mesh with each other, causing them to rotate in opposite directions.

[0086] Each spur gear 127a is connected to the generator 130 via a toothed belt 128. Two generators 130 are provided. Each generator 130 also includes a counterweight 130a, which balances the inertial force and moment of inertia.

[0087] The generator set 120 further includes a cam belt 131 connecting one of the crankshafts 127 to a camshaft 132. Each cylinder piston unit 122, 123 is associated with the camshaft 132. The camshaft 132 acts on valves 133, wherein preferably, each cylinder piston unit has four valves 133.

[0088] In addition, an oil pan 134 is provided, and an oil pump 135 is arranged in the oil pan 134. The oil pump 135 is driven via an oil pump belt 136 that connects the oil pump 135 to one of the crankshafts 127. Preferably, the oil pump 135 is connected to the other crankshaft 127 instead of the camshaft 132. In addition, an oil filter 137 is arranged in the oil pan 134.

[0089] As in Figure 6 As is readily identifiable, generator set 120 is constructed in a particularly compact manner. It has relatively few parts, making it easy to maintain and lightweight. The twin-cylinder reciprocating piston engine exhibits exceptionally low noise and vibration. Furthermore, the twin-cylinder reciprocating piston engine can be enclosed in a housing, which further contributes to noise and vibration reduction. The drive system of a heavy-duty vehicle or bus can have multiple generator sets 120 that work together to generate electricity and power the drive battery.

[0090] In addition, Figure 6 It can be identified that the cylinders 125 of the cylinder piston units 122 and 123 are arranged in an alternating manner. Specifically, the distance between the central axes of the cylinders 125 is less than the distance between the central axes of the crankshaft 127. Therefore, the connecting rod 126 is positioned at the top dead center of the piston 124 (e.g., Figure 6 (As shown) They are slightly tilted toward each other. This greatly reduces vibration during engine startup. In particular, when starting the generator set 120, the starting moment of inertia is reduced in this way, thus preventing other known starting vibrations from occurring.

[0091] For driving heavy-duty vehicles or buses, a generator set 120 is preferably driven, and the electrical energy required for operation is provided via a generator 130 to use an electric motor. Preferably, a 48-volt, 400-volt, or 800-volt system is integrated as the electrical system. Preferably, the size of the drive battery is designed to enable the heavy-duty vehicle or bus to operate entirely on electricity, i.e., without driving the generator set, for distances between 10 km and 120 km, particularly between 20 km and 100 km, and especially between 25 km and 60 km.

[0092] Preferably, the generator set 120 is powered by renewablely produced methanol. For this purpose, a suitable storage tank is provided, which holds or is filled with renewablely produced methanol. In this way, particularly economical and climate-friendly operation of heavy-duty vehicles or buses can be achieved.

[0093] As illustrated by the embodiments described above, the present invention provides a technically feasible and economical solution to serious climate problems, which can be implemented within a reasonable timeframe due to the scalability of the device. The invention takes into account the geographical opportunities offered by certain regions of the Earth and is impressive in its simplicity.

[0094] List of reference numerals

[0095] 10 devices

[0096] 11 Electrolysis Units

[0097] 12 carbon dioxide absorption units

[0098] 13 water supply pipes

[0099] 14 air inlets

[0100] 15 Absorption Device

[0101] 16 Oxygen Outlets

[0102] 17 air outlets

[0103] 18 Installation Area

[0104] 19 chimneys

[0105] 21 flow channels

[0106] 22 Top Arrangement Surface

[0107] 23 Planar Equipment Area

[0108] 24 photovoltaic units

[0109] 25 pump units

[0110] 26 reservoirs

[0111] 27 Seawater Desalination Unit

[0112] 28 return water pipes

[0113] 29 sub-vertical extensions

[0114] 31 power generation units

[0115] 32 Vertical extension

[0116] 33 Horizontal extension

[0117] 34 Methanol Synthesis Unit

[0118] 35 Methanol Output Pipeline

[0119] 120 generator set

[0120] 121 twin-cylinder reciprocating piston engine

[0121] 122 First Cylinder Piston Unit

[0122] 123 Second Cylinder Piston Unit

[0123] 124 pistons

[0124] 125 cylinder

[0125] 126-link

[0126] 127 crankshaft

[0127] 127a spur gear

[0128] 128-tooth belt

[0129] 130 generator

[0130] 130a counterweight

[0131] 131 Cam Belt

[0132] 132 Camshaft

[0133] 133 valve

[0134] 134 oil pan

[0135] 135 oil pump

[0136] 136 oil pump belt

[0137] 137 oil filter

[0138] Increased ambient air carbon dioxide concentration (UL)

[0139] UL's reduced carbon dioxide concentration in exhaust air

[0140] D diameter

[0141] H height

[0142] M H2O Water volume obtained

[0143] M' H2O Return water volume

[0144] M O2 Oxygen content.

Claims

1. A method for driving an internal combustion engine in a heavy-duty vehicle or bus, wherein: In the electrolysis unit (11) used to produce hydrogen, water is decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen. The carbon dioxide absorption unit (12) extracts carbon dioxide from the ambient air. Hydrogen and carbon dioxide are supplied to a methanol synthesis unit (34) for the preparation of methanol and methanol is synthesized in the methanol synthesis unit; Photovoltaic units (24) absorb solar energy and convert it into electrical energy. in, The electrolysis unit (11), the carbon dioxide absorption unit (12), and the methanol synthesis unit (34) are driven by electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic unit (24), wherein the prepared methanol is delivered to at least one storage tank of the heavy-duty vehicle or the bus by means of a distribution system and supplied from the storage tank to the internal combustion engine as needed, where it is burned to generate mechanical energy, wherein the internal combustion engine is a reciprocating piston engine (121) that operates at a compression ratio of at least 14:1, wherein the carbon dioxide absorption unit (12) maintains a closed-loop carbon dioxide cycle with ambient air and the combustion of methanol.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Water is desalinated in the seawater desalination unit (27) and then supplied to the electrolysis unit (11), wherein the seawater desalination unit (27) is driven by electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic unit (24).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the pyrolysis unit, a portion of methanol is pyrolyzed into syngas consisting of hydrogen and carbon monoxide or syngas consisting of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and the syngas is introduced into the reciprocating piston engine alone or together with methanol, wherein the pyrolysis unit is arranged in the heavy-duty vehicle or the bus.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The term "vehicle or bus" refers to a vehicle or bus with a permitted gross vehicle weight of at least 3.5 tons.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reciprocating piston engine (121) operates at a compression ratio of at least 16:

1.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reciprocating piston engine (121) operates at a compression ratio of at least 18:

1.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reciprocating piston engine (121) operates at a compression ratio of at least 20:

1.

8. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pyrolysis unit is arranged between the storage tank and the reciprocating piston engine.

9. Uses of methanol as fuel for internal combustion engines in heavy-duty vehicles or buses, wherein, Methanol is prepared by the following method, in which: In the electrolysis unit (11) used to produce hydrogen, water is decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen. The carbon dioxide absorption unit (12) extracts carbon dioxide from the ambient air. Hydrogen and carbon dioxide are supplied to a methanol synthesis unit (34) for the preparation of methanol and methanol is synthesized in the methanol synthesis unit; Photovoltaic units (24) absorb solar energy and convert it into electrical energy. The electrolysis unit (11), the carbon dioxide absorption unit (12) and the methanol synthesis unit (34) are driven by electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic unit (24), the internal combustion engine is a reciprocating piston engine (121) that operates at a compression ratio of at least 14:1, and the carbon dioxide absorption unit (12) maintains a closed-loop carbon dioxide cycle with the combustion of ambient air and methanol.

10. The use according to claim 9, characterized in that, The prepared methanol is delivered to at least one storage tank of the heavy-duty vehicle or the bus by means of a distribution system, and supplied from the storage tank to the internal combustion engine as needed, where it is burned to generate mechanical energy.

11. The use according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, Water is desalinated in the seawater desalination unit (27) and then supplied to the electrolysis unit (11), wherein the seawater desalination unit (27) is driven by electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic unit (24).

12. The use according to claim 9, characterized in that, The term "vehicle or bus" refers to a vehicle or bus with a permitted gross vehicle weight of at least 3.5 tons.

13. The use according to claim 9, characterized in that, The reciprocating piston engine (121) operates at a compression ratio of at least 16:

1.

14. The use according to claim 9, characterized in that, The reciprocating piston engine (121) operates at a compression ratio of at least 18:

1.

15. The use according to claim 9, characterized in that, The reciprocating piston engine (121) operates at a compression ratio of at least 20:

1.

16. A heavy-duty vehicle or bus having a drive system and a storage tank, wherein, The drive system has a generator set (120), at least one drive battery, and at least one electric motor for obtaining electrical energy from the drive battery. The generator set includes a two-cylinder reciprocating piston engine (121) and at least one generator (130) for generating electrical energy. The two-cylinder reciprocating piston engine (121) has two cylinder piston units (122, 123) arranged in series. Each cylinder piston unit (122, 123) has a crankshaft (127), and the crankshafts (127) of the two cylinder piston units (122, 123) are mechanically connected to each other. At least one crankshaft (127) is mechanically connected to the at least one generator (130). The storage tank is in fluid communication with the two-cylinder reciprocating piston engine (121) and is at least partially filled with methanol regenerated and prepared by a method in which: In the electrolysis unit (11) used to produce hydrogen, water is decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen. The carbon dioxide absorption unit (12) extracts carbon dioxide from the ambient air. Hydrogen and carbon dioxide are supplied to a methanol synthesis unit (34) for the preparation of methanol and methanol is synthesized in the methanol synthesis unit; Photovoltaic units (24) absorb solar energy and convert it into electrical energy. The electrolysis unit (11), the carbon dioxide absorption unit (12) and the methanol synthesis unit (34) are driven by the electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic unit (24), wherein the carbon dioxide absorption unit (12) maintains a closed-loop carbon dioxide cycle with ambient air and the combustion of methanol.

17. The heavy-duty vehicle or bus according to claim 16, characterized in that, The two crankshafts (127) are mechanically connected to the at least one generator (130).

18. The heavy-duty vehicle or bus according to claim 16, characterized in that, The storage tank is in fluid communication with and completely filled with the twin-cylinder reciprocating piston engine (121).

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