Circulating energy storage system and method for preparing hydrocarbon fuel from air

Abstract

The invention discloses a circulating energy storage system and method for preparing hydrocarbon fuel from air, and relates to the technical field of energy. The system comprises an energy collection device, a water electrolysis unit, a CO2 absorption unit and a chemical reactor, wherein the energy collecting device is used for converting renewable energy into electric energy and heat energy respectively; the water electrolysis unit is used for capturing water in air and performing in-situ electrolysis by using electric energy to obtain hydrogen; the CO2 absorption unit is used for capturing CO2 in the atmosphere by using an adsorbent or an absorbent; and the chemical reactor is used for performing in-situ synthesis on the hydrogen and CO2 captured and fixed by the CO2 absorption unit under the action of a catalyst by utilizing heat energy to obtain the converted hydrocarbon fuel. According to the invention, under the driving of solar energy, raw materials captured in air can be converted into hydrocarbon fuel and energy storage is carried out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of energy technology, and in particular to a circulating energy storage system and method for preparing hydrocarbon fuel from air. Background Art

[0002] At present, China's energy consumption still mainly relies on fossil fuels, which has caused serious environmental pollution, a sharp increase in energy and environmental pressure, and a continuous increase in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere; traditional methods of obtaining water resources, such as groundwater extraction, surface water collection, and seawater desalination, have problems such as high energy consumption and environmental pollution. Although the technology of capturing water from the air has been developed, the capture efficiency is not high; solar energy, as a clean and renewable energy source, has made significant progress in its conversion and storage technology. Although certain progress has been made in the above fields, there is currently no integrated system that can simultaneously complete the energy cycle and energy storage process of solar energy full energy supply, direct air water capture, CO2 adsorption and water electrolysis to produce hydrogen, and finally CO2 hydrogenation to directly synthesize hydrocarbon fuels under the action of catalysts. Summary of the invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a circulating energy storage system and method for producing hydrocarbon fuels from air, which can convert raw materials captured from the air into hydrocarbon fuels for energy storage under the drive of solar energy.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following solutions:

[0005] A circulating energy storage system for producing hydrocarbon fuel from air, comprising: an energy collection device, a water electrolysis unit, a CO2 absorption unit and a chemical reactor; wherein the energy collection device is connected to the water electrolysis unit and the chemical reactor respectively; the water electrolysis unit and the CO2 absorption unit are both connected to the chemical reactor;

[0006] The energy collection device is used to convert renewable energy into electrical energy and thermal energy respectively; the water electrolysis unit is used to capture moisture in the air and use electrical energy to perform in-situ electrolysis to obtain hydrogen; the CO2 absorption unit is used to capture CO2 in the atmosphere using an adsorbent or absorbent; the chemical reactor is used to use thermal energy to perform in-situ synthesis of hydrogen and CO2 fixed by the capture material under the action of a catalyst to obtain the converted hydrocarbon fuel.

[0007] Optionally, the water electrolysis unit specifically includes: an air water capture unit and an electrolysis unit; the air water capture unit is connected to the electrolysis unit, and the electrolysis unit is also connected to the energy collection device; wherein the air water capture unit is used to capture moisture in the air; the electrolysis unit is used to perform in-situ electrolysis of the substance that has captured moisture under the action of electrical energy to obtain hydrogen.

[0008] Optionally, the air water capture unit comprises a container containing a hygroscopic salt solution and / or a capture structure composed of porous materials.

[0009] Optionally, the hygroscopic salt solution is lithium chloride, lithium bromide or calcium chloride, which is used to promote the capture of water vapor through the partial pressure difference formed by the saturated water vapor partial pressure of the hygroscopic material and the water vapor partial pressure in the air.

[0010] Optionally, the capture structure based on porous material composition includes a porous medium layer; wherein the porous medium layer is composed of a water-blocking and air-permeable material.

[0011] Optionally, the types of the adsorbent include but are not limited to activated carbon, zeolite and molecular sieve; the types of the absorbent include but are not limited to CaO, MgO, Li2ZrO3 and amine-based chemical absorbent.

[0012] Optionally, the catalyst is a single-function catalyst or a dual-effect catalyst; when the catalyst is a dual-effect catalyst, the catalyst is integrated with an adsorbent or absorbent for capturing CO2; when the catalyst is a single-function catalyst, the single-function catalyst uses a single-function catalyst with a CO2 absorption function and a single-function catalyst with a CO2 conversion function.

[0013] Optionally, the active element of the catalyst is Fe, Co, Ni, Mo, Cu, Mn, Zn, Ru, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir, Al, Si, Zr or La.

[0014] Optionally, the electric energy of the energy collection device is provided by solar photovoltaic power generation, wind power generation, thermal power generation, thermal power generation, hydropower generation, nuclear power, biomass power generation or fossil fuel power generation; the thermal energy of the energy collection device is provided in the form of solar energy, geothermal energy, industrial waste heat, nuclear energy, electric heating or fossil fuel oxidation release.

[0015] The present invention also provides a cyclic energy storage method for preparing hydrocarbon fuel from air, which is applied to the system as described above, comprising:

[0016] Convert renewable energy into electricity and heat respectively;

[0017] Capturing moisture from the air and capturing CO2 from the atmosphere using adsorbents or absorbents;

[0018] In-situ electrolysis of the water-trapped substance based on electrical energy to obtain hydrogen;

[0019] The hydrogen is directly added to the surface of the material that captures CO2, and in-situ synthesis is performed based on thermal energy and a catalyst to obtain converted hydrocarbon fuel.

[0020] According to the specific embodiments provided by the present invention, the present invention discloses the following technical effects:

[0021] The present invention discloses a circulating energy storage system and method for producing hydrocarbon fuel from air, the system comprising an energy collection device, a water electrolysis unit, a CO2 absorption unit and a chemical reactor; wherein the energy collection device is used to convert renewable energy into electrical energy and thermal energy respectively; the water electrolysis unit is used to capture moisture in the air and use electrical energy for in-situ electrolysis to obtain hydrogen; the CO2 absorption unit is used to capture CO2 in the atmosphere using an adsorbent or absorbent; the chemical reactor is used to use thermal energy to perform in-situ synthesis of hydrogen and CO2 under the action of a catalyst to obtain the converted hydrocarbon fuel. The present invention can convert raw materials captured from the air into hydrocarbon fuel and store energy under the drive of solar energy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative labor.

[0023] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the principle of cyclic energy storage of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a circulating energy storage system and method for producing hydrocarbon fuels from air, which can convert raw materials captured from the air into hydrocarbon fuels for energy storage under the drive of solar energy.

[0026] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0027] like Figure 1As shown, the present invention provides a circulating energy storage system for producing hydrocarbon fuel from air, comprising: an energy collection device, a water electrolysis unit, a CO2 absorption unit and a chemical reactor; wherein the energy collection device is connected to the water electrolysis unit and the chemical reactor respectively; the water electrolysis unit and the CO2 absorption unit are both connected to the chemical reactor;

[0028] The energy collection device is used to convert renewable energy into electrical energy and thermal energy respectively; the water electrolysis unit is used to capture moisture in the air and use electrical energy for in-situ electrolysis to obtain hydrogen; the CO2 absorption unit is used to capture CO2 in the atmosphere using an adsorbent or absorbent; the chemical reactor is used to use thermal energy to perform in-situ synthesis of hydrogen and CO2 captured and fixed by the CO2 absorption unit under the action of a catalyst to obtain converted hydrocarbon fuel. That is, CO2 fixed by the captured material, such as CaCO3, can also react with H2 to obtain hydrocarbon fuel.

[0029] In the above circulation system, there are the following process processes:

[0030] (1) Direct capture of water vapor from air, including but not limited to the use of hygroscopic salt solutions (lithium chloride, lithium bromide, calcium chloride), which are used to promote the capture of water vapor through the partial pressure difference formed by the saturated water vapor partial pressure of the hygroscopic material and the water vapor partial pressure in the air, thereby achieving direct capture of water vapor from the air. The hygroscopic salt solution can be heated by solar thermal energy, and liquid pure water can be obtained by condensation, that is, the acquisition of pure water is driven by the temperature difference of solar thermal energy, and then electrolysis is performed to produce hydrogen; hydrogen can also be directly obtained in situ by solar photovoltaic electrolysis of hygroscopic salt solutions. It is also possible that the capture structure based on porous materials includes a porous medium layer, wherein the porous medium layer is composed of a water-blocking and breathable material; the partial pressure difference formed by the saturated water vapor partial pressure of the hygroscopic material and the water vapor partial pressure in the air promotes the capture of water vapor, and hydrogen is produced by in-situ electrolysis of the hygroscopic material.

[0031] (2) Using adsorbents / absorbents to directly absorb carbon dioxide from the air. The types of adsorbents include but are not limited to activated carbon, zeolite, molecular sieves, etc., and the types of absorbents include but are not limited to CaO, MgO, Li2ZrO3, and amine-based chemical absorbents.

[0032] (3) The water absorbed by the hygroscopic material is electrolyzed to produce hydrogen, the solar energy is converted into electrical energy through solar photovoltaic cells, and then the water is electrolyzed to produce hydrogen in an electrolyzer.

[0033] (4) The CO2 absorption unit is placed in a reactor and H2 is introduced into the reactor. Based on solar thermal energy, the H2 and the captured and fixed CO2 are synthesized into hydrocarbon fuels in situ using a catalyst, and the solar energy is stored as chemical energy of hydrocarbon fuels. The types of catalysts include but are not limited to alloy catalysts, such as CuZnAl, CuZnZr, and NaCoFe; hydrocarbon fuels include but are not limited to methanol, etc.

[0034] (5) Energy release and utilization of hydrocarbon fuels. Hydrocarbon fuels are converted into H2O and CO2 through oxidation reactions and eventually return to the air. Energy conversion reactors include but are not limited to fuel cells, internal combustion engines, and boilers.

[0035] In this embodiment, the unit for capturing and electrolyzing water can work under low humidity conditions, use hygroscopic materials to replenish water from the air, and can achieve in-situ electrolysis to produce hydrogen, so that the hygroscopic materials reach a dynamic equilibrium, that is, the amount of water consumed in the electrolysis process is equal to the amount of water vapor absorbed from the air, thereby achieving air-hydration electrolysis to produce hydrogen. The unit for absorbing CO2 uses a specific absorbent or adsorbent to improve the absorption efficiency and selectivity of CO2. Finally, the CO2 in-situ hydrocarbon fuel synthesis unit fixed by the hydrogen and CO2 absorption unit is driven by solar thermal energy and uses a specific catalyst and reactor to efficiently synthesize the target hydrocarbon fuel.

[0036] Based on the above technical solution, the following embodiments are provided.

[0037] (1) Construction and operation of air water capture unit: The air water capture unit includes a hygroscopic salt solution, such as lithium chloride, lithium bromide, calcium chloride, etc., which spontaneously absorbs moisture and replenishes water from the air; it can also be a porous hygroscopic material, such as MOF, COF, etc., which captures water vapor in the pores. Through in-situ electrolysis to produce hydrogen, the water in the adsorption material is in dynamic equilibrium, that is, the rate of electrolyzed water is equal to the rate of water replenished from the air, achieving spontaneous water replenishment and decomposition to produce hydrogen. The electric energy for the electrolysis process can be provided by solar photovoltaic power generation.

[0038] (2) Construction and operation of CO2 absorption unit: The CO2 absorption unit uses a chemical adsorbent or absorbent, such as alkali metal oxides, alkali metal hydroxides, hydrotalcite, montmorillonite, lithium silicate, MOF, solid amine-based materials, etc. These materials have a high affinity for CO2. During operation, the air flow containing CO2 passes through the adsorbent bed and the CO2 is captured by the adsorbent. Subsequently, the captured CO2 can be converted into high value-added products through in-situ hydrogenation reaction on the adsorbent / absorbent surface; the adsorbent bed can also be heated by solar energy to release the captured CO2, and then the high value-added products can be produced through downstream hydrogenation reaction.

[0039] (3) Hydrogen and CO2 synthesis unit for hydrocarbon fuel: The hydrogenation process can be carried out in situ on the surface of the CO2 absorbent / adsorbent, that is, the CO2 adsorbed on the surface of the material is converted and utilized in situ through the hydrogenation reaction process, and the absorbent / adsorbent is regenerated by the reaction ΔG, avoiding additional energy input. The reaction is carried out at a certain temperature and pressure, and its heat energy can be provided by solar energy, geothermal energy, industrial waste heat, electric heating, fossil fuel oxidation heating, etc. The generated hydrocarbon fuel is collected and stored.

[0040] In addition to the above units, the system also integrates an automated control unit. The system includes sensors, actuators, and control algorithms for real-time monitoring and regulation of air flow, temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, electrolysis process parameters, etc. By optimizing these parameters, the system can achieve efficient energy conversion and material circulation.

[0041] In addition to the categories mentioned above, this example also describes possible system variations, such as using different hygroscopic materials, CO2 adsorbent / absorbent types, photovoltaic cell technologies, electrolyzer designs, or catalyst formulations. These variations can be adjusted to achieve optimal performance based on specific application requirements and environmental conditions.

[0042] As another specific implementation process, the system for capturing moisture and CO2 from the air and converting them into hydrocarbon fuels includes:

[0043] An air water capture component for capturing moisture in the air; a CO2 absorption component for capturing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere; an electrolysis component for decomposing the captured water into hydrogen and oxygen; a chemical reactor for converting hydrogen and CO2 into hydrocarbon fuels under the action of a catalyst; an energy collection device for providing electrical energy to the electrolysis unit and thermal energy required for the hydrocarbon fuel synthesis unit; in addition, a control system can be set up to automatically monitor and adjust the operation of the entire system.

[0044] As a further technical solution, the hygroscopic solution can be a saturated solution of lithium chloride, calcium chloride, or lithium bromide; the porous medium includes: a porous medium layer; wherein the porous medium layer is composed of a water-blocking and air-permeable material. The porous medium material can be MOF, COF, activated carbon, or molecular sieve.

[0045] The CO2 absorbing material includes, but is not limited to, alkali metal oxides, alkali metal hydroxides, hydrotalcite, montmorillonite, lithium silicate, lithium zirconate, MOF, and solid amine-based materials.

[0046] The electrolysis unit includes: an electrolytic cell and a group of electrodes. The electrolytic cell can adopt proton exchange membrane technology, anion exchange membrane technology, alkaline electrolytic cell technology, neutral electrolytic cell technology, and acidic electrolytic cell technology; the electrodes can be coated with high-efficiency catalysts to promote the electrolysis of water.

[0047] The chemical reactor includes: a catalyst and a reaction chamber, wherein the catalyst promotes the chemical reaction between hydrogen and CO2 to form hydrocarbon fuel; and the reaction chamber is designed to withstand the temperature and pressure conditions required for the chemical reaction.

[0048] The catalyst used for fuel conversion can be integrated with the CO2 absorbent / adsorbent, i.e., a dual-effect catalyst, or can be arranged separately downstream, and its active elements can be: Fe, Co, Ni, Mo, Cu, Mn, Zn, Ru, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir, Al, Si, Zr, La. When the catalyst is a single-function catalyst, the single-function catalyst uses a single-function catalyst with a CO2 absorption function and a single-function catalyst with a CO2 conversion function.

[0049] The thermal energy of the energy collection device can be provided by solar energy, geothermal energy, industrial waste heat, nuclear energy, electric heating, fossil fuel oxidation heat release, etc.; the electrical energy can be provided by solar photovoltaic power generation, wind power generation, thermal power generation, thermal power generation, hydropower generation, nuclear power, biomass power generation, and fossil fuel power generation.

[0050] When the device is powered by solar energy, its solar energy collection device includes but is not limited to the following components: a series of photovoltaic panels for converting solar energy into electrical energy; a solar thermal collector for converting solar energy into thermal energy; a thermoelectric conversion device for converting solar thermal energy into electrical energy, such as thermophotovoltaic materials and thermoelectric materials.

[0051] In this embodiment, the hydrocarbon fuel can be used in a fuel cell or an internal combustion engine for oxidation utilization, and its tail gas can be recovered and released back into the atmosphere.

[0052] Therefore, the present invention aims to fill the gap in the circulating energy storage system. This system can convert the raw materials captured from the air into hydrocarbon fuels for energy storage under the drive of solar energy. The hydrocarbon fuels (hydrocarbons) are oxidized and utilized to form H2O and CO2 and finally return to the air. This circulating system is of great significance to sustainable development. The present invention provides an innovative energy recycling scheme that can be applied to energy replenishment and energy storage in isolated systems (such as isolated islands, deserts and other remote areas).

[0053] The key to the system of the present invention is to propose a cyclic energy storage system solution for capturing H2O in the air and absorbing CO2 to synthesize hydrocarbon fuels driven by solar energy, which can realize the cyclic conversion path of "capturing water from the air, absorbing CO2-electrolyzing water to produce hydrogen-synthesizing hydrocarbon fuels with CO2 and H2-releasing the fuel utilization products back to the air".

[0054] In addition, water replenishment and water electrolysis are integrated into one, H2O does not need to be desorbed, CO2 is captured, and there is no need for a desorption process. Hydrogenation is directly added to the surface of the CO2 adsorbed to synthesize hydrocarbon fuels. The heat released in this process directly desorbs CO2 and regenerates the adsorbent. The adsorbent (absorbing CO2) and the catalyst (synthesizing hydrocarbon fuels) are integrated into one; the energy consumed in the desorption process can be directly eliminated in this system.

[0055] Therefore, the above system and method have the following advantages:

[0056] Cleanliness: The system can efficiently capture water under low humidity conditions, and the process of electrolyzing water to produce hydrogen is driven by solar energy; the capture of carbon dioxide relies on innovative adsorption / absorption materials. The entire process does not consume fossil energy and is clean and environmentally friendly.

[0057] Sustainability: The raw materials are directly derived from the air, and the entire process is driven by solar energy. By synthesizing hydrocarbon fuels, it provides a sustainable energy storage solution that helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

[0058] Convenience: The system can spontaneously capture moisture and CO2 from the air, can be used in remote areas and isolated islands, and is unmanned, with low operating costs.

[0059] High efficiency: Through the integration of multiple processes in the system, energy consumption is reduced and system energy efficiency is improved. For example, the integration of air hydration and electrolysis process avoids the energy consumption of water desorption in hygroscopic materials, and the integration of CO2 capture and in-situ hydrogenation conversion avoids the energy consumption of traditional CO2 absorbent / adsorbent regeneration process. The above energy consumption accounts for more than 90% of the energy consumption of traditional air hydration and CO2 capture process. Therefore, this system can greatly reduce system energy consumption and improve energy efficiency.

[0060] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0061] This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The above examples are only used to help understand the core idea of ​​the present invention. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, according to the idea of ​​the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. In summary, the content of this specification should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

Claims

1. A circulating energy storage system for producing hydrocarbon fuel from air, characterized in that: include: An energy collection device, a water electrolysis unit, a CO2 absorption unit and a chemical reactor; wherein the energy collection device is connected to the water electrolysis unit and the chemical reactor respectively; the water electrolysis unit and the CO2 absorption unit are both connected to the chemical reactor; The energy collection device is used to convert renewable energy into electrical energy and thermal energy respectively; the water electrolysis unit is used to capture moisture in the air and use electrical energy to perform in-situ electrolysis to obtain hydrogen; the CO2 absorption unit is used to capture CO2 in the atmosphere using an adsorbent or absorbent; the chemical reactor is used to use thermal energy to perform in-situ synthesis of hydrogen and CO2 fixed by the capture material under the action of a catalyst to obtain the converted hydrocarbon fuel.

2. A circulating energy storage system for producing hydrocarbon fuel from air according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water electrolysis unit specifically includes: an air water capture unit and an electrolysis unit; the air water capture unit is connected to the electrolysis unit, and the electrolysis unit is also connected to the energy collection device; wherein the air water capture unit is used to capture moisture in the air; the electrolysis unit is used to perform in-situ electrolysis of the substance that has captured moisture under the action of electrical energy to obtain hydrogen.

3. A circulating energy storage system for producing hydrocarbon fuel from air according to claim 2, characterized in that: The air water capture unit comprises a container containing a hygroscopic salt solution and / or a capture structure based on porous materials.

4. A circulating energy storage system for producing hydrocarbon fuel from air according to claim 3, characterized in that: The hygroscopic salt solution uses lithium chloride, lithium bromide or calcium chloride, and is used to promote the capture of water vapor through the partial pressure difference formed by the saturated water vapor partial pressure of the hygroscopic material and the water vapor partial pressure in the air.

5. A circulating energy storage system for producing hydrocarbon fuel from air according to claim 3, characterized in that: The capture structure based on porous materials comprises a porous medium layer; wherein the porous medium layer is composed of a water-blocking and air-permeable material.

6. A circulating energy storage system for producing hydrocarbon fuel from air according to claim 1, characterized in that: The types of the adsorbent include but are not limited to activated carbon, zeolite and molecular sieve; the types of the absorbent include but are not limited to CaO, MgO, Li2ZrO3 and amine-based chemical absorbent.

7. A circulating energy storage system for producing hydrocarbon fuel from air according to claim 1, characterized in that: The catalyst is a single-function catalyst or a dual-effect catalyst; when the catalyst is a dual-effect catalyst, the catalyst is integrated with an adsorbent or absorbent for capturing CO2; when the catalyst is a single-function catalyst, the single-function catalyst uses a single-function catalyst with a CO2 absorption function and a single-function catalyst with a CO2 conversion function.

8. A circulating energy storage system for producing hydrocarbon fuel from air according to claim 1, characterized in that: The active element of the catalyst is Fe, Co, Ni, Mo, Cu, Mn, Zn, Ru, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir, Al, Si, Zr or La.

9. A circulating energy storage system for producing hydrocarbon fuel from air according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical energy of the energy collection device is provided by solar photovoltaic power generation, wind power generation, thermal power generation, thermal power generation, hydropower generation, nuclear power, biomass power generation or fossil fuel power generation; the thermal energy of the energy collection device is provided in the form of solar energy, geothermal energy, industrial waste heat, nuclear energy, electric heating or fossil fuel oxidation heat release.

10. A cyclic energy storage method for producing hydrocarbon fuel from air, applied to the system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: include: Convert renewable energy into electricity and heat respectively; Capturing moisture from the air and capturing CO2 from the atmosphere using adsorbents or absorbents; In-situ electrolysis of the water-trapped substance based on electrical energy to obtain hydrogen; The hydrogen is directly added to the surface of the material that captures CO2, and in-situ synthesis is performed based on thermal energy and a catalyst to obtain converted hydrocarbon fuel.

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