System for the conversion of carbon dioxide

Abstract

The system (1) for the conversion of carbon dioxide comprises: - at least one greenhouse (2) for growing at least one plant product; - at least one treatment group (3) which is adapted to extract carbon dioxide from the flue gas produced by a power generation plant (A) as a result of the combustion of at least one fossil fuel; - at least one connecting group (4) adapted to convey the flue gas produced by the plant (A) to said treatment group (3) and to convey the carbon dioxide leaving said treatment group (3) to said greenhouse (2), said plant product absorbing the carbon dioxide arriving from said treatment group (3) to release oxygen.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM FOR THE CONVERSION OF CARBON DIOXIDE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a system for the conversion of carbon dioxide. Background Art

[0004] To date, industrial plants, known as thermoelectric power plants, are known to convert the energy produced by firing appropriate fuels into electricity.

[0005] Specifically, in thermoelectric power plants, fuel is fired, obtaining thermal energy that is transformed into mechanical energy by operating a turbine, which in turn operates an alternator, thus obtaining electricity.

[0006] Generally, the fuels used in such thermoelectric power plants are of the fossil fuel type such as, e.g., petroleum, natural hydrocarbons, coal and natural gas.

[0007] However, the use of fossil fuel-fired thermoelectric power plants has some drawbacks that are mainly related to the negative consequences they may have on the surrounding environment.

[0008] In this regard, it is worth noting how such thermoelectric power plants contribute to global warming because they release into the atmosphere, as a waste product of fossil fuel combustion, carbon dioxide, which is known to be considered a greenhouse gas.

[0009] As is well known, greenhouse gases are able to retain, in a substantial way, a considerable part of the infrared component of the solar radiation striking the Earth, leading to global warming of the planet.

[0010] Therefore, to date, it is taken for granted that coal and hydrocarbon consumption in thermoelectric power plants must be given up in order to eliminate the emission of carbon dioxide, given its negative effects on warming.

[0011] This would imply the decommissioning of thousands of thermoelectric power plants, likely to be replaced by different types of power generation plants such as, e.g., generation plants powered by photovoltaic, wind, geothermal, nuclear and hydroelectric power plants.

[0012] This would involve giving up the use of huge quantities of available fuels, likely for a very long time.

[0013] On a transitional basis, carbon dioxide sequestration is carried out, a very expensive practice and of doubtful effectiveness.

[0014] Description of the Invention

[0015] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a system for the conversion of carbon dioxide which allows limiting the environmental damage generated by the combustion of fossil fuels in thermoelectric power plants.

[0016] A further object of the present invention is to devise a system for the conversion of carbon dioxide which allows limiting the global warming of the planet resulting from the use of fossil fuels in thermoelectric power plants.

[0017] Again, a further object of the present invention is to devise a system for the conversion of carbon dioxide which allows limiting the amount of carbon dioxide that comes into the atmosphere as a result of the use of fossil fuels in thermoelectric power plants.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to devise a system for the conversion of carbon dioxide which allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as affordable solution.

[0019] The aforementioned objects are achieved by this system for the conversion of carbon dioxide having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0020] Additionally, the aforementioned objects are achieved by the installation method of the system for the conversion of carbon dioxide having the characteristics of claim 10.

[0021] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a system for the conversion of carbon dioxide, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a system according to the invention;

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a component of the system according to the invention;

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic and cross-sectional view of a component of the system according to the invention. Embodiments of the Invention

[0025] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a system for the conversion of carbon dioxide.

[0026] The system 1 comprises: at least one greenhouse 2 for growing at least one plant product; at least one treatment group 3 which is adapted to extract carbon dioxide from the flue gas produced by a power generation plant A as a result of the combustion of at least one fossil fuel; at least one connecting group 4 adapted to convey the flue gas produced by the plant A to the treatment group 3 and to convey the carbon dioxide leaving the treatment group 3 to the greenhouse 2, the plant product absorbing the carbon dioxide arriving from the treatment group 3 to release oxygen.

[0027] Preferably, the plant product is a cost-effective plant product of the type, e.g. of salad, tomatoes, spinach, etc.

[0028] In actual facts, the plant product is a vegetable and, as such, is a widely consumed food produce.

[0029] Therefore, the sale of such plant products is very profitable and this allows construction and operation costs of the system 1 to be largely amortized or recovered.

[0030] The system 1 according to the invention allows carbon dioxide to be extracted from the flue gas produced by the plant A and to be sent to the greenhouse 2 where, thanks to the chemical process of chlorophyll photosynthesis enacted by plants, it is transformed into oxygen.

[0031] Notoriously, during the process of chlorophyll photosynthesis, plants produce organic substances from carbon dioxide and from metabolic water in the presence of natural and / or artificial light.

[0032] Precisely, with plant chlorophyll catalysis, during the process of chlorophyll photosynthesis, plants convert six molecules of carbon dioxide and six molecules of water into glucose.

[0033] As a byproduct of chlorophyll photosynthesis, plants release six molecules of oxygen into the atmosphere through plant stomata. Conveniently, the connecting group 4 comprises drawing means 5 adapted to draw the flue gas produced by the plant A and to move it towards the treatment group 3.

[0034] Preferably, the drawing means 5 comprise: at least one adduction channel 6, located between the combustion chamber B of the plant A and the treatment group 3 in a fluid-operated maimer; and at least one fan (not shown in the figures) adapted to forcibly draw the flue gas produced by the combustion chamber B and send it to the treatment group 3 through the adduction channel 6.

[0035] With particular reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, the treatment group 3 is associated with the chimney C of the plant A in a fluid-operated manner, and the fan of the drawing means 5 consists of the forced draft fan of the plant A through which the flue gas produced in the combustion chamber B is sent to the chimney C.

[0036] Conveniently, the chimney C has been preemptively plugged so that the flue gas produced by the plant A is completely sent to the treatment group 3 without escaping from the chimney C.

[0037] Advantageously, the treatment group 3 comprises separation means 7, 8 adapted to retain the solid residue in the flue gas produced by the plant A.

[0038] The solid residue is, e.g., of the type of soot dispersed in the gaseous mixture consisting of the flue gas produced by the plant A.

[0039] Preferably, the separation means 7, 8 comprise at least one electrostatic precipitator 7 adapted to retain the solid residue.

[0040] As is known to the technician in the field, the electrostatic precipitator 7 separates the solid residue dispersed in a gaseous mixture through the application of an electric field.

[0041] In the particular embodiment shown in the figures, there are two electrostatic precipitators 7.

[0042] Conveniently, the separation means 7, 8 also comprise at least one hopper 8 adapted to collect the solid residue retained by the electrostatic precipitator 7.

[0043] The hopper 8 is a collection container arranged below the electrostatic precipitators 7 into which the solid residue separated by the electrostatic precipitators 7 falls by gravity.

[0044] With special reference to the particular embodiment shown in the figures, the separation means 7, 8 are arranged immediately downstream of the adduction channel 6 and are associated with the base of the chimney C.

[0045] The hopper 8 is arranged below the base of the chimney C.

[0046] Conveniently, the treatment group 3 comprises heat treatment means 9 provided with at least one heat exchanger 10 adapted to extract the heat from the flue gas produced by the plant A to lower the temperature thereof

[0047] Usually, the flue gas produced by the plant A is at a temperature of about 150°C, and the heat treatment means 9 lower the temperature of the flue gas produced by the plant A to about 20 °C.

[0048] Preferably, the heat exchanger 10 is of the water type.

[0049] Conveniently, the feeding water of the heat exchanger 10 is sent to the heat treatment means 9 from the source used in the engine room D of the plant A to condense the water vapor discharged from the steam turbines of the same plant. With particular reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, the heat treatment means 9 are arranged downstream of the separation means 7, 8.

[0050] Conveniently, the connecting group 4 comprises at least one adduction pipeline 11 adapted to convey the flue gas produced exiting the separation means 7, 8 towards the heat treatment means 9.

[0051] Preferably, the adduction pipeline 11 is of the elevated type.

[0052] Conveniently, the treatment group 3 comprises filtration means 12 adapted to separate nitrogen from the flue gas produced by the plant A.

[0053] Preferably, the filtration means 12 comprise at least one filtering body made, at least partly, of zeolite.

[0054] As is known to the industry technician, zeolite is a natural stone having a microporous structure that allows filtering liquid or gaseous molecules.

[0055] The filtering body made of zeolite, through the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) process, retains nitrogen which is subsequently released into the atmosphere. With particular reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, the filtration means 12 are arranged downstream of the heat treatment means 9.

[0056] Conveniently, the connecting group 4 comprises at least one movement channel 13 adapted to convey the flue gas produced exiting the heat treatment means 9 towards the filtration means 12.

[0057] Preferably, the movement channel 13 is of the elevated type.

[0058] Advantageously, the connecting group 4 comprises movement means 14, 15 adapted to transport carbon dioxide exiting the treatment group 3 towards the greenhouse 2 and to distribute carbon dioxide evenly within the greenhouse 2.

[0059] With particular reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, the movement means 14, 15 comprise a movement conduit 14, connected downstream of the filtration means 12 and adapted to collect the carbon dioxide exiting the filtration means 12 and to adduct it towards the greenhouse 2, and a plurality of distribution conduits 15, connected to the movement conduit 14 and adapted to receive the carbon dioxide adducted by the movement conduit 14 and to distribute it evenly within the greenhouse 2.

[0060] With particular reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, it can be seen that the distribution conduits 15 are connected to the greenhouse 2 in a fluid- operated maimer at different points so that carbon dioxide is introduced into the greenhouse 2 at multiple input points.

[0061] In this way, a substantially even distribution of carbon dioxide in the greenhouse 2 can be achieved so that all plants in the greenhouse 2 can absorb the same amount of carbon dioxide.

[0062] As previously described, carbon dioxide introduced into the greenhouse 2 through the connecting group 4 is converted by the plants grown in the greenhouse 2 into oxygen, which tends to accumulate inside the same greenhouse 2 which may become saturated with oxygen over time.

[0063] Therefore, it is necessary to introduce into the atmosphere the oxygen produced by the plants in the greenhouse 2 while retaining within the greenhouse 2 the carbon dioxide that still needs to be transformed through chlorophyll photosynthesis.

[0064] Conveniently, the system 1 comprises regulation means adapted to regulate the ratio between the concentration of oxygen and the concentration of carbon dioxide within the greenhouse 2.

[0065] The regulation means preferably comprise selective valve elements which are permeable to oxygen but impermeable to carbon dioxide.

[0066] Specifically, the valve elements comprise a semi-permeable membrane filter that, specifically, is permeable to the oxygen molecule but impermeable to the carbon dioxide molecule.

[0067] According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the greenhouse 2 is of the hydroponic type.

[0068] Notoriously, a hydroponic greenhouse is a plant growing environment where plants are grown by hydroponics.

[0069] Notoriously, hydroponics is an above-ground growing technique in which soil is replaced by an inert substrate and plants are irrigated with a nutrient solution consisting of water and nutrient compounds, mainly of the organic type.

[0070] Figure 2 shows in a schematic manner the greenhouse 2 of the hydroponic type that the system 1 is provided with.

[0071] Conveniently, the greenhouse 2 comprises multiple cultivation levels 16 of the plants developing on a substantially horizontal plane and arranged one on top of the other.

[0072] According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the greenhouse 2 comprises seven cultivation levels 16.

[0073] Alternative embodiments of the system 1 wherein the greenhouse 2 comprises a different number of cultivation levels 16 cannot however be ruled out.

[0074] Preferably, the height of each cultivation level 16 is 2 meters.

[0075] As shown in Figure 2, it can be seen that each distribution conduit 15 is adapted to distribute carbon dioxide at a respective cultivation level 16.

[0076] As visible in Figure 3, each cultivation level 16 comprises at least one cultivation tank 17 wherein plants are grown.

[0077] Preferably, each cultivation tank is 0.30 meters deep.

[0078] In the particular embodiment shown in the figures, each cultivation level 16 comprises four cultivation tanks 17. Alternative embodiments of the system 1 wherein each cultivation level 16 may comprise a different number of cultivation tanks 17 cannot be ruled out.

[0079] The greenhouse 2 also comprises an irrigation group 18, 19 supplying water to the cultivation levels 16.

[0080] The irrigation group 18, 19 comprises a plurality of pipes 18, wherein each pipe 18 adducts water to a respective cultivation level 16 and sending means 19 for sending water to the pipes 18.

[0081] Additionally, the greenhouse 2, as visible in Figure 2 and Figure 3, comprises a plurality of hoists 20 which can be employed, e.g., by the operators to transport plants grown in the different cultivation levels 16 to the ground.

[0082] Additionally, the greenhouse 2 comprises stairs and elevators that can be employed by the operators to move between the various cultivation levels 16.

[0083] Conveniently, the greenhouse 2 comprises a power generation group 21 adapted to generate electricity starting from renewable sources.

[0084] Preferably, the power generation group 21 comprises at least one solar panel (not shown in the figures), installed on the roof of the greenhouse 2, and at least one wind turbine 22, installed on the roof of the greenhouse 2.

[0085] Conveniently, the power generation group 21 comprises a plurality of wind turbines 22.

[0086] Advantageously, the power generation group 21 is connected to lighting means adapted to light up the plants in the greenhouse 2 to activate chlorophyll photosynthesis.

[0087] Advantageously, the lighting means comprise at least one lighting device. Preferably, the lighting device is an LED lamp.

[0088] Conveniently, the greenhouse 2 comprises electricity storage means adapted to store the electricity produced by the power generation group 21 and not yet used by the lighting means to light up the plants.

[0089] The energy stored by the electricity storage means can be used to power the lighting means when, e.g., the power generation group 21 does not produce power such as during calm wind and / or during night hours and / or during poorly sunny days. A further aspect of the present invention relates to the installation method of the system 1 comprising at least the following phases: supply of the plant A, the plant A being provided with a chimney C for the expulsion of the flue gas produced in the room; supply of the system 1 provided with the greenhouse 2, the treatment group 3 and the connecting group 4; connection of the connecting group 4 to the plant A to intercept the flue gas produced by the plant A to convey it to the treatment group 3.

[0090] In practice, in order to install the system 1, it is first necessary to supply the plant A for the production of electricity with a fossil fuel.

[0091] According to a first embodiment of the method according to the invention, the phase of supplying the plant A comprises the step of supplying a pre-existing plant A.

[0092] In this case, the plant A is a pre-existing thermoelectric power plant that needs to be adapted and fitted so that it can be connected to the greenhouse 2 through the connecting group 4.

[0093] In such a case, the chimney C of the plant A is plugged and, if necessary, the chimney C on top of the demolition point is demolished.

[0094] Next, it is necessary to connect the connecting group 4 of the system 1 to the plant A and, with special reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, to connect the adduction channel 6 to the combustion chamber B of the plant A.

[0095] Again with special reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, the separation means 7, 8 of the system 1 are associated with the chimney C.

[0096] According to a different embodiment of the method according to the invention, the phase of supplying the plant A comprises the step of building the plant A. In this case, a thermoelectric power plant constituting the plant A is built.

[0097] Preferably, the plant A is a combined cycle thermoelectric power plant.

[0098] Notoriously, a combined cycle thermoelectric power plant is a thermoelectric power plant wherein fuel is fired in two thermodynamic cycles implemented in series.

[0099] The thermodynamic efficiency of a combined cycle thermoelectric power plant is greater than the efficiency of the thermodynamic efficiency of a single cycle thermoelectric power plant.

[0100] Specifically, the efficiency of a combined cycle thermoelectric power plant is about 60 percent; the efficiency of a single cycle thermoelectric power plant is about 40 percent.

[0101] Consequently, a combined cycle thermoelectric power plant produces less carbon dioxide than the amount produced by a single cycle thermoelectric power plant. Therefore, in the event of the plant A being a combined cycle thermoelectric power plant, a dimensionally smaller and less costly greenhouse 2 can be made than in the event of the plant A being a single cycle thermoelectric power plant because the amount of carbon dioxide to be converted is less for the same amount of fuel fired.

[0102] Given these considerations, it is possible to say that the system 1 according to the invention incentivizes the construction of thermoelectric power plants, e.g. combined cycle power plants.

[0103] Additionally, it can be argued that building new thermoelectric power plants and connecting them to a system 1 according to the invention, as well as upgrading pre-existing thermoelectric power plants, is cost-effective.

[0104] In fact, it is possible to say that the sale of vegetable produce grown in the greenhouse 2 is particularly profitable and the economic income from this activity almost completely covers the costs of building a new thermoelectric power plant or upgrading a pre-existing thermoelectric power plant.

[0105] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

[0106] Specifically, the system for the conversion of carbon dioxide according to the invention makes it possible to limit the environmental impact that thermoelectric power plants can have on the environment because it reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by them into the atmosphere.

[0107] Specifically, the system according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the total amount of carbon dioxide released into the environment by thermoelectric power plants because it converts this greenhouse gas into oxygen through a natural chemical process, namely chlorophyll photosynthesis.

[0108] Additionally, the sale of vegetable produce grown in greenhouses through carbon dioxide produced by a thermoelectric power plant can offset the costs arising from the construction of the greenhouse, the mechanical equipment required to transfer the flue gas from the thermoelectric power plant to the greenhouse as well as the salaries of personnel working in the greenhouses.

Claims

CLAIMS1) System (1) for the conversion of carbon dioxide, characterized by the fact that it comprises: at least one greenhouse (2) for growing at least one plant product; at least one treatment group (3) which is adapted to extract carbon dioxide from the flue gas produced by a power generation plant (A) as a result of the combustion of at least one fossil fuel; at least one connecting group (4) adapted to convey the flue gas produced by the plant (A) to said treatment group (3) and to convey the carbon dioxide leaving said treatment group (3) to said greenhouse (2), said plant product absorbing the carbon dioxide arriving from said treatment group (3) to release oxygen.2) System (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said treatment group (3) comprises separation means (7, 8) adapted to retain the solid residue in the flue gas produced by the plant (A).3) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said separation means (7, 8) comprise at least one electrostatic precipitator (7) adapted to retain the solid residue.4) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said treatment group (3) comprises heat treatment means (9) provided with at least one heat exchanger (10) adapted to extract the heat of the flue gas produced by the plant (A) to lower the temperature thereof.5) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said treatment group (3) comprises filtration means (12) adapted to separate nitrogen from the flue gas produced by the plant (A).6) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said filtration means (12) comprise at least one filtering body made, at least partly, of zeolite.7) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said connecting group (4) comprises movement means (14, 15) adapted to transport carbon dioxide leaving said treatment group (3) towards saidgreenhouse (2) and to distribute carbon dioxide evenly within said greenhouse (2).8) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises regulation means adapted to regulate the ratio between the concentration of oxygen and the concentration of carbon dioxide within said greenhouse (2).9) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said greenhouse (2) is of the hydroponic type.10) Installation method of a system (1) for the conversion of carbon dioxide according to one or more of claims 1 to 9 characterized by the fact that it comprises at least the following phases: supply of said plant (A), said plant (A) being provided with a chimney (C) for the expulsion of the flue gas produced in the room; supply of said system (1) provided with said greenhouse (2), said treatment group (3) and said connecting group (4); connection of said connecting group (4) to said plant (A) to intercept said flue gas produced by said plant (A) to convey it to said treatment group (3).

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