Fuel cell-based carbon capture method, apparatus, and system

Abstract

A fuel cell stack for capturing atmospheric carbon is provided. [Solution] The fuel cell stack includes a fuel electrode to which a liquid or gaseous metal fuel is supplied, an air electrode to which a gas mixture containing carbon dioxide and oxygen is supplied, and an electrolyte portion between the fuel electrode and the air electrode that transfers metal ions generated by an oxidation-reduction reaction of the metal fuel, and is characterized in that a carbon capture product containing a carbon component is generated at the air electrode based on the oxidation-reduction reaction of the gas mixture.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a fuel cell-based carbon capture system and method, and more particularly to a technique for capturing carbon dioxide from the air using a metal-air battery. [Background technology]

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries, a representative secondary battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, include a positive electrode using lithium oxide, a negative electrode that reversibly absorbs and releases lithium ions from the positive electrode to pass current through an external circuit, an electrolyte that transports the lithium ions, and a separator that allows only ions to move through fine pores inside.

[0003] Fuel cells are also used, which generate electrical energy by electrochemically reacting a fuel (e.g., metal) with an oxidant (e.g., air). The chemical reaction in a fuel cell can be carried out using a catalyst. Fuel cells can generate electricity continuously if they are continuously supplied with fuel and each component functions normally.

[0004] Metal-air batteries can use certain metals (e.g., iron, zinc, magnesium, or aluminum) for the negative electrode and an air cathode. Because metal-air batteries use air as the active material for the positive electrode, they can be relatively light in weight compared to batteries that use fuel pre-filled in the battery.

[0005] Meanwhile, amid the recent growing interest in the environment, direct carbon capture (DAC) and carbon capture and storage (CCS, hereafter referred to as "carbon capture and storage" in this specification) technologies are being actively researched. Direct carbon capture (DAC) refers to a technology that uses machines or devices to chemically or physically capture and remove carbon dioxide, a major culprit in global climate change, directly from the Earth's atmosphere, as well as systems that apply or include this technology. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) refers to a technology and system that uses physical or chemical methods to remove, capture, store, and utilize carbon dioxide from gases such as exhaust gases.

[0006] Carbon capture and storage (CCS) and direct carbon capture (DAC) are attracting attention as direct solutions to global climate change and can be used in a complementary manner. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] This specification discloses a method for applying carbon capture technology to fuel cell technology as a solution to global climate change. In order to continuously absorb carbon from the atmosphere using a fuel cell system, a continuous supply of fuel is required and carbon compounds generated as cell by-products must be removed.

[0008] Fuel cells can use metals as fuel, and most metals exist in a solid state at room temperature. Solid fuels can be difficult to insert into a fuel cell system due to their size, and hard metals can be difficult to insert by breaking them into pieces.

[0009] Here, solids have a relatively small surface area compared to liquids or gases, so they may be less reactive with air inside a fuel cell system. If a relatively reactive metal such as an alkali metal is used to increase reactivity, the fuel may react with air before being introduced into the fuel cell system, consuming the fuel, or there are limitations that make it difficult to manage.

[0010] In addition, the reaction between the fuel metal and air can produce carbon compounds, including carbonaceous materials that are intended to be captured in the atmosphere. These carbonaceous materials can accumulate in the positive electrode or air electrode. The carbonaceous materials accumulated in the air electrode can reduce electrical conductivity, making it difficult for the electrode to function properly, necessitating periodic replacement of the air electrode. However, because the air electrode is located inside the fuel cell system, replacing the air electrode alone can be difficult. Even if the remaining components (e.g., the electrolyte, separator, and fuel electrode) are in good condition, replacing the entire fuel cell may not be feasible from an environmental or cost perspective.

[0011] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a metal-air fuel cell with direct carbon capture (DAC) and carbon capture and storage (CCS) functions that can be used continuously while directly capturing carbon dioxide from the air, thereby overcoming the problems of conventional ion battery and metal-air battery technologies, which are energy-consuming and require technically complex equipment.

[0012] On the other hand, the problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure contained in the present disclosure belongs from this specification and the attached drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A carbon capture device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an air cartridge into which gas containing carbon components flows, a fuel cartridge into which fuel is injected, a fuel cell stack, a fuel supply line that supplies the fuel between the fuel cartridge and the fuel cell stack, and a controller. The fuel cell stack includes an anode including a fuel electrode where an oxidation reaction of fuel supplied from the fuel supply line occurs, a cathode including an air electrode where a reduction reaction of gas flowing from the air cartridge occurs, and an electrolyte including an electrolyte that transfers metal ions generated by the oxidation reaction of the fuel between the anode and the cathode. A carbon capture product is generated based on the reduction reaction of the cathode, and the cathode includes an electrode replacement module that can replace the air electrode. The controller controls the supply of the fuel supplied to the anode via the fuel supply line and the supply of the gas transferred to the cathode, and can determine whether at least a portion of the air electrode or the electrolyte is to be replaced based on the carbon capture product.

[0014] The control unit may be configured to control the temperature of the fuel cartridge to turn the injected fuel into a liquid or gaseous state, transfer the liquid or gaseous fuel to the negative electrode unit using the fuel supply line, control production of the carbon capture product based on a chemical reaction between the gas and the metal ions at the positive electrode unit, and utilize energy generated from the chemical reaction at the positive electrode unit to control the temperature of the fuel cartridge.

[0015] The control unit may also be configured to control the temperature inside the fuel cell stack so that the carbon capture product generated in the positive electrode unit is discharged in a fluid state through the fuel supply line, and to control the carbon capture product in a fluid state to be discharged to the outside using the fuel supply line.

[0016] The control unit may also be configured to determine to replace at least a portion of the electrolyte unit based on the electrical conductivity of the air electrode being below a predetermined level, or to determine to replace the air electrode based on the amount of the carbon capture products accumulating on the air electrode being above a specified level.

[0017] The control unit may also be configured to display information to a user indicating that replacement is necessary based on a determination to replace at least a portion of the air electrode or the electrolyte unit.

[0018] The air electrode may be physically connected to the electrode replacement module and configured in the form of a cartridge or a compartment so that it can be separated from the positive electrode section, and the control unit may be configured to automatically operate the electrode replacement module to separate the air electrode based on a determination to replace the air electrode.

[0019] The control unit may also be configured to control at least one of the pressure of the fuel supply, the flow rate, the temperature at which the fuel can be maintained in a liquid or gaseous state, and the supply amount.

[0020] The air cartridge may include an air fan, an air filter, and an air control module, wherein the air fan collects air and carbon dioxide in the air inside the air cartridge by rotating, the air filter filters the air collected through the air fan, and the air control module may be configured to measure air conditions including at least one of temperature, humidity, and wind speed, and to control at least one of the rotation speed of the air fan, the air compression ratio, the pressure in the carbon capture device, and the flow rate in the carbon capture device based on the measured air conditions.

[0021] The fuel cartridge may include a heating module, a chamber, and a fuel injection module, wherein the heating module is configured to detect the temperature inside the chamber and supply heat to the chamber, the chamber stores the fuel introduced therein, and heats the fuel inside the chamber using heat transferred from the heating module, and the fuel injection module is connected to the fuel supply line and configured to release the liquid or gaseous fuel outside the fuel cartridge.

[0022] The fuel injection module applies pressure using a compressor or a pump to supply fuel to the negative electrode portion of the fuel cell stack, the control unit recovers fuel that has not been combusted in the fuel cell stack through the fuel supply line, and the fuel cartridge heats the recovered fuel and supplies it again to the fuel cell stack.

[0023] The carbon capture device further includes a battery, which stores the electrical energy generated in the fuel cell stack and can supply the stored electrical energy to the fuel cartridge or transmit it to the outside.

[0024] The carbon capture device may further include at least one line distinct from the fuel supply line, and the control unit may be configured to move the carbon capture product produced in the positive electrode unit or the electrolyte in the electrolyte unit using the at least one line.

[0025] The fuel supply line is formed in a curved shape and can supply liquid or gaseous fuel to the fuel cell stack, supply unburned fuel back to the fuel cartridge, and discharge the carbon capture product generated in the positive electrode.

[0026] The fuel includes at least one of a metal fuel, a metal salt, an alloy, or an electride, and the fuel may include at least one of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Al, Sn, Zn, Cu, Nb, Ag, Ni, Cd, and Fe as constituents.

[0027] The fuel electrode of the anode portion or the air electrode of the cathode portion may include at least one of a carbon electrode, a graphite electrode, a metal-carbon composite electrode, a nanomaterial electrode, a catalyst composite electrode, a catalyst electrode, a semiconductor material electrode, a polymer electrode, a metal mash electrode, an organic / inorganic composite material electrode, a liquid electrode, a transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD) electrode, a graphene electrode, a carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode, or a metal oxide electrode.

[0028] On the other hand, the means for solving problems provided in the present disclosure are not limited to the means described above, and means for solving problems not mentioned should be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure contained in the present disclosure belongs from this specification and the attached drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present specification, it is possible to provide a metal-air fuel cell with direct carbon capture (DAC) and carbon capture and storage (CCS) functions that can directly capture carbon dioxide from the air and use it continuously, while solving the problems of conventional ion battery and metal-air battery technologies.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present specification, an open cell metal-air fuel cell and system can be provided that uses carbon dioxide as fuel to produce new renewable energy and reusable mineral resources through electrochemical oxidation and reduction reactions, and also directly removes carbon dioxide from air and exhaust gases, achieving carbon neutrality and carbon negativity to overcome the global climate change crisis.

[0031] According to one embodiment contained herein, carbon dioxide can be used as a fuel to generate electrical energy and simultaneously capture carbon dioxide while producing and obtaining mineralized metal carbonate resources at the air electrode.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present specification, a metal-air battery having a high energy density can be provided as a continuously usable secondary battery. That is, the metal-air fuel cell of the present specification has an open cell structure, thereby continuously supplying fuel metal, and includes a replaceable air electrode, thereby supplying electricity while directly capturing carbon dioxide from the air during the discharge process, and producing metal carbonate resources from the replaceable air electrode, thereby contributing commercially, economically, and environmentally.

[0033] More specifically, the carbon capture system of the present invention has a structure that allows the air electrode to be replaced, making it easy to replace only the air electrode. Furthermore, the carbon capture system discharges carbon compounds to the outside, increasing the replacement cycle of the air electrode, reducing the labor required for replacement due to deterioration of the air electrode's performance, and reducing the cost of replacing the air electrode.

[0034] The carbon capture system of the present invention supplies metal fuel (e.g., sodium) in a liquid or gaseous state under pressure, which increases the reaction rate of the fuel compared to supplying it in a solid state, making the fuel injection process more convenient.

[0035] The carbon capture system of the present invention can isolate metals in liquid or gaseous state from the outside until they are introduced inside the carbon capture system, preventing reaction and damage to the fuel.

[0036] The carbon capture system and method of the present specification can be directly applied to existing fuel cell stacks and systems, as it only changes the state of the supplied fuel to liquid or gas in situations where the fuel cell is configured in the form of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) or molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC).

[0037] The carbon capture system herein can utilize the heat or energy generated by the fuel cell to transform the fuel cell's state rather than dissipating it, thereby reducing the cost of heat generation.

[0038] The carbon capture systems and methods herein use the same fuel cell stacks and systems as existing fuels (e.g., hydrogen, city gas, LNG, biomass), but can use a metal fuel (e.g., alkali metal) that is relatively more reactive than existing fuels to enhance the reaction between the fuel and air. The carbon capture systems and methods can reduce costs because the high reactivity of the metal fuel eliminates the need for relatively expensive materials (e.g., noble metals) that are used to enhance chemical reactivity at the air electrode.

[0039] The carbon capture systems and methods herein can reduce the cost of carbon capture while reducing the unit cost of manufacturing fuel cells by doing so.

[0040] On the other hand, the effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects described above, and any unmentioned effects should be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an open cell metal-air fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]FIG. 10 is a reference diagram illustrating replacing a positive electrode part that has deteriorated due to the accumulation of carbon compounds according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a reference diagram illustrating a method for continuously supplying metal in a fluid form, such as liquid or gas, to a fuel electrode in an anode portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a reference diagram showing a structure in which an anode unit and an electrolyte unit are integrated into one module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a reference diagram illustrating a metal salt-air fuel cell that supplies metal ions in the form of metal salts according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a salt-air fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7a] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a carbon capture system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7b] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a carbon capture system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a fuel cell stack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9a] FIG. 1 illustrates the structure of a fuel cell stack 140 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9b] FIG. 1 illustrates the structure of a fuel cell stack 140 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates an arrangement for capturing air in an air cartridge in a carbon capture system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates an arrangement for supplying fuel from a fuel cartridge to a fuel cell stack in a carbon capture system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the reaction of fuel and air to capture carbon within a carbon capture system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a fuel cell-based carbon capture method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, since various modifications can be made to the embodiments, the scope of the patent application is not limited or restricted by such embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives to the embodiments are included in the scope of the patent application.

[0043] The terms used herein are used to describe the inventive concepts and embodiments contained in this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present invention to only the dictionary or phrasal meaning of the relevant term. For example, singular expressions in this specification can include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, in this specification, terms such as "comprise" or "have" mean the presence of any configuration, step, operation, or combination thereof, and do not exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of other configurations, steps, or operations unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0044] Unless otherwise stated herein, "connected" or "coupled" can include a component / feature being directly connected or coupled to another component / feature, or an indirect connection or coupling through intervening components / features, and does not necessarily mean a direct mechanical connection or coupling. Thus, the various schematic diagrams depicted in the figures show example arrangements of components and components, but additional intervening components, devices, features, or components may be present in an actual embodiment.

[0045] Generally, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is low, making direct carbon capture difficult, and direct capture of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere can require a lot of energy. If fossil fuels are used to generate the energy used, the amount of carbon in the atmosphere increases, which can lead to problems such as the amount of carbon dioxide produced to capture the carbon dioxide being greater than the amount of carbon dioxide captured. Furthermore, if carbon dioxide captured through carbon capture and storage technology is captured in gas form, methods such as dielectric injection or ground burial can be used, but these can lead to issues such as re-leachage, making it impossible to achieve substantial carbon reduction.

[0046] The carbon capture system according to the present disclosure captures carbon in the form of a stable solid carbon compound, making it easy to handle, such as by burying it, and capable of substantially reducing carbon in the atmosphere.

[0047] The principles of carbon capture using a fuel cell system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0048] A battery is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy and can include an anode, a cathode, a separator, and an electrolyte. The anode, known as the "fuel electrode" or "oxidation electrode," provides electrons through an oxidation reaction and can be made of metals rich in free electrons, such as zinc, lead, cadmium, and lithium. The cathode receives electrons from the anode and receives ions transferred through the electrolyte, causing a reduction reaction (the "reduction electrode"). Ceramics such as oxides and sulfides, which have ample space to accept ions, are typically used as the cathode material. Contact between the cathode and anode can result in the generation of heat from a chemical reaction, which can lead to fire. Therefore, a separator is required to prevent contact between the cathode and anode, and the electrolyte acts as a medium for ionic conduction, acting as a pathway for the movement of protons and metal ions.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an open cell metal-air fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Discharge of a metal-air battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure occurs spontaneously via an electrochemical oxidation-reduction reaction between the metal and air. In the metal-air battery, the negative electrode portion may serve as a fuel electrode and include a metal supplied as a fuel, and the positive electrode portion may include an air electrode to which air is supplied.

[0051] At the negative or oxidizing electrode, the metal M is ionized, and the ions flow through the electrolyte, while the electrons flow through the wire. At the positive electrode, a reduction reaction of oxygen initiates to produce superoxide, and a chemical reaction between the metal and oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air produces a carbon capture product. The carbon capture product is a carbon compound that is formed by the reaction of metal carbonates (such as Na2CO3) with M. a (CO3) b Meanwhile, carbon capture products generated through the fuel cell of the present disclosure can include, in addition to metal carbonates, C1 compounds consisting of one carbon atom, such as carbon monoxide (CO), formic acid (HCOOH), and formaldehyde (CHO), and C2 compounds consisting of two carbon atoms, such as ethylene (CH) and ethanol (CHOH). In addition to the above examples, organic compounds containing carbon atoms can also be generated as carbon capture products.

[0052] The carbon compounds produced by this reaction can be irregularly formed on the air electrode (positive electrode). The produced carbon compounds are non-conductive, highly stable, and have low reactivity, which limits electrochemical decomposition and allows for stable carbon capture.

[0053] The solid metal carbonates produced in the present disclosure are important mineral or chemical materials that can be reprocessed or used industrially, or the metal carbonates can be reprocessed and reused as metal fuels in fuel cells according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] Furthermore, even when solid metal carbonates are buried in the ground, they are mineralized solids, which reduces the possibility of captured carbon dioxide being released back into the air due to factors such as soil deformation, cracks, erosion, ground movement, and earthquakes. In other words, because the metal carbonates obtained according to the present disclosure are solid, they are easier to handle than gases, and as a result, they offer advantages such as economy and convenience in burying, handling, and distribution. Therefore, there is an additional effect of reducing energy consumption and the resulting additional carbon emissions that may occur during the handling and distribution of carbon dioxide capture results.

[0055] The metal-air oxidation-reduction reaction disclosed herein ultimately produces electrical energy and carbon compounds (e.g., metal carbonates), enabling carbon capture. According to the present disclosure, carbon capture can be sustained by continuously supplying metal fuel and replacing the air electrode, and the generated electrical energy can be directly utilized in the carbon capture process, thereby improving energy efficiency and achieving practical carbon negativity.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 1, an open-cell metal-air fuel cell and system are disclosed, which include an anode section including a fuel electrode (metal electrode), a cathode section including an air electrode, an electrolyte section (which may include any combination of possible electrolyte configurations, such as organic, inorganic, solid, or liquid, or a mixture thereof) that transfers metal ions as an intermediate medium between the electrodes, and a separation membrane section that separates these components. Here, the separation membrane section may be any separation membrane that functions as a separator. In one embodiment, the electrolyte section may be integrally formed with the separation membrane section. Also, in one embodiment, a plurality of electrolyte sections and / or separation membrane sections may be present.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a metal-air fuel cell may include a first opening through which an external gas containing carbon dioxide flows into the metal-air fuel cell, and a second opening through which a metal serving as a metal fuel flows in. The positive electrode section may be supplied with carbon dioxide from the external gas flowing in through the first opening, and the negative electrode section may be supplied with the metal serving as a metal fuel through the second opening.

[0058] The disclosed open cell metal-air fuel cells and systems use metal and carbon dioxide / oxygen as fuels to generate electrical energy and can directly capture and remove carbon dioxide from the air.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 1, the anode, which is the fuel electrode, must be able to continuously supply metal as a metal fuel. The cathode, which is the air electrode, must be continuously supplied with a gas (e.g., air) containing oxygen and carbon dioxide. An electrolyte portion capable of transferring metal ions between the electrodes may be present between the cathode and anode. When a liquid electrolyte is used as the electrolyte portion, the electrolyte portion may include a configuration for continuously supplying and circulating the electrolyte to the electrolyte portion. The anode portion, electrolyte portion, and cathode portion of the present disclosure may be separated from each other by a separator.

[0060] The metal supplied to the metal fuel cell of the present disclosure can be any substance and form that has reactivity and conductivity compatible with metal-air fuel cells. Examples of such substances and forms include alkali metals such as lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), and francium (Fr), as well as at least one of beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), radium (Ra), aluminum (Al), tin (Sn), manganese (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Nb), silver (Ag), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and iron (Fe). Alternatively, alloy compounds such as NaK can also be used as fuel. The above-listed substances are merely examples, and any substance and form that has reactivity and conductivity compatible with metal-air fuel cells can be used without limitation. The metal fuel may be supplied to the anode and ionized at the anode via an oxidation reaction, as described below.

[0061] The anode section can function as a fuel electrode where an oxidation reaction occurs. Metal fuel can be supplied to the anode.

[0062] The cathode part can function as an air electrode where a reduction reaction occurs. Air can be supplied to the cathode part.

[0063] The fuel electrode (anode) and air electrode (cathode) can be made of any material and form that is reactive, conductive, or semiconductive and compatible with metal-air fuel cells. For example, they can be carbon electrodes primarily composed of carbon, or they can be composite materials containing metals and other conductive materials other than carbon. In one embodiment, the fuel electrode (anode) and air electrode (cathode) can be made of metal, graphite, metal-carbon composites, single and composite materials, silicon-based catalyst composites, catalyst electrodes, semiconducting material electrodes, polymer electrodes, nanomaterial electrodes, metal mash electrodes, organic / inorganic composite material electrodes, liquid electrodes, TMD (transition metal dichalcogenides) electrodes, graphene electrodes, carbon nanotube (CNT) electrodes, and metal oxide electrodes. The fuel electrode (anode) and air electrode (cathode) of the present disclosure can be made of known electrode materials and current collector materials used in secondary batteries and fuel cells, preferably with chemical and corrosion resistance. This is merely an example, and the materials used for the fuel electrode (anode) and air electrode (cathode) are not limited to these.

[0064] The electrolyte portion, which serves as an intermediate medium for transmitting metal ions, can be any material and form suitable for metal-air fuel cells and capable of transmitting metal ions between the positive and negative electrodes. The electrolyte portion can include solid electrolytes, gel electrolytes, aqueous electrolytes, organic electrolytes, etc., and can also be configured in the form of a composite electrolyte containing one or more of these. The composite electrolyte must be capable of transferring / exchanging oxidized cations of the metal fuel used in the fuel cell of the present disclosure and should have excellent ionic conductivity. Furthermore, it is preferable to use materials and substances with excellent corrosion and chemical resistance.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrolyte unit may include a first electrolyte located on the fuel electrode side and a second electrolyte located on the air electrode side. In this case, the first electrolyte may include an organic electrolyte, and the second electrolyte may include an aqueous electrolyte. That is, the electrolyte unit of the present disclosure may be composed of a mixed (hybrid) electrolyte.

[0066] Materials that can be used in the electrolyte portion of the present disclosure include at least one of solid-state separator / electrolyte materials that allow the movement and exchange of metal fuel ions used in the fuel cell of the present disclosure, such as LiSICON and NaSICON; beta-alumina materials and other aluminum oxide materials that can be used when using sodium (Na) metal fuel; sulfide-based and chalcogenite-based materials including sulfur (S), selenium (Se), tellurium (Te), polonium (Po), and livermorium (Lv) with the metal fuel used in the present disclosure, such as LiS, NaS, and KS; solid polymer electrolyte materials that utilize organic materials, such as PEO; borohydride-based electrolyte materials composed of the metal fuel used in the present disclosure and BnHn anions; and organic electrolyte materials composed of metal salts, organic solvents, additives, etc. used in secondary batteries, or composite materials containing a mixture of these materials.

[0067] More specifically, organic electrolytes that can be used in embodiments of the present disclosure may include any one or more of the following materials, but are not limited to the following examples:

[0068] Types of cyclic carbonates: ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), butylene carbonate (BC), vinyl ethylene carbonate (VEC), etc. Types of chain carbonates: ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, ethylmethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, etc. Ether substances: 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,3-dioxolane, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, dibutyl ether, tetraglyme, diglyme, dimethoxyethane, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrofuran, etc. Ester substances: methyl acetate, acetate, n-propyl acetate, dimethyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, γ-butyrolactone, decanolide, valerolactone, mevalonolactone, caprolactone, etc. Alcohol-based substances: methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, etc. Amine substances: liquid ammonium-based substances selected from the group consisting of ethylenediamine, propylenediamine, methylenediamine, ethylamine, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, hexamethyleneimine, diisopropylamide, diethanolamine, diethyleneamine, and combinations thereof, or selected from the group consisting of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, diaminohydroxypropanetetraacetic acid, and combinations thereof, or liquid amines capable of forming solvated electrons selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrofuran, dimethyl sulfoxide, hexamethylphosporamide, diethylamine, triethylamine, diethylenetriamine, toluenediamine, m-phenylenediamine, diphenylmethanediamine, hexamethylenediamine, triethylenetetraamine, tetraethylenepentamine, hexamethylenetetraamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, and combinations thereof. Other substances: pyrrolidinium, alkyl ammonium, piperidinium, imidazolium, dimethyl sulfoxide, pyridinium, imidazolium, pyrrolidinium, ammonium, phosphonium, sulfonium, 1,2-dioxolane, sulfolane, methyl sulfolane, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, formamide, dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, nitromethane, trimethyl phosphate, triethyl phosphate, trimethyl phosphate Octyl, phosphoric acid triester fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), 4,5-difluoroethylene carbonate, 4,4-difluoroethylene carbonate, 4,4,5-trifluoroethylene carbonate, 4,4,5,5-tetrafluoroethylene carbonate, 4-fluoro-5-methylethylene carbonate, 4-fluoro-4-methylethylene carbonate, 4,5-difluoro-4-methylethylene carbonate, 4,4,5-trifluoro-5-methylethylene carbonate, trifluoromethylethylene carbonate, etc.

[0069] Aqueous electrolytes that can be used in embodiments of the present disclosure may include any one or more of the following materials, but are not limited to the following examples:

[0070] M a (CO3) b Carbonate systems including M a (OH) b hydroxide system containing M a O b Oxide system containing M a X b(where X is fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), astatine (At), or tennessine (Ts)) In addition, anions that bond ionically with the cation of metal M (BF4 - , C.N. - , PF6 - , AsF6 - , N(CN)2 - , SbF6 - , AlCl4 - , HSO4 - , ClO4 - , SO4 - , CF3SO3 - , CF3CO2 - , (C2F5SO2)(CF3SO2)N - , NO3 - , Al2Cl7 - , CH3COO - , CH3SO3 - , TFSi - , (CF3SO2)3C - , (CF3CF2SO2)2N - , (CF3SO2)2N - , (FSO2)2N - , (CF3)2PF4 - , (CF3)3PF3 - , (CF3)4PF2 - , (CF3)5PF - , (CF3)6P - , SF5CF2SO3 - , SF5CHFCF2SO3 - , CF3CF2(CF3)2CO - , (CF3SO2)2CH - , (SF5)3C - , (C2F5SO2)(CF3SO2)N - , and (O(CF3)2C2(CF3)2O)2PO - Ionic substances including Here, M refers to a metal used as a fuel in the fuel cell of the present disclosure, and can include any of alkali metals such as lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), and francium (Fr), as well as beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), radium (Ra), aluminum (Al), tin (Sn), manganese (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Nb), silver (Ag), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and iron (Fe).

[0071] The separation membrane unit can provide a metal ion migration path suitable for a metal-air fuel cell. The separation membrane unit can be any material and form that can separate components including a cathode and an anode. Materials and forms that can be used as the separation membrane unit include, for example, at least one of a polymer separation membrane, a membrane separation membrane, an inorganic separation membrane, a composite separation membrane, and an ion-permeable separation membrane. These are merely examples, and the materials and forms that can be used as the separation membrane unit are not limited thereto. The separation membrane unit may be integrated into the electrolyte unit as needed. The separation membrane unit physically separates the anode unit, the electrolyte unit, and the cathode unit, and can control the migration of only ionic substances.

[0072] On the other hand, when the electrolyte unit includes both an aqueous electrolyte and an organic electrolyte, the electrolyte unit may include a separation membrane that separates the aqueous electrolyte from the organic electrolyte. In this case, the separation membrane that separates the aqueous electrolyte from the organic electrolyte may be made of a material having ion conductivity that allows only ions of the metal used as the fuel to pass through. Examples of such separation membrane materials include, but are not limited to, sulfide-based, oxide-based, polymer electrolytes, gel-type electrolytes, and liquid electrolytes.

[0073] A metal-air fuel cell can continuously supply at least one metal as a metal fuel to the anode and a gas containing at least one of oxygen and carbon dioxide to the cathode. An ionization reaction of the metal, which is the metal fuel, occurs in the anode, and an electrochemical oxidation-reduction reaction of oxygen and / or carbon dioxide occurs in the cathode. Electrical energy and carbon compounds containing metal carbonates can be produced through the oxidation-reduction reaction in the cathode.

[0074] In this case, the accumulation of carbon compounds generated in the positive electrode portion can reduce the performance of the positive electrode portion. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the performance of the positive electrode portion decreases, the positive electrode portion or the air electrode can be replaced. That is, the positive electrode portion or the air electrode of the present disclosure is detachable and may be removed and replaced with a new electrode if certain conditions are met.

[0075] FIG. 2 is a reference diagram illustrating the replacement of a positive electrode section that has deteriorated due to the accumulation of carbon compounds according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] The metal-air fuel cell of the present disclosure can maintain or improve the performance of the metal-air fuel cell by replacing a cathode assembly having an air electrode with reduced performance or by replacing an air electrode with reduced performance. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cathode assembly or air electrode can be integrated with the electrolyte assembly and / or the separation membrane assembly and replaced together. Alternatively, the cathode assembly, air electrode, electrolyte assembly, or separation membrane assembly can be configured as a module so that each of them can be replaced.

[0077] For this purpose, one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a structure or device for replacing the cathode section, the air electrode, the electrolyte section, or the separation membrane section, or an assembly of one or more of them. In one embodiment, the replaceable cathode section, the air electrode, the electrolyte section, the separation membrane section, and / or an assembly thereof may be formed in the fuel cell as a structure that can be replaced using a known cartridge replacement method or filter replacement method. For this purpose, the fuel cell may be provided with a slot into which the cartridge or filter is inserted and an opening that communicates with the slot.

[0078] The metal supplied to the anode portion as the metal fuel may have various forms (e.g., liquid, solid, or gas). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the metal may be supplied in the form of a liquid or gas.

[0079] In the present disclosure, when a liquid electrolyte is used, the electrolyte unit that transfers metal ions from the negative electrode unit to the positive electrode unit may have a structure in which the liquid electrolyte is continuously supplied and circulated. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrolyte contained in the electrolyte unit is continuously supplied from the outside and can also be replaced.

[0080] In one embodiment, the electrolyte portion of the present disclosure can be composed of a solid electrolyte when the operating temperature of the metal-air battery of the present disclosure is high, or can be composed of a liquid electrolyte when the operating temperature of the metal-air battery is low. In one embodiment, the electrolyte portion can be composed of a polymer electrolyte, a gel electrolyte, or the like.

[0081] The separation membrane portion of the present disclosure may be integrated into the electrolyte portion, for example, provided on the electrolyte portion at the contact surface between the electrolyte portion and each electrode, or may be omitted if no separation membrane is required between the electrolyte portion and each electrode.

[0082] The above-described structure of the metal-air fuel cell is merely an example, and the structure of the metal-air fuel cell can be determined differently depending on the operating temperature, operating conditions, and the materials, structures, or shapes of the anode, cathode, and electrolyte parts.

[0083] FIG. 3 is a reference diagram illustrating a method for continuously supplying metal in a fluid form, such as liquid or gas, to a fuel electrode in the anode portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 3, the metal-air fuel cell of the present disclosure can continue to operate as a fuel cell by replenishing the metal at the fuel electrode consumed during the discharge process with metal in fluid form as the metal fuel.

[0085] FIG. 4 is a reference diagram showing a structure in which an anode section and an electrolyte section are integrated into one module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] 4, the integrated module can include a metal supply section and can continue to supply metal fuel through the metal supply section. Within the integrated module, the metal supply section can be physically separated from the electrolyte section by a separation membrane.

[0087] On the other hand, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel cell may have the structure of a metal salt-air fuel cell in which metal ions are supplied in the form of a metal salt, such as a salt, instead of directly supplying the metal via the fuel electrode, or may be implemented in combination with a metal-air fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure that includes a metal fuel electrode.

[0088] FIG. 5 is a reference diagram illustrating a metal salt-air fuel cell that supplies metal ions in the form of metal salts according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 5, a metal salt-air fuel cell can include an anode portion, an electrolyte portion, a cathode portion, and a separator membrane separating them.

[0090] The anode part can be a highly efficient electrode such as a carbon electrode, a carbon catalyst electrode, a platinum electrode, etc. The anode part can include a metal of the metal salt supplied to the electrolyte part.

[0091] The cathode section is equipped with an air electrode, which can continuously supply gas containing oxygen / carbon dioxide.

[0092] The electrolyte portion may contain metal ions in the form of a metal salt, which may be a metal salt of a metal such as the metal fuel supplied to the fuel electrode in the metal-air fuel cell of the present disclosure.

[0093] In metal salt-air fuel cells, metal ions supplied in the form of metal salts can be of any substance and form that has reactivity and conductivity compatible with metal salt-air fuel cells. Examples of metal ions that can be used include alkali metals such as lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), and francium (Fr); alkaline earth metals such as beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), and radium (Ra); and aluminum (Al), tin (Sn), manganese (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Nb), silver (Ag), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and iron (Fe). The metal salts used are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0094] In one embodiment, the metal salt may be a metal salt with an ionic bond such as chloride, hydroxide, carbonate, etc. The salt used in the present disclosure may be, but is not limited to, a chloride anion, a hydroxide anion, a carbonate anion, etc.

[0095] The metal salt is supplied directly to the electrolyte section in the form of a salt, and dissolves in the electrolyte to form metal cations and salt anions. In one embodiment, the electrolyte containing the dissolved metal salt or the metal salt can be added through a flow path connected to an opening provided in the electrolyte section. In one embodiment, a means for opening and closing the opening and / or flow path or controlling the supply amount may be provided to adjust the supply of such metal salt.

[0096] The supplied metal cations move to the cathode, where a CO2 reduction reaction and other additional reactions occur, resulting in the formation of metal carbonates (M a (CO3) b ) and other carbon compounds may be produced.

[0097] The anions of the salt can migrate to the anode, lose electrons, and be oxidized to produce by-products.

[0098] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a salt-air fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 6, fuel cell maintenance and power generation costs can be reduced by using metal salts as the feed fuel, such as salts that are cheaper and more abundant than metals.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 6, the air electrode (positive electrode) is heated by the oxidation-reduction reaction described above. a (CO3) b When the by-product (e.g., Na2CO3) is produced and carbon is collected, the efficiency of the metal salt-air battery decreases, and the electrolyte part can be replaced or replaced with a new air electrode.

[0101] Meanwhile, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, in addition to the metal-air fuel cell or metal salt-air fuel cell described above, other fuel cells can be used to capture carbon. The principle of carbon capture used in the present disclosure is an oxidation-reduction reaction using a reducing agent that can react with air to reduce carbon. Therefore, a substance with strong reducing properties, such as an alkali metal, can be used to capture carbon from air as a fuel. For example, the substance supplied to the fuel electrode of the present disclosure may include an electride solution.

[0102] Electride solutions are ionic compounds in which electrons are anions, and are generally prepared by mixing an organic solution with an alkali metal. The organic solution used to prepare the electride solution can contain amines such as ammonia. Meanwhile, amines can act as organic electrolytes in the metal-air fuel cells described above.

[0103] According to one embodiment, an electride may be produced by combining a metal fuel and amines. In this case, the electride formed by combining a metal fuel and amines can be supplied as a metal fuel to a metal-air fuel cell, and the amines can also function as an electrolyte without a separate electrolyte. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when a fuel cell is used in which the anode and electrolyte are integrated, an electride fuel can be used as the fuel. That is, the electride formed by combining a metal fuel and amines can function as both a metal fuel and an electrolyte in a metal-air fuel cell. The electride formed by combining a metal fuel and amines can be supplied as a metal fuel through a line connected to a fuel electrode (e.g., fuel electrode 1212 in FIG. 12). Alternatively, because the amines in the electride function as an electrolyte, the electrolyte can be supplied to the fuel cell without a separate line connected to an electrolyte module (e.g., electrolyte module 1224 in FIG. 12). In this case, the fuel cell supply unit and the organic electrolyte unit may be integrated, or a line connected to the electrolyte module 1224 may be connected to the fuel electrode 1212 to form a single line. If the fuel cell supply and organic electrolyte are in one form, or if the line connected to the electrolyte module 1224 is connected to the fuel electrode 1212 in one line, the internal structure of the metal-air fuel cell can be relatively simple.

[0104] According to another embodiment, a fuel cell can be configured to supply a metal fuel as a fuel and an amine as an electrolyte. The electrolyte can be composed of only an organic electrolyte (e.g., an amine), an organic electrolyte (e.g., an amine) further containing an aqueous electrolyte, or a composite electrolyte. In this case, the fuel cell can include a first line connected to the fuel electrode 1212 for supplying the metal fuel and a separate second line connected to the electrolyte module 1224 for supplying the electrolyte, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0105] In electrides, electrons may exist in the form of anions outside the metal, rather than inside it. Electride solutions have the advantage of being less reactive in air than alkali metals, less explosive, and easier to use because they are fluids. Since they have as strong a reducing property as alkali metals, they can be used in fuel cells to react with air and capture carbon.

[0106] Furthermore, electrides have the property of changing color from blue to transparent as their reactivity decreases, which has the advantage of being easy to distinguish between reactivities using color for visibility, making it easier to control fuel supply.

[0107] That is, in addition to the metals and metal salts mentioned above, a variety of substances can be used as fuels in the carbon capture system of the present disclosure.

[0108] The specific configuration and operation method of a carbon capture system utilizing the principles of a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0109] The carbon capture system of the present disclosure may be implemented as a single device or as a combination of individual devices or physically distinct modules, and therefore, the terms "carbon capture system" and "carbon capture device" are used interchangeably throughout this disclosure.

[0110] 7a and 7b illustrate, in block diagram form, an exemplary configuration of a carbon capture system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] 7a and 7b are merely exemplary, and any combination of components may be used to achieve the objectives of the present disclosure. That is, a carbon capture system or a carbon capture device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include all of the components shown, or may omit some of the components or include additional components not shown.

[0112] However, the present disclosure includes not only a carbon capture device in which each component is organically combined, but also each component implemented independently, i.e., the present specification includes each individual device element for constituting a carbon capture system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] In FIG. 7 a , a carbon collector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can include a fuel cartridge 110 , an air cartridge 120 , a fuel cell module 130 , and a battery 150 .

[0114] The fuel cartridge 110 may include a chamber 112, a heating module 114, and a fuel injection module 116. The fuel cartridge is a module for supplying fuel to the fuel electrode (anode) of the fuel cell module 130. The fuel supplied to the fuel cartridge may include metal M, an alloy that is in a liquid state at room temperature such as NaK, an electride solution, or a metal salt. That is, if the fuel cell module applied to the carbon collection device of the present disclosure is a metal-air fuel cell, the fuel may be a metal, and if it is a metal salt-air fuel cell, the fuel may be a metal salt.

[0115] The fuel supplied through the fuel cartridge can be any material and form that has reactivity and conductivity compatible with a fuel cell stack, such as a metal-air fuel cell, a metal salt-air fuel cell, or other fuel cell. The fuel supplied through the fuel cartridge can be any of the metals, alloys, electrides, or metal salts listed in the above-described embodiments, but is not limited to the materials exemplified in this disclosure. For example, the metal M supplied to the fuel cartridge according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be sodium (Na). In one embodiment, when sodium is used as the metal fuel, the fuel cartridge 110 can perform a process of introducing the metal fuel, sodium, into the fuel cell stack.

[0116] The chamber 112 may perform functions including fuel loading, storage and / or pre-processing, such as heating.

[0117] When fuel cell module 130 includes a metal-air battery, metal fuel may be introduced as fuel in a solid state or in a fluid state, including liquid and gas, via fuel injection module 116. The introduced metal fuel can be introduced into chamber 112 through an opening formed in chamber 112 for storage and processing.

[0118] According to one embodiment, after the metal fuel is introduced into the chamber 112, the chamber has an environment sealed from the outside, and the interior of the chamber can be maintained in a vacuum or low-pressure state. By lowering the pressure inside the chamber, it is possible to prevent highly reactive metal fuel, such as alkali metals, from reacting within the chamber. Furthermore, when the interior of the chamber is maintained in a vacuum or low-pressure state after the metal fuel is introduced, the melting point and vaporization point of the metal fuel are further lowered, resulting in the metal fuel more easily changing into a liquid or gas state and being maintained.

[0119] The heating module 114 can supply heat to the chamber 112 to melt the metal fuel introduced. For example, if the metal fuel is sodium, the heating module 114 can supply heat to maintain a temperature higher than the melting point of sodium (approximately 97.79°C) so that the sodium becomes liquid. This is merely an example, and the temperature maintained by the heating module 114 can vary depending on the melting point of the metal fuel introduced. The heating module 114 can supply heat conventionally or using an electric coil. The heating module 114 can include a temperature sensor that detects the internal temperature of the system. The heating module 114 can supply heat by receiving external power or by using internal power generated by the fuel cell and stored in the battery 150. The carbon capture system described herein can reduce heat supply costs by utilizing heat or energy generated by the fuel cell to convert the state of the metal fuel or to drive the carbon capture device.

[0120] On the other hand, if the fuel cell module 130 includes a metal salt-air battery, the fuel supplied to the chamber 112 may be a metal salt. According to one embodiment, the supplied metal salt may be in a liquid state. To promote the reaction of the metal salt, the fuel cartridge 110 may supply the metal salt at an elevated temperature using the heating module 114. The heating module 114 may be used to maintain the temperature of the metal salt stored in the chamber 112 at an optimal reaction temperature. According to another embodiment, the supplied metal salt may be in a solid state. In this case, to supply the metal salt in a fluid state to the fuel cell module 130, the metal salt may be supplied in an electrolyte solution using a water supply device that supplies a solvent such as water, or in a molten state using the heating module 114.

[0121] On the other hand, if the fuel supplied to the fuel cartridge is in a liquid state at room temperature, such as NaK, an electride, or a metal salt, the fuel supply system used in the carbon capture system of the present disclosure may be maintained and operated at low temperatures (e.g., room temperature), and therefore a heating and cooling device such as a heating module may not be required.

[0122] The fuel injection module 116 can inject metal fuel into the fuel cell stack 140 of the fuel cell module 130. The fuel injection module 116 can inject the metal fuel or metal salt, which has been converted to a liquid or gaseous state in the chamber 112, into the fuel cell module 130 under pressure using a compressor or pump. The carbon capture system herein supplies the metal fuel converted to a liquid or gaseous state under pressure, which can increase the reaction rate of the fuel compared to supplying it in a solid state and make the fuel injection process more convenient. That is, liquid or gaseous fuel can be more advantageously supplied through a line compared to solid state fuel.

[0123] The fuel injection module 116 can also receive metal fuel that was not combusted on the fuel cell stack 140 to provide heat and then resupply it to the fuel cell stack 140 to reduce the amount of metal fuel stacked without combustion and increase the efficiency of the fuel cell. To this end, in one embodiment, the fuel injection module 116 can also recover fuel from the fuel cell module 130 via a fuel outlet that recovers metal. In one embodiment, metal fuel that was not combusted or chemically reacted in the fuel cell stack may be returned to the fuel injection module 116 via the upper outlet.

[0124] While the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a configuration for supplying fuel in a fluid state to the fuel cell module to improve reactivity and facilitate fuel supply, other embodiments are also possible. That is, the supplied metal fuel or metal salt does not necessarily have to be in a fluid state, but can be supplied in a solid state without a separate heat treatment. When the metal fuel or metal salt is supplied in a solid state, the fuel cartridge is a cartridge containing the solid fuel, and the metal fuel or metal salt can be supplied to the fuel cell module 130 by replacing the fuel cartridge when burning.

[0125] In one embodiment, the fuel usage efficiency of the fuel cell can be improved by setting the metal fuel or metal salt fuel to be supplied in accordance with the amount of fuel consumed by the fuel cell per hour during the above process.

[0126] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air cartridge 120 can include an air fan 122, an air filter 124, and an air control module 126. The air cartridge is a module for supplying air to the fuel cell stack. In one embodiment, the air cartridge can collect air from the atmosphere, pre-treat the collected air so that it is suitable for supplying to the fuel cell stack, and then supply the pre-treated air to the fuel cell stack.

[0127] The air fan 122 can perform the function of collecting air and carbon dioxide in the air into the air cartridge by rotation.

[0128] The air filter 124 may include a function of filtering foreign matter (eg, solid matter such as dust) from the air collected via the air fan 122 .

[0129] The air control module 126 can control the overall operation of the air cartridge, for example, the process of collecting air inside the carbon capture system. The air control module 126 can measure air conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, wind speed) and, based on the measured air conditions, control the rotation speed of the air fan 122, the air compression ratio, the pressure inside the carbon capture system, and the flow rate inside the carbon capture system. Based on the air conditions, the air control module 126 can adjust the collected air to a state suitable for supplying to the fuel cell stack 140.

[0130] In one embodiment, the air cartridge 120 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can compress, heat, or cool air to produce, control, or supply air suitable for a fuel cell reaction. For example, if the flow rate of air supplied to the fuel cell stack 140 is relatively fast and the measured air pressure is high, the air control module 126 can control the air fan 122 to slow down or release air from above the fuel cell stack 140 to the outside to reduce the pressure. As another example, the air control module 126 can store carbon dioxide from the air in the air cartridge 120 to improve carbon capture performance and supply a processed, high-concentration carbon dioxide gas mixture to the fuel cell stack 140.

[0131] The fuel cell module 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may refer to a module that generates electrical energy using an oxidation-reduction reaction between a fuel electrode and an air electrode and performs the function of capturing carbon. The fuel cell module 130 of the present disclosure may refer to an embodiment of a fuel cell, such as a metal-air battery or a metal salt-air battery, that receives fuel from a fuel cartridge 110 and air from an air cartridge 120.

[0132] A fuel cell module 130 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can include a controller 132 , an electrode replacement module 134 , and a fuel cell stack 140 .

[0133] While Figures 7a and 7b show the control unit 132 as being included in the fuel cell module 130, the control unit 132 may be included in other components within the carbon capture system or may exist independently.

[0134] The control unit 132 may control the overall operation of the carbon capture device or carbon capture system.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the control unit 132 detects the operating status of the fuel cell stack 140 in the carbon capture device and can control at least one of the temperature, internal pressure, flow rate of supplied fuel, flow rate of collected air, amount of power generated by the fuel cell, and durability of the electrodes. Specifically, the control unit 132 can receive temperature information of each component of the carbon capture system and adjust the temperature by cooling or heating each component based on the temperature information. The control unit 132 can also receive information on at least one of the internal pressure of each component, inflow and outflow rates of fuel and air, amount of power generated, and durability of each electrode, measured via a sensor or calculated based on the measurement information, and can control the received value to be within a target range based on the information.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the control unit 132 may further include a power conversion system for converting direct current electricity generated by the fuel cell into alternating current. The control unit 132 may also control operations or functions performed by the fuel cartridge 110 and the air cartridge 120. More specifically, the control unit 132 may control the amount of fuel supplied to the fuel cell stack 140 or the time point at which the fuel is supplied. The control unit 132 may control the amount of air supplied to the fuel cell stack 140 or the time point at which the air is supplied. The control unit 132 may measure the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell stack 140 to determine or decide when to replace the positive electrode.

[0137] The electrode replacement module 134 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide the ability to replace the positive electrode portion (air electrode, cathode, reduction electrode) of the fuel cell stack 140 to prevent loss of electrode function.

[0138] In the fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the more a chemical reaction is carried out, the more carbon compounds (or carbon mineralized resources (e.g., M a (CO3) b ) may accumulate, resulting in weakening or loss of electrode function.

[0139] In one embodiment, the electrode replacement module 134 may include a mechanism including an opening, slot, or any member or device for applying a mechanical restraint force during insertion when the fuel cell stack 140 includes an insertable and removable positive electrode portion in the form of a cartridge.

[0140] In one embodiment, the electrode replacement module 134 may include a device that applies a force to move the positive electrode part in at least one direction to insert or remove the positive electrode part. The electrode replacement module may include, for example, an elastic member or motor that applies a force to push or pull the positive electrode part, or an electronic device that generates an electromagnetic force, or an electromagnet or magnetic member that can be attached or detached by external control. Alternatively, the electrode replacement module may include a structure corresponding to a handle on the positive electrode part, which allows the user to more easily remove the positive electrode part.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the electrode replacement module 134 measures the degree to which by-products have accumulated on the positive electrode and components in the fuel cell stack 140, and can automatically replace the positive electrode when the amount of accumulated by-products exceeds a specified level. Alternatively, the electrode replacement module 134 can transmit information to the control unit 132 indicating that the positive electrode should be replaced when the amount of accumulated by-products exceeds a specified level. The control unit 132 can receive information indicating that the positive electrode should be replaced from the electrode replacement module 134 and display it to a user.

[0142] The fuel cell stack 140 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can generate electrical energy by chemically reacting fuel supplied from the fuel cartridge 110 and air supplied from the air cartridge 120. In other words, the fuel cell stack 140 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can refer to the air fuel cell of the present disclosure.

[0143] A fuel cell stack 140 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include separator plates, gas diffusion layers, fuel electrodes, an electrolyte, and an air electrode, the detailed configuration of which is illustrated in Figures 8, 9a, and 9b.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the battery 150 may perform the function of storing the electrical power generated by the chemical reactions in the fuel cell module 130 .

[0145] The control unit 132 can store the power generated by the fuel cell module 130 in the battery 150 or supply the power stored in the battery to the interior of the carbon capture system (e.g., the fuel cartridge 110, the air cartridge 120). For example, the control unit 132 can supply the power stored in the battery 150 to the fuel cartridge 110, and the heating module 114 in the fuel cartridge 110 can use the power supplied from the battery to change the state of the input fuel to a gas or liquid.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the battery 150 of the present disclosure is detachable from the carbon capture device. Once fully charged, the battery 150 can be detached and used to provide power for other electronic devices.

[0147] Also, a discharged or uncharged battery can be combined with the carbon capture device of the present disclosure and charged with electrical energy generated from the fuel cell module 130. Alternatively, instead of the battery 150 configuration, any electronic device that runs on electrical energy can be connected and powered by the device of the present disclosure.

[0148] That is, the battery 150 of the present disclosure can include any electronic device or power storage device that is powered by the power generated by the carbon capture device.

[0149] The carbon capture system of the present disclosure can transmit electrical energy generated from the fuel cell module 130 to an external system. In this case, electrical energy can be provided to the outside by directly connecting to the external system or by transmitting power stored in the battery 150 to the external system.

[0150] 7b shows a configuration in which the fuel cell module 130 further includes an electrolyte module 136. The electrolyte module 136 may perform the function of managing the electrolyte supplied to the electrolyte section in the fuel cell stack 140.

[0151] In one embodiment, the electrolyte module 136 may pressurize liquid electrolyte into the electrolyte portion of the fuel cell stack 140 using an injection device such as a compressor or pump and supply the pressurized electrolyte through an electrolyte inlet of the fuel cell stack 140. The pressure, flow rate, temperature, supply amount, and the like of the electrolyte supply may be controlled by the electrolyte module 136. In one embodiment, the electrolyte module 136 may collect liquid electrolyte from the electrolyte portion of the fuel cell stack through an electrolyte outlet. In the present disclosure, the electrolyte module 136 may be used to supply and / or replace the electrolyte in the electrolyte portion of the fuel cell stack to maintain and manage the electrolyte in the electrolyte portion. In one embodiment, when the fuel cell module 130 includes a metal salt-air battery, the supply pressure, flow rate, temperature, supply amount, and the like of the metal salt supplied through the electrolyte module 136 may be controlled.

[0152] The carbon capture system and method of the present specification can be applied to existing fuel cell stacks and systems as it only changes the state of the supplied fuel to liquid or gas in situations where the fuel cell is configured in the form of a SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) or MCFC (molten carbonate fuel cell).

[0153] The carbon capture system and method described herein uses the same fuel cell stack and system as existing fuels (e.g., hydrogen, city gas, LNG, biomass), but can enhance the reaction between the fuel and air by using a metal fuel (e.g., alkali metal) that is relatively more reactive than existing fuels. The carbon capture system and method can reduce costs by eliminating the need for relatively expensive materials (e.g., precious metals) that are used to enhance the chemical reactivity of the air electrode due to the high reactivity of the metal fuel. The carbon capture system and method described herein can reduce the cost of carbon capture while lowering the unit cost of fuel cell production by reducing costs. Furthermore, using a liquid or gaseous fuel can eliminate or simplify the process of improving the reactivity of the fuel with the electrode, since the surface area of ​​the fuel is relatively large compared to a solid fuel, making the reaction more likely to occur.

[0154] According to one embodiment, when the fuel cell is configured in the form of a high-temperature fuel cell (e.g., molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)), the ions (e.g., CO3) generated at the air electrode are 2- ions) can migrate through the electrolyte to the fuel electrode. The ionized metal (e.g., sodium ions) located at the fuel electrode and the ions (e.g., CO3 2-The carbon ions) can cause a chemical reaction to produce carbon compounds (e.g., Na2CO3). The interior of a high-temperature fuel cell (e.g., a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC)) can operate at a specified temperature (e.g., 600°C) or higher to maintain the produced carbon compounds in a liquid or gaseous state. The carbon capture system can discharge the liquid or gaseous carbon compounds to the outside via a fuel injection line connected to the fuel injection module 116. The carbon capture system can discharge the carbon compounds to the outside using the fuel injection line designed for injecting fuel, eliminating the need for additional components (e.g., a discharge line), thereby reducing complexity and cost. Furthermore, the carbon capture system and method described herein can store the discharged carbon compounds for sale or other uses.

[0155] Meanwhile, when the fuel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure uses an alloy metal that is liquid at room temperature, such as NaK, the carbon capture system of the present disclosure can be applied in combination with an SOFC fuel cell system or a PEMFC system that has a low operating temperature.

[0156] 8 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a fuel cell stack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The block diagram starting from FIG. 8 illustrates the components of the fuel cell stack in a modularized form for ease of explanation, and is unrelated to the actual structure.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 8, the fuel cell stack 140 can include an external connection module 141 , a diffusion layer 143 , a fuel electrode 145 , an electrolyte portion 147 , and an air electrode 149 .

[0158] The external connection module 141 of the present disclosure may perform the function of separating the fuel cell stack from external components. The external connection module 141 may also perform the function of a separator plate that distinguishes the fuel cell stack. In this case, the term external connection module 141 is an arbitrary name, and in the present disclosure, the external connection module 141 refers to a module that performs the function of separating the internal structure of the fuel cell stack that performs the fuel cell function, such as a separation module, separator plate, boundary, or interface, from other components.

[0159] Meanwhile, the external connection module 141 may be formed in a curved line and function as a passage through which fuel and air are supplied. That is, the fuel cell stack 140 may be connected to a fuel cartridge and an air cartridge via the external connection module 141 to receive the fuel and air. The external connection module 141 may include openings as inlets and outlets for the metal fuel and air (or gas), and flow paths communicating therewith. Here, the flow paths may have a shape as needed to accommodate the diffusion of the metal fuel and air through the diffusion layer 143. For example, referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the external connection module 141 may have a curved shape to ensure a contact area between the flow paths and the diffusion layer 143.

[0160] The diffusion layer 143 can diffuse the fuel and air supplied through the lines of the external connection module 141. The diffusion layer 143 can be composed of a material and matrix suitable for diffusing the fuel and air. The diffusion layer 143 can be omitted, integrated into other components, or arranged in a different configuration than that of Figures 9a and 9b, if desired, within the carbon capture system.

[0161] The fuel electrode 145 may include an electrode where the fuel (reducing agent, such as an alkali metal, metal salt, or electride) supplied from the fuel cartridge 110 is oxidized. The fuel electrode 145 may be made of a carbon-based material (e.g., graphite, carbon paper, or carbon black). Carbon-based materials have relatively superior electrical conductivity and chemical resistance compared to other materials, making them suitable for generating electricity and initiating chemical reactions.

[0162] The electrolyte unit 147 can move ions (e.g., metal ions) generated after a chemical reaction between fuel and air. The electrolyte included in the electrolyte unit 147 can include at least one of a liquid electrolyte, a solid electrolyte, a gel electrolyte, a water-soluble electrolyte, an organic electrolyte, and a composite electrolyte.

[0163] When the electrolyte unit 147 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a composite electrolyte, the electrolyte unit 147 may include a first electrolyte located on the fuel electrode 145 side and a second electrolyte located on the air electrode 149 side, and may include a separator separating the first and second electrolytes. In this case, the first electrolyte may include an organic electrolyte, and the second electrolyte may include an aqueous electrolyte. A detailed description of the structure of the electrolyte unit 147 when it is configured as a hybrid will be provided below with reference to FIG. 9b.

[0164] When the fuel cell applied to the carbon capture system of the present disclosure has the form of an SOFC, the electrolyte section 147 can use a highly ionic solid oxide (e.g., a ceramic material) such as NASICON (Sodium [Na] Super Ionic Conductors) or beta alumina.

[0165] When the fuel cell applied to the carbon capture system of the present disclosure has the form of an MCFC, the electrolyte section 147 contains a liquid metal compound (e.g., M such as Na2CO3). a (CO3) b) can be used directly. The fuel cartridge 110 can use the heating module 114 to heat the solid metal compound to supply the liquid metal compound to the fuel cell stack 140, which can act as an electrolyte. The electrolyte section 147 can transport the liquid metal compound. Because the amount of metal compound within the fuel cell stack can change, the fuel cell stack 140 can use lines and / or devices attached to the external connection module 141 to supply or remove the liquid metal compound so that a constant level of electrolyte can be maintained.

[0166] The air electrode 149 can reduce air supplied via the air cartridge 120. The air electrode 149 can be made of, for example, platinum (Pt) or carbon (C), or can be based on carbon or graphite, but can also contain nickel (Ni). In the air electrode, oxygen or carbon dioxide in the air supplied via the air cartridge reacts with metal ions (e.g., sodium ions) to generate by-products (e.g., Na2CO3). The by-products resulting from the reaction of the oxygen or carbon dioxide in the air with the metal ions can accumulate on the air electrode 149. If the by-products accumulate beyond a specified level on the air electrode 149, the electrical conductivity decreases, making it difficult for the electrode to function. Therefore, if the by-products accumulate, the air electrode 149 may need to be replaced. The fuel cell stack 140 can further include components for replacing the air electrode 149. If carbon compounds accumulate in solid form, the air electrode can be replaced. However, if they form in a liquid or gaseous fluid state, a flow path can be included for their removal. In this case, a flow path capable of discharging the liquid or gaseous carbon compounds to the outside may be formed separately, or an existing fuel supply line connected to the fuel cell stack 140 may be used. The fuel cell stack 140 can prevent metal oxide buildup, increase the replacement cycle of the electrodes including the air electrode 5, and reduce the cost of replacing the electrodes.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the diffusion layer 143 , fuel electrode 145 , electrolyte 147 , and air electrode 149 may be present in the form of an integrated membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 142 .

[0168] FIG. 9a is a diagram illustrating the structure of a fuel cell stack 140 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0169] The fuel cell stack of FIG. 9a is an exemplary implementation of the fuel cell stack starting from FIG.

[0170] In FIG. 9 a , a fuel cell stack 140 may be supplied with fuel from a fuel cartridge 110 and air from an air cartridge 120 .

[0171] The fuel cell stack 140 may be supplied with fuel. The supplied fuel may be supplied to the fuel cell stack 140 via the fuel injection module 116. The fuel cell stack 140 may be supplied with liquid or gaseous fuel using a line, which allows for easier fuel supply compared to solid fuel. Furthermore, when the fuel cell stack 140 is supplied with liquid or gaseous fuel, any unburned fuel can be removed using a line connected to an opening in the external connection module 141 or a separate line. Liquid or gaseous fuel is more reactive than solid fuel, which can reduce the amount of remaining fuel. Furthermore, because the liquid or gaseous fuel flows in a fluid form, the amount of fuel that accumulates on the air electrode 149 may be relatively small.

[0172] The fuel cell stack 140 may also be supplied with air from the air cartridge 120. The air control module 126 measures the air conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, wind speed) and can control the rotation speed of the air fan 122, the air compression ratio, the pressure in the carbon capture system, and the flow rate in the carbon capture system based on the measured air conditions. The fuel cell stack 140 can exhaust the remaining air that has reacted with the fuel to the outside, or can exhaust air to the outside if the internal oil pressure exceeds a specified level.

[0173] Meanwhile, an oxidation reaction of a fuel such as a metal occurs at the fuel electrode 145, and the generated cations can migrate to the air electrode 149, which is the negative electrode, through the electrolyte 147. The air electrode can capture carbon in the air through a reduction reaction of the air. The captured carbon can be accumulated in the air electrode in the form of carbon compounds, and if the amount of carbon compounds accumulated in the air electrode exceeds a certain level, the air electrode can be replaced using an electrode replacement module included in the fuel cell module 130.

[0174] FIG. 9b is a diagram illustrating the structure of a hybrid fuel cell stack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 9b, the electrolyte portion of the hybrid fuel cell stack may contain a mixed electrolyte and may include a first electrolyte portion 1471, a second electrolyte portion 1472, and a separator 1473 therebetween. An electrolyte module 1475 may also be included to adjust the concentration or amount of electrolyte contained in each electrolyte portion. In this case, the first electrolyte portion 1471 near the fuel electrode 145 may contain an organic electrolyte, and the second electrolyte portion 1472 near the air electrode 149 may contain an aqueous electrolyte. The separator may be made of a permeable material that allows only cations to pass through. As the reaction progresses, the electrolyte may be exchanged through the electrolyte module 1475 to maintain the concentration of the electrolyte contained in each of the first electrolyte portion 1471 and the second electrolyte portion 1472. The electrolyte module 1475 and each electrolyte portion may be connected via separate tubes.

[0176] On the other hand, because carbon compounds captured by the oxidation-reduction reaction of the fuel cell may precipitate in the second electrolyte part, it is possible to maintain the performance of the battery by replacing only the second electrolyte part 1472 instead of replacing the relatively expensive air electrode 149. The second electrolyte part itself can be replaced as a module, or only the solution contained in the second electrolyte part can be replaced. In other words, by replacing only the aqueous electrolyte solution, the performance of the battery can be maintained and the captured carbon compounds can be easily separated by filtering the aqueous electrolyte solution.

[0177] FIG. 10 illustrates a configuration for capturing air in an air cartridge in a carbon capture system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0178] In FIG. 10 , the air cartridge 120 can include an air fan 122, an air filter 124, and an air control module 126. As described above, the air fan 122 can rotate to collect air and carbon dioxide contained in the air into the carbon capture system. The air filter 124 can be used to filter foreign matter such as solid matter (e.g., dust) from the air collected by the air fan 122. The air control module 126 can control the process of collecting air into the carbon capture system. The air control module 126 can measure air conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, wind speed) and, based on the measured air conditions, can control the rotation speed of the air fan 122, the air compression ratio, the pressure within the carbon capture system, and the flow rate within the carbon capture system. Based on the air conditions, the air control module 126 can adjust the collected air to a state suitable for supplying to the fuel cell stack 140.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the air filter 124 can purify external air by removing impurities (e.g., dust) from the air. The air 128 purified through the air filter 124 can be input to the air electrode 149 of the fuel cell stack 140 by the air control module 126. The air filter 124 can use one or a combination of specific technologies for air purification (e.g., pressure swing adsorption (PSA), thermal swing adsorption (TSA), pressure thermal swing adsorption (PTSA), and vacuum swing adsorption (VSA)). PSA refers to a technology that operates on the principle that a specific gas is preferentially adsorbed or captured by an adsorbent at high partial pressure and desorbs or releases when the partial pressure decreases below a specified level. TSA refers to a technology that operates on the principle that a specific gas is preferentially adsorbed or captured by an adsorbent at room temperature and desorbs or releases when the temperature exceeds a specified level. PTSA can refer to a technology that combines PSA and TSA. VSA can refer to a technology that utilizes the principle that a specific gas is preferentially adsorbed or captured by an adsorbent at near atmospheric pressure, and desorbed or released under vacuum.

[0180] The air filter 124 may further include a fillable adsorbent or a permeable membrane that selectively allows substances to pass through. The adsorbent may include, for example, zeolite, alumina, silica gel, metal-organic framework (MOF), zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF), activated carbon, or a mixture of two or more of these. MOF refers to a crystalline compound composed of metal ions or metal clusters coordinated with organic molecules to form a porous primary, secondary, or tertiary structure. ZIF refers to a nanoporous compound composed of tetrahedral clusters connected by imidazolate ligands. This is just one example; the type of adsorbent may include any material that can adsorb impurities. The permeable membrane may be arranged in line with the flow direction of the external air.

[0181] Additionally, the air control module 126 can accumulate carbon dioxide in the air to generate a highly concentrated carbon dioxide mixed gas, thereby improving carbon capture performance.

[0182] FIG. 11 illustrates a configuration for supplying fuel from a fuel cartridge to a fuel cell stack in a carbon capture system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0183] 11, a fuel cell stack 140 can include an external connection module 141, a fuel electrode 145, an electrolyte section 147, and an air electrode 149. The functions of each of the illustrated components are as described above.

[0184] In FIG. 11 , the fuel injection module 116 can supply liquid or gaseous fuel generated in a chamber (e.g., chamber 112 in FIG. 1 a) to the fuel electrode 145. The supplied fuel can include any of metal fuel (e.g., Na), metal salt fuel (e.g., NaCl), liquid mixed metal (e.g., NaK), and electride. The fuel electrode 145 can be supplied with the fuel in a fluid state from the fuel injection module 116. The fluid fuel has a relatively large surface area compared to the solid fuel, and therefore may be more efficient in terms of reactivity and energy conversion efficiency. In addition, the fluid fuel may be mechanically or structurally advantageous compared to the solid fuel in terms of securing a fuel supply line and injecting it into the fuel electrode 145. Because the solid fuel has a fixed shape, it may be difficult to inject the fuel electrode 145 if its cross-sectional area is larger than that of the fuel supply line. Conversely, fluid fuel can be injected relatively easily into the fuel electrode 145 using gravity or a device that can apply pressure (e.g., a motor or compressor) because the metal form of the fluid fuel can change depending on the form of the fuel supply line.

[0185] Furthermore, since a fluid fuel requires a relatively high temperature in the fuel cell stack 140 to maintain a fluid state, the fuel cell becomes more reactive and the efficiency of the fuel cell can be relatively higher than that of a solid metal. In this case, the energy required to maintain the internal temperature high can be energy generated by the fuel cell module of the carbon capture system of the present disclosure.

[0186] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation of capturing carbon by reacting fuel and air in a carbon capture system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0187] According to FIG. 12, a fuel cell system 1200 can include an anode section 1210 , an electrolyte section 1220 , and a cathode section 1230 .

[0188] The negative electrode unit 1210 may include a fuel electrode 1212 (or anode). A liquid or gaseous fuel may be injected into the negative electrode unit 1210 via a fuel injection module. The fuel injected into the negative electrode unit may include any one of a metal fuel (e.g., Na), a metal salt fuel (e.g., NaCl), a liquid mixed metal (e.g., NaK), or an electride.

[0189] The electrolyte section 1220 can transport ions (e.g., metal ions) generated after a chemical reaction in the fuel electrode. The electrolyte section 1220 can include an electrolyte 1222 for transporting ions. The electrolyte section 1220 can be composed of multiple electrolyte sections, and in this case, can include a separation membrane for separating each electrolyte section.

[0190] Positive electrode section 1230 can include an air electrode (or positive electrode) 1232. Positive electrode section 1230 can be injected with purified air or a treated gas mixture from an air cartridge or the like.

[0191] A separator 1205 may be disposed between the anode part 1210 and the electrolyte part 1220. Also, a separator 505 may be disposed between the electrolyte part 1220 and the cathode part 1230. The separator 1205 physically separates the anode part 1210, the electrolyte part 1220, and the cathode part 1230, and can control the movement of only substances in ionic form.

[0192] The anode section 1210 and the electrolyte section 1220 can be physically connected by supply lines for fuel and electrolyte injection. The fuel cell 1200 can include a first line connected to the fuel electrode 1212 for fuel supply. The fuel cell 1200 can also include a second line connected to the electrolyte module 1224 for electrolyte supply. The first and second lines can be connected together as a supply line or can be formed separately. When an electride formed by combining a metal fuel and an amine is supplied as the metal fuel and electrolyte, the first and second lines can be connected together, as described above for the electride.

[0193] An electride combining a metal fuel and an amine may be supplied to a metal-air fuel cell as the metal fuel, or the amine may function as the electrolyte without a separate electrolyte. That is, an electride combining a metal fuel and an amine may function as both the metal fuel and the electrolyte in a metal-air fuel cell. An electride combining a metal fuel and an amine may be supplied as the metal fuel via a line connected to the fuel electrode 1212. Because the amines in the electride function as the electrolyte, the electrolyte can be supplied to the fuel cell without a separate line connected to the electrolyte module 1224. In this case, the fuel cell supply unit and the organic electrolyte unit may be integrated, or the line connected to the electrolyte module 1224 may be connected to the fuel electrode 1212 in a single line. When the fuel cell supply unit and the organic electrolyte unit are integrated, or when the line connected to the electrolyte module 1224 is connected to the fuel electrode 1212 in a single line, the internal structure of the metal-air fuel cell may be relatively simple.

[0194] The fuel electrode 1212 and the air electrode 1232 can be constructed of any material (e.g., graphite, metal-carbon composites, single and composite materials, silicon-based catalytic composites, catalytic electrodes, semiconducting material electrodes, polymer electrodes, nanomaterial electrodes, metal mash electrodes, organic / inorganic composite material electrodes, liquid-form electrodes, TMD (transition metal dichalcogenides) electrodes, graphene electrodes, and carbon nanotube (CNT) electrodes). This is by way of example only, and materials that can be used as the fuel electrode 1212 and the air electrode 1232 are not limited thereto and can include any material that has reactive, conductive, or semiconducting properties compatible with the reaction between air and a metal fuel.

[0195] According to one embodiment, an oxidation reaction may occur at the fuel electrode 1212. At the fuel electrode 1212, the oxidation reaction may ionize metal components contained in the fuel. The ionized metal may pass through the electrolyte unit 1220 and the separator 1205 and move to the air electrode 1232. Alternatively, the ionized metal already contained in the electrolyte unit 1220 may move to the air electrode 1232. Meanwhile, electrons generated by the oxidation reaction at the anode may move from the anode unit 1210 to the cathode unit 1230 using a separate circuit (wire), and the direction of the current may be opposite to the direction of the electron movement 1202.

[0196] According to one embodiment, a reduction reaction of air can occur at the air electrode 1232. At the air electrode 1232, an oxidation reaction of metal ions can occur along with the reduction of oxygen. At the air electrode 1232, a chain reaction can produce carbon compounds. The carbon compounds finally produced are M a (CO3) b , CO, COOH, etc. Through this reaction, it can be confirmed that carbon (C) atoms present in the air are captured in the form of carbon compounds bonded to metals (e.g., Na2CO3).

[0197] The carbon capture system of the present specification can remove carbon from the air by capturing carbon dioxide present in the air in the form of carbonate or the like through the chemical reaction.

[0198] The carbon capture system described herein can remove carbon from the air by inputting a metal fuel (e.g., sodium). For example, if the carbon compound is Na2CO3, two metal ions can be used to remove one molecule of carbon dioxide from the air. Sodium chloride accounts for 30.6% of the ions present in ocean water (seawater), which covers 70% of the Earth's surface area, and can therefore be obtained at low cost without concern for depletion. When sodium chloride (NaCl) is used as the metal fuel, the carbon capture system can remove a specified level of carbon (e.g., 1 ton) from the air by inputting a specified level of sodium chloride (e.g., 12 tons).

[0199] The carbon capture system of the present specification can also be used or sold industrially to generate captured carbon compounds. The carbon capture system captures oxygen or carbon dioxide from the air to generate carbon compounds, which can then be sold as a resource. The carbon capture system can generate a certain amount of revenue (e.g., approximately $600 per ton of carbon dioxide) in the form of carbon emission credits while removing carbon dioxide from the air.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the air electrode 1232 is made of a carbon compound (e.g., M a (CO3) b) may accumulate and reduce electrical conductivity. The carbon collection system of the present specification can discharge carbon compounds generated at the air electrode 1232 to the outside using the fuel supply line between the fuel injection module 116 and the fuel electrode 1212. The carbon collection system of the present specification can reduce structural complexity and costs by utilizing the fuel supply line installed for fuel supply instead of installing a separate line for discharging carbon compounds. The carbon collection system can discharge carbon compounds generated at the air electrode 1232 to the outside to prevent them from accumulating on the air electrode 1232 and prevent the electrical conductivity of the air electrode 1232 from decreasing. The carbon collection system can increase the replacement cycle of the air electrode 1232 by discharging carbon compounds to the outside, thereby reducing the effort required for replacement due to performance degradation of the air electrode 1232 and reducing the cost of replacing the air electrode 1232.

[0201] The control unit 132 of the carbon capture device can determine whether to replace the air electrode 1232 based on the ratio of carbon compounds accumulated on the air electrode 1232 and the electrical conductivity of the air electrode 1232. For example, the control unit 132 can determine to replace the air electrode 1232 based on the electrical conductivity of the air electrode 1232 being below a specified level. The carbon capture system described herein can replace the air electrode 1232 in a fuel cell stack automatically or semi-automatically using a specific configuration, robot, or device. Alternatively, the control unit 132 can display information to a user instructing them that the air electrode 1232 must be replaced. According to one embodiment, the air electrode 1232 can be electrically connected to the control unit 132 and physically connected to the electrode replacement module 1234. The control unit 132 can determine the need to replace the air electrode 1232 and replace the air electrode 1232 automatically or semi-automatically using the electrode replacement module 1234.

[0202] The replacement of the air electrode 1232 is described in detail below.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the fuel cell module can use an electrolyte module to fill the electrolyte and discharge the used electrolyte to the outside. The electrolyte module of the fuel cell module can include an inlet / outlet (opening or flow channel). The carbon capture system can discharge carbon compounds generated at the air electrode using the outlet. The outlet can be connected to a passage for injecting fuel from the fuel injection module. Alternatively, it can be connected to a passage separate from the passage for injecting fuel. The controller can detect the operating status of the fuel cell in the carbon capture system and control at least one of the temperature, internal pressure, flow rate of the supplied fuel, flow rate of the collected air, the amount of power generated by the fuel cell, and electrode durability. The controller can determine whether to replace the air electrode 1232 based on the condition of the air electrode 1232. For example, the controller 132 can determine whether to replace the air electrode 1232 based on whether the carbon compounds deposited on the air electrode 1232 exceed a specified level (e.g., 80%) or the electrical conductivity of the air electrode 1232 is below a specified level (e.g., 30%). The control unit 132 can operate the electrode replacement module 1234 to separate the air electrode from the fuel cell stack or fuel cell based on the determination that the air electrode 1232 needs to be replaced, or can provide a user with information indicating that the air electrode 1232 needs to be replaced based on the determination that the air electrode 1232 needs to be replaced.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the air electrode 1232 may be configured in the form of a cartridge within the fuel cell system or may be configured separately in the form of a compartment. A user may manually replace only the air electrode 1232. The carbon collection system of the present specification can be configured to automatically replace the air electrode 1232 or to relatively simply replace the air electrode 1232 externally, providing convenient ease of use. In addition, the use or replacement cycle of the air electrode 1232 can be increased by removing carbon compounds that may accumulate on the air electrode 1232 through an outlet or by replacing the aqueous electrolyte.

[0205] FIG. 13 illustrates, in flow chart form, a method for carbon capture using a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0206] The operations described with reference to Figure 13 can be realized based on instructions that can be stored in a computer recording medium or memory. The illustrated method can be performed by the fuel cell and carbon capture system of the present disclosure previously described with reference to Figures 1 to 12, and the technical features as described above will not be repeated below. The order of the operations in Figure 13 may be changed, some operations may be omitted, or some operations may be performed simultaneously.

[0207] In operation 1310, the control unit 132 can control the temperature of the fuel cartridge to convert the metal fuel into a liquid or gaseous state. Liquid or gaseous fuel can reduce the amount of residual fuel, which is more reactive than solid fuel, and because it flows in a fluid form, the amount of fuel accumulated at the air electrode can be reduced. Meanwhile, the fuel supplied in the operation of FIG. 13 is not limited to metal fuel. According to various embodiments described herein, metal salt fuel, electride fuel, liquid alloy fuel, etc. can be used, and the following operations can be appropriately modified accordingly.

[0208] In operation 1320, the control unit 132 can deliver the metal fuel in a liquid or gaseous state to the anode unit using a fuel supply line. According to one embodiment, the metal fuel in a liquid or gaseous state can be injected into the anode unit via a fuel injection module. The fuel can be supplied to the anode unit using the fuel supply line in a liquid or gaseous state, which can be more easily supplied with fuel compared to a metal fuel in a solid state.

[0209] In operation 1330, the control unit 132 can control the external gas and the ionized metal fuel to chemically react at the positive electrode to produce a carbon capture product (e.g., a carbon compound). The carbon capture system herein can remove carbon from the air by inputting a metal fuel (e.g., sodium). For example, the carbon capture product can be M aIn the case of CO3, two metal ions can be used to remove one molecule of carbon dioxide from the air. Sodium chloride accounts for 30.6% of the ions present in ocean water (seawater), which covers 70% of the Earth's surface area, so it can be obtained at low cost without concern for depletion. When using sodium chloride (NaCl) as the metal fuel, a carbon capture system can remove a specified level of carbon (e.g., 1 ton) from the air by inputting a specified level of sodium chloride (e.g., 12 tons).

[0210] The carbon capture system described herein can also be used or sold industrially to generate captured carbon capture products. The carbon capture system captures oxygen or carbon dioxide from the air to generate carbon capture products, which can then be sold as a resource. While removing carbon dioxide from the air, the carbon capture system can generate a certain amount of revenue in the form of carbon emission credits (e.g., approximately $600 per ton of carbon dioxide).

[0211] In operation 1340, the control unit 132 can utilize the energy generated by the chemical reaction between the external gas and the ionized metal fuel. For example, the fuel cell stack 140 can generate electrical energy by chemically reacting fuel supplied from the fuel cartridge 110 and air supplied from the air cartridge 120. The battery 150 can store the electricity generated by the chemical reaction on the fuel cell module 130. The fuel cell module 130 can store the generated electricity in the battery 150 or supply it to other components within the carbon capture system. For example, the fuel cell system 130 can supply the electricity stored in the battery 150 to the fuel cartridge 110. The heating module 114 in the fuel cartridge 110 can use the electricity to convert the input fuel into a gas or liquid. The carbon capture system can also transmit the electricity stored in the battery 150 to an external system for use in other electronic devices or for trading or selling it for a specific resource (e.g., currency).

[0212] In operation 1350, the control unit 132 can discharge the carbon capture product generated by the chemical reaction between the external gas and the ionized metal fuel to the outside via the fuel supply line or replace the air electrode. The carbon capture system described herein may have a separate line for discharging the carbon capture product. Alternatively, the fuel supply line provided for the carbon capture system to supply fuel can be used to discharge the carbon capture product, thereby reducing structural complexity and costs. The carbon capture system and method described herein can also store the carbon capture product discharged to the outside and sell it or use it for other purposes. The carbon capture system can discharge the carbon capture product to the outside to increase the replacement cycle of the air electrode, reduce the hassle of replacing the air electrode due to deterioration of its performance, and reduce the cost of replacing the air electrode. The carbon capture system can discharge the carbon capture product generated at the air electrode to the outside to prevent it from piling up on the air electrode, or replace the air electrode to prevent the electrical conductivity of the air electrode from decreasing.

[0213] The control unit of the carbon capture device of the present disclosure may include at least one processor including logic and arithmetic circuits as hardware configured to execute the methods performed in the carbon capture system of the present disclosure. The control unit 132 may process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from a memory (not shown) and generate control signals according to the processing results.

[0214] According to various embodiments, the controller 132 may, for example, control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) coupled to the controller 132, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculations, the controller 132 may store instructions or data received from another component (e.g., a fuel cell stack or an air control module) in volatile memory (not shown), process the instructions or data stored in the volatile memory (not shown), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (not shown).

[0215] According to one embodiment, the controller 132 may include a main processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communications processor) that may operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the carbon capture device includes a main processor and an auxiliary processor, the auxiliary processor may be configured to use less power than the main processor or to specialize in designated functions. The auxiliary processor may be implemented separately from or as part of the main processor.

[0216] The carbon trap according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a communication unit (not shown). The communication unit refers to a hardware component that receives commands or data input from a user or other external device, transmits commands or data generated by the carbon trap to the outside, or transmits or receives commands or data from other components of the carbon trap. The communication unit may include a wired or wireless communication module and / or an input / output interface. The carbon trap according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may receive information from an external electronic device (e.g., a management server installed outside the carbon trap) via the communication unit, or transmit information acquired or generated by the carbon trap from the external electronic device. Meanwhile, the communication unit may be implemented separately from the control unit 132 within the carbon trap according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, or may be implemented via circuit elements included in the control unit 132 and included in the control unit 132.

[0217] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an artificial neural network (not shown) for capturing carbon of the present disclosure may be provided from a carbon capture device to a software-on-chip (SOC) or microcontroller unit (MCU) and included in the controller 132. Alternatively, the artificial neural network may be provided in the form of software operated by the controller 132 and updated by communication from an external server or user input.

[0218] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the artificial neural network can be used to determine the fuel, amount of fuel, feed temperature, feed rate, amount of air, air temperature, electrolyte concentration, etc. for which carbon capture is optimized.

[0219] According to one embodiment, the carbon capture system may include an air cartridge into which an external gas is introduced, a fuel cartridge into which a metal fuel is injected, a fuel cell system, a fuel supply line for supplying fuel between the fuel cartridge and the fuel cell system, a battery, and a control unit. The fuel cell system may include an anode including a fuel electrode where the metal fuel is ionized to generate metal ions, a cathode including an air electrode where a carbon compound of the metal ions is generated, and an electrolyte unit including an electrolyte for transferring the metal ions between the anode and cathode. The control unit may control the temperature of the fuel cartridge to convert the input metal fuel into a liquid or gaseous state, deliver the liquid or gaseous metal fuel to the anode using the fuel supply line, deliver an external gas to the cathode, and control the chemical reaction of the external gas and the ionized metal fuel to generate a carbon compound at the cathode, control the temperature of the fuel cartridge using energy generated by the chemical reaction of the external gas and the ionized metal fuel at the cathode, store the remaining energy in the battery, and discharge the carbon compound generated by the chemical reaction of the external gas and the ionized metal fuel at the cathode to the outside using the fuel supply line.

[0220] According to one embodiment, the control unit controls the temperature inside the battery so that the carbon compounds accumulated on the positive electrode portion can move in a fluid state using the fuel supply line, and can detect the level of carbon compounds generated by the chemical reaction between the external gas and the ionized metal fuel that accumulates on the positive electrode portion.

[0221] According to one embodiment, the controller may decide to replace the air electrode based on the electrical conductivity of the air electrode being below a specified level.

[0222] According to one embodiment, the controller can decide to replace the air electrode based on the proportion of carbon compounds building up on the air electrode exceeding a specified level.

[0223] According to one embodiment, based on determining that the air electrode needs to be replaced, the control unit can display information to the user indicating that the air electrode needs to be replaced.

[0224] According to one embodiment, the air electrode may be physically connected to the electrode replacement module and configured in the form of a cartridge or configured separately in the form of a compartment, and the control unit can automatically operate the electrode replacement module to separate the air electrode based on determining that the air electrode is to be replaced.

[0225] According to one embodiment, the control unit can control at least one of the pressure of the fuel supply, the flow rate, the temperature at which the metal fuel can be maintained in a liquid or gaseous state, and the supply amount.

[0226] According to one embodiment, the air cartridge includes an air fan, an air filter, and an air control module, wherein the air fan rotates to collect air and carbon dioxide in the air inside the carbon capture system, the air filter filters solid matter from the air collected through the air fan, and the air control module measures air conditions including at least one of temperature, humidity, or wind speed, and can control at least one of the rotation speed of the air fan, the air compression ratio, the pressure within the carbon capture system, or the flow rate within the carbon capture system based on the measured air conditions.

[0227] According to one embodiment, the fuel cartridge includes a heating module, a chamber, and a fuel injection module, wherein the heating module supplies heat to the chamber conventionally or using an electric coil to supply heat and senses the temperature inside the carbon capture system, the chamber stores and heats the input metal fuel, and the fuel injection module can supply fuel in liquid or gaseous state to the anode portion on the fuel cell system using a fuel supply line.

[0228] According to one embodiment, the fuel injection module supplies fuel to the negative electrode section of the fuel cell system under pressure using a compressor or pump, and can heat metal fuel that has not been combusted on the fuel cell system and supply it back to the fuel cell system.

[0229] According to one embodiment, the battery stores energy generated by oxidation of the metal fuel at the negative electrode portion, and can supply the stored energy to the heating module or transmit it to the outside.

[0230] According to one embodiment, the carbon capture system further includes another line, and the control unit can use the fuel supply line to transfer the carbon compounds produced in the positive electrode section, or can use another line to transfer the carbon compounds produced in the positive electrode section.

[0231] According to one embodiment, the fuel supply line is curved and can supply liquid or gaseous fuel to the fuel cell system, supply unburned fuel back to the fuel cartridge, and transport carbon compounds produced in the positive electrode.

[0232] According to one embodiment, the metal fuel may include at least one of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Al, Sn, Zn, Cu, Nb, Ag, Ni, Cd, and Fe.

[0233] According to one embodiment, the fuel electrode of the anode portion or the air electrode of the cathode portion may include at least one of a carbon electrode, a graphite electrode, a metal-carbon composite electrode, a nanomaterial electrode, a catalyst composite electrode, a catalyst electrode, a semiconducting material electrode, a polymer electrode, a metal mash electrode, an organic / inorganic composite material electrode, a liquid electrode, a TMD (transition metal dichalcogenides) electrode, a graphene electrode, a carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode, or a metal oxide electrode.

[0234] Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and may be modified and implemented in various forms. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed forms, and the scope of this specification includes modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the technical spirit.

[0235] Although terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe various components, such terms should be construed only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be designated as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be designated as a first component.

[0236] When a component is referred to as being "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to the other component or may be connected to the other component, but that there may be other components in between.

[0237] The terms used in the embodiments are merely used for the purpose of explanation and should not be construed as being limiting. The singular expressions include the plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "comprise" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0238] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong. Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the contextual meaning of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as idealized or overly formal unless expressly defined in this application.

[0239] The advantages and features of the present disclosure, as well as methods for achieving them, will become apparent from the detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the inventions included in the present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, and may be realized in various forms. The present embodiments are provided to complete the disclosure of the present specification and to fully convey the scope of the inventions to those skilled in the art to which the inventions included in the present disclosure pertain, and the content of the inventions is defined only by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A fuel cell stack for capturing atmospheric carbon, comprising: a fuel electrode to which a metal fuel in a liquid or gaseous state is supplied; an air electrode supplied with a gas mixture comprising carbon dioxide and oxygen; an electrolyte portion between the fuel electrode and the air electrode for transmitting metal ions generated by an oxidation-reduction reaction of the metal fuel; Including, At the air electrode, a carbon capture product containing a carbon component is generated based on an oxidation-reduction reaction of the gas mixture. A fuel cell stack comprising:

2. The metal fuel is continuously supplied in a fluid form by continuing the reaction for producing the carbon capture product.

2. The fuel cell stack of claim 1.

3. an air electrode replacement module capable of replacing the air electrode; further comprising:

2. The fuel cell stack of claim 1.

4. If the carbon capture product is generated in excess of a predetermined standard, the air electrode is replaced through the air electrode replacement module.

4. The fuel cell stack of claim 3.

5. If the electrical conductivity of the air electrode is below a predetermined level, the electrolyte portion is replaced.

2. The fuel cell stack of claim 1.

6. a control unit configured to control at least one of a pressure at which the metal fuel is supplied, a flow rate, a temperature at which the fuel can be maintained in a liquid or gaseous state, and a supply amount; further comprising:

2. The fuel cell stack of claim 1.

7. the fuel cell stack further comprises a battery; the battery is configured to store electrical energy generated by the fuel cell stack and to supply the stored electrical energy to a fuel cartridge or to transmit the stored electrical energy to an external device; 2. The fuel cell stack of claim 1.

8. 1. A fuel cell stack for capturing atmospheric carbon, comprising: a fuel electrode to which a metal fuel in liquid or gaseous state is supplied; an anode including a first line connected to the fuel electrode and supplying a metal fuel; an air electrode to which a gas mixture comprising carbon dioxide and oxygen is supplied; A cathode portion including an electrolyte between the fuel electrode and the air electrode for conducting metal ions produced by the oxidation-reduction reaction of the metal fuel; an electrolyte portion including A control unit; Including, The electrolyte unit supplies and circulates an electrolyte. A fuel cell stack comprising:

9. The electrolyte unit further includes an opening through which the electrolyte can be supplied and a means for controlling opening and closing of the opening.

9. The fuel cell stack of claim 8.

10. The fuel cell further includes an electrolyte module for controlling the supply of electrolyte and a second line connected to the electrolyte module; an electrolyte is flowed into the electrolyte portion through the second line according to the type of metal fuel supplied to the fuel electrode; 9. The fuel cell stack of claim 8.

11. When a metal fuel and an electride containing amines are supplied through the first line, the electrolyte supplied through the second line is different from the electride supplied through the first line.

11. The fuel cell stack of claim 10.

12. The control unit determines whether to replace the electrolyte unit based on the state of the air electrode.

11. The fuel cell stack of claim 10.

13. The replacement of the electrolyte unit is characterized in that the solution of the electrolyte unit is replaced by supplying an electrolyte solution through the second line, The electrolyte module maintains and manages the electrolyte by controlling the supply of electrolyte.

13. The fuel cell stack of claim 12.

14. The electrolyte unit further includes a third line for discharging the electrolyte solution.

14. The fuel cell stack of claim 13.

15. the electrolyte unit is separated by the fuel electrode, the air electrode, and a separation membrane unit, and is separable; The replacement of the electrolyte part is a replacement of the form of a cartridge or compartment of the electrolyte part.

13. The fuel cell stack of claim 12.

16. the electrolyte portion includes at least one electrolyte, The at least one electrolyte includes organic and aqueous electrolytes.

9. The fuel cell stack of claim 8.

17. the electrolyte portion further includes a first electrolyte portion, a second electrolyte portion, a separation membrane portion separating the first electrolyte portion and the second electrolyte portion, and a flow path connected to each of the first electrolyte portion and the second electrolyte portion; an electrolyte module that controls the supply of electrolyte to each of the first electrolyte section and the second electrolyte section; 17. The fuel cell stack of claim 16.

18. The replacement of the electrolyte is replacement of at least one cartridge among the first electrolyte unit, the second electrolyte unit, and the separation membrane unit.

20. The fuel cell stack of claim 17.

19. The replacement of the electrolyte part is replacement of at least one solution of the first electrolyte part and the second electrolyte part.

20. The fuel cell stack of claim 18.

20. the replacement of the solution of at least one of the first electrolyte part and the second electrolyte part is performed by supplying a solution to at least one of the first electrolyte part and the second electrolyte part, and the solution of at least one of the first electrolyte part and the second electrolyte part is replaced; the electrolyte module controls the supply of electrolyte of at least one of the first electrolyte unit and the second electrolyte unit to maintain and manage the electrolyte of the first electrolyte unit and the second electrolyte unit, respectively; 20. The fuel cell stack of claim 19.

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