Carbon dioxide management system

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for separating carbon dioxide from exhaust gases obtained from ship engines and generators, and for converting carbon dioxide into oxygen in the ship's ballast tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the management of carbon dioxide (CO2). More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method for managing carbon dioxide from exhaust gases obtained from ship engines and generators and converting the carbon dioxide into oxygen.

Background Art

[0002] In the shipping industry, heavy oil is the most commonly used oil in ship engines to provide the torque necessary to rotate the propeller and move the ship forward. Heavy oil is made from petroleum residues remaining after more high-quality hydrocarbons have been extracted. Therefore, heavy oil is generally inexpensive. Combustion of heavy oil in ships produces the largest amount of black carbon emissions.

[0003] In ships, marine diesel oil, marine gas oil and biofuels are commonly used. These fuels are also made from hydrocarbons, and their combustion produces a large amount of pollution. These pollutants include nitrogen oxides (NO x ), sulfur oxides (SO x ), carbon dioxide and soot particles.

[0004] Nitrogen oxides (NO x ) combine with water and oxygen in the atmosphere to form highly corrosive nitrous and nitric acids. One such pollutant is nitrogen dioxide, which is extremely toxic and damages the lungs. Low-level ozone (O3), a major pollutant and a cause of smog, is produced at sea level when these gases interact with organic molecules. On the other hand, sulfur oxides cause acid rain.

[0005] Furthermore, carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. It is a major by-product of hydrocarbon combustion in ships. Worldwide, great efforts have been made to reduce carbon emissions in order to mitigate the effects of global warming.

[0006] In the shipping industry, reductions in carbon emissions are being achieved gradually by reducing the fuel consumption of ships. This reduction in fuel use is being achieved gradually through modifications to propulsion systems, softer hull coatings, the use of air lubrication systems, and changes to modified hull shapes.

[0007] All of the methods used in the shipping industry described above are based on reducing fuel consumption. To date, there are no available methods to reduce the carbon dioxide present in exhaust gases and to utilize it to convert it into oxygen. Furthermore, there is considerable interest in burning alternative fuels such as green fuels, ammonia, and LNG. However, these cannot completely solve the problem of decarbonization.

[0008] Given the limitations of current technology, there is a need to develop systems and methods capable of separating carbon dioxide from exhaust gases obtained from ship engines and converting that carbon dioxide into oxygen.

[0009] Therefore, the above-mentioned shortcomings of conventional approaches, including apparatus / products and their methods, are intended merely to provide an overview of some of the problems of conventional approaches and are not intended to be exhaustive. Other problems associated with conventional approaches, as well as the methods of various non-limiting embodiments described herein and their corresponding advantages, may become further apparent by considering the following description. [Overview of the project]

[0010] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts that will be further explained in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify the main or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0011] Both the above summary and the following detailed description are illustrative and essentially descriptive; therefore, neither should be considered restrictive. Furthermore, additional features or variations may be provided beyond those described herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to various combinations and partial combinations of the features described in the detailed description.

[0012] In view of the above-mentioned problems in related technologies, the object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for converting carbon dioxide into oxygen in a ship's ballast tank by utilizing the process of photosynthesis by phytoplankton.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to address the challenges of ship-based carbon dioxide emissions by creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly closed-loop system. Phytoplankton are employed in a controlled environment to achieve efficient carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion and oxygen (O2) production.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide a system for converting carbon dioxide to oxygen in a ship's ballast tank, the system comprising an engine or generator having an outlet that is fluidly connected to the ballast tank to receive exhaust gases from the engine or generator. The ballast tank comprises phytoplankton from a water source and a light source. The system also comprises a circulation system for circulating the exhaust gases and phytoplankton within the ballast tank. The light source is adapted to promote photosynthesis by the phytoplankton, thereby converting carbon dioxide from the exhaust gases to oxygen.

[0015] A further object of the present invention is to provide a gas separation unit that is operably connected to the ballast tank in order to separate the oxygen produced by the phytoplankton from the remaining gas.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a light source adapted to emit wavelengths suitable for photosynthesis.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a ballast tank equipped with an absorbent material for absorbing sulfur oxides from the exhaust gas.

[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide a three-way catalytic converter at the first outlet for absorbing nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is that the three-way catalytic converter converts the nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide.

[0020] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for converting carbon dioxide to oxygen in a ship's ballast tank, the method comprising introducing exhaust gas from the ship's engine or generator into the ballast tank, introducing phytoplankton from a water source into the ballast tank, exposing the exhaust gas and phytoplankton in the ballast tank to light, and circulating the exhaust gas and phytoplankton in the ballast tank. The exposure to light promotes photosynthesis by the phytoplankton, thereby converting carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas to oxygen.

[0021] These and other purposes and embodiments of the present invention will become more fully apparent when the following detailed description is read together with the accompanying study details and examples. However, both the above summary and the following detailed description represent one potential experiment and embodiment and are not intended to limit the present invention or other alternative embodiments of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] As a preliminary matter, those skilled in the relevant art will readily understand that the present disclosure has broad utility and applications. It should be understood that any embodiment may incorporate only one or more of the above-disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, and may further incorporate only one or more of the above-disclosed features. Further, any embodiment discussed and identified as "preferred" is considered to be part of the best mode contemplated for carrying out embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments may also be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a complete and enabling disclosure. Further, many embodiments such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements are implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] Therefore, while embodiments are described in detail herein in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is explanatory and exemplary of the present disclosure and is made for the sole purpose of providing a complete and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure of one or more embodiments herein is not intended, nor should it be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection given in any claim of a patent issued from here. That scope should be defined by the claims and their equivalents. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into the claims limitations found herein that do not explicitly appear in the claims themselves.

[0024] Furthermore, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to what would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art based on the context of its use. It is intended that the meaning of a term used herein understood by one of ordinary skill in the art based on the context of its use be given precedence over any particular dictionary definition of such term, insofar as the meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art based on the context of its use differs in any way from the particular dictionary definition of such term.

[0025] Furthermore, as used herein, "a" and "an" generally each indicate "at least one", but it is important to note that they do not exclude a plurality unless the context dictates otherwise. When used herein to combine lists of items, "or", " / " indicates "at least one of the items" but does not exclude a plurality of the listed items. Finally, when used herein to combine lists of items, "and" indicates "all of the items in the list".

[0026] Furthermore, the term "may" as used herein is not used in a mandatory sense (i.e., meaning that one must do so), but rather in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning that one may do so).

[0027] Furthermore, the term "ship" as used herein is used to represent a watercraft used for moving on water. It may be a ship or a boat, but is not limited thereto.

[0028] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system for separating carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas obtained from a ship's engine and converting the carbon dioxide into oxygen. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for separating carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas obtained from a ship's engine and converting the carbon dioxide into oxygen.

[0029] The ship according to the present invention includes, but is not limited to, a cargo ship, a passenger ship, a defense ship, a research ship or a fishing boat.

[0030] Ships generally have ballast tanks to provide hydrostatic stability, reduce or control buoyancy, and correct trim or list (tilt). Ballast tanks also provide an even load distribution along the hull to reduce structural hogging or sagging stresses. In a fully loaded state, i.e., when the ship is fully loaded, the ballast tanks are kept empty or contain a minimum level of water, while in an unloaded state, i.e., when the ship is not fully loaded, the ballast tanks are kept empty or filled with a thin layer of water.

[0031] Ballast tanks are generally completely dark due to their sealed structure designed to maintain buoyancy for the vessel. In this invention, approximately one-third of the vessel's displacement is utilized for photosynthesis. Therefore, this invention may enable a reduction in CO2 emissions from engines or generators during navigation in both loaded and ballast conditions.

[0032] An inlet for seawater in the ballast tank can allow for the intake of phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are abundantly found floating in the upper layers of water where sunlight penetrates the water. Phytoplankton may also be stored in small tanks and then introduced into the ballast tank to convert CO2 into oxygen. When the ballast tank is filled with water during unloaded conditions, phytoplankton may enter the ballast tank, or some air space may be left by a minimal amount of ballast water to continue reducing CO2.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ballast tank is equipped with a light source in addition to an inlet for water. The light source may be an LED bulb, an LED plant bulb, an LED grow bulb, etc. The light source provides illumination to stimulate photosynthesis and emits wavelengths within a range of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) that is specially tuned to phytoplankton selected for optimal activity.

[0034] According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, LEDs that emit specific wavelengths important for plant growth, such as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) in the 400-700 nm range, may be selected. This reduces wasted energy at unbeneficial wavelengths. Furthermore, careful efforts are made to select LEDs that have higher efficiency, resulting in less heat generation, minimizing the need for additional cooling and reducing energy consumption.

[0035] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the LEDs can be easily dimmed and programmed to create specific light cycles that mimic the transition between natural sunrise and sunset.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one end of the exhaust pipe is connected to a ballast tank. The other end of the exhaust pipe may be connected to the engine and / or generator. The exhaust pipe can carry exhaust gas from the engine to the ballast tank. The exhaust gas contains nitrogen oxides (NOx). x ), sulfur oxides (SO x ), may contain carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and soot particles. Whether the vessel is fully loaded or unloaded, the ballast tanks always have some space to accommodate exhaust gases. Furthermore, the exhaust pipe pressure is lower than the inlet exhaust pressure from the engine / generator, allowing for smooth flow control. This is necessary to ensure there is no back pressure on the engine and / or generator side.

[0037] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an emergency shut-off valve is provided for a continuous flow of exhaust from an engine and / or generator. The valve may be a check valve, a non-return valve, a backflow prevention valve, and the like.

[0038] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust pipe is constructed from a robust material resistant to high temperatures and potential corrosive elements present in the exhaust flow. Furthermore, the pipe may be equipped with thermal insulation and potential condensation control for improved efficiency.

[0039] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust pipe comprises an absorbent and a three-way catalytic converter. The absorbent is made of sulfur oxides (SO4). x The three-way catalytic converter may be configured to absorb nitrogen oxides (NOx). x ) and may be configured to absorb carbon monoxide and convert it into carbon dioxide.

[0040] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a material such as activated alumina or zeolite captures sulfur oxides through adsorption. These materials are SO x It has a porous structure that traps molecules on its internal surface.

[0041] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a three-way catalytic converter uses platinum, rhodium, and palladium as catalysts. They function by facilitating the reactions that convert nitrogen oxides to N2 and O2, and CO to CO2.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, a robust circulation system is provided for continuously mixing exhaust gas and phytoplankton culture within a ballast tank. Efficient mixing ensures an even distribution of CO2 throughout the entire tank volume. This maximizes gas exchange between the exhaust and phytoplankton, promoting efficient CO2 absorption.

[0043] The circulation system is designed to have appropriate pump capacity, flow rate, and the potential to create turbulence that could disrupt delicate phytoplankton cultures.

[0044] In another embodiment of the present invention, alternative mixing methods such as baffles or induced air circulation are used for better CO2 absorption.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vessel has a gas separation unit. This unit separates oxygen (O2) produced by phytoplankton from the remaining gases in the exhaust mixture. The separation process may include techniques such as membrane separation or pressure swing adsorption.

[0046] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outlet pipe may be connected to a ballast tank. The outlet pipe may be configured to carry oxygen out of the ballast tank. Since carbon dioxide has a higher specific gravity than oxygen, the carbon dioxide remains at the level of the seawater filling the ballast tank, while the oxygen floats above the carbon dioxide and escapes from the ballast tank through the outlet pipe.

[0047] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, oxygen is collected in a dedicated storage tank and can be used for various purposes on board, such as supplementing the ship's air supply or for various industrial applications.

[0048] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the collected oxygen may be used to create bubbles along the perimeter of the hull, enabling the vessel to glide over the water at an increased speed.

[0049] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the vessel may be equipped with an air compressor, such an air compressor may be connected to the other end of an outlet pipe. The air compressor can receive oxygen from the outlet pipe, compress it, and inject it above seawater level to create bubbles. Furthermore, this compressor can control the pressure in the tank by blowing unconverted CO2 overboard.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the vessel may further include a nutrient tank for storing nutrients that may be required by phytoplankton. The nutrients stored in the nutrient tank may be nitrates, phosphates, sulfur, or chlorella. Thus, the nutrient tank may be connected to a ballast tank to provide nutrients to phytoplankton.

[0051] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the ballast tank may be equipped with multiple sensors for monitoring the concentration of carbon dioxide inside the ballast tank. The exhaust pipe may be continuously or periodically adjusted to maintain the gas concentration for efficient photosynthesis.

[0052] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the ballast tank may have an inspection opening to allow a person to inspect the ballast tank. The inspection opening may be covered with a transparent cover that creates an airtight seal. The transparent cover may be made of glass or plastic.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for converting carbon dioxide is disclosed, where carbon dioxide from exhaust gas can reach a ballast tank. Furthermore, by using a light source, seawater present in the ballast tank, and carbon dioxide, phytoplankton present in the ballast tank begin photosynthesis. Through photosynthesis, phytoplankton can convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose.

[0054] The exhaust pipe transports exhaust gases from the engine and generator to the ballast tank for the organic conversion of carbon dioxide to oxygen. The ballast tank contains inlets for LED plant bulbs, phytoplankton, and seawater, and is connected to a nutrient tank. The CO2 concentration is controlled with the help of sensors, and the phytoplankton convert CO2 into oxygen and glucose, with the oxygen exiting the ballast tank through the outlet pipe.

[0055] The photosynthetic process can occur 24 / 7 as long as effective lighting is available in the ballast tanks. A crucial aspect is the separation of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Since carbon dioxide is heavier than oxygen, the ballast tanks are placed near carbon collection tanks to collect the carbon dioxide separated from the oxygen.

[0056] The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the Disclosure is provided for illustrative and explanatory purposes only. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the Disclosure to the exact form disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings. The exemplary embodiments have been selected and described to best illustrate the principles and practical applications thereof, thereby enabling a person skilled in the art to best utilize the Disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications suitable for specific uses contemplated. Various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are intended to cover the application or practice without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the Disclosure, whether suggested by the circumstances or intended for convenience.

Claims

1. A ballast tank configured to receive exhaust gases from a ship, A water source within the ballast tank, wherein the water source is enriched with phytoplankton to promote the absorption of carbon dioxide from the received exhaust gas; A light source positioned to illuminate the phytoplankton in the ballast tank; A ballast tank equipped with; and A circulating system configured to promote the mixing of the exhaust gas and the phytoplankton-enriched water in order to enhance carbon dioxide absorption; A marine carbon dioxide management system equipped with the following features.

2. The system according to claim 1, A system in which the light source promotes photosynthesis by the phytoplankton and enables the conversion of carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas to oxygen.

3. The system according to claim 1, The system further comprises a control unit operably connected to the light source and the circulation system, the control unit being configured to dynamically adjust the intensity and spectral output of the light source.

4. The system according to claim 1, The system further comprises a gas separation unit operably connected to the ballast tank for separating the oxygen produced by the phytoplankton from the remaining gas.

5. The system according to claim 1, A system in which the light source is adapted to emit wavelengths suitable for photosynthesis.

6. The system according to claim 1, A system in which the ballast tank is equipped with an absorbent material for absorbing sulfur oxides from the exhaust gas.

7. The system according to claim 1, The system has a first outlet equipped with a three-way catalytic converter for absorbing nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.

8. The system according to claim 7, A system in which the three-way catalytic converter converts nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide.

9. A method for converting carbon dioxide to oxygen in a ship's ballast tank, Introducing exhaust gas from the engine or generator of the aforementioned vessel into the ballast tank; Introducing phytoplankton from the water source into the ballast tank; Exposing the exhaust gas and phytoplankton in the ballast tank to light; and Circulating the exhaust gas and phytoplankton within the ballast tank; Equipped with, A method wherein exposure to light promotes photosynthesis by phytoplankton, thereby converting carbon dioxide from exhaust gases into oxygen.

10. The method according to claim 9, A method further comprising the step of separating the oxygen produced by the phytoplankton from the remaining gas in the ballast tank.

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