Modification system and method

Abstract

A reforming method according to one embodiment of the present invention relates to a reforming method for obtaining hydrogen by reforming a hydrocarbon, and may include: a step of producing a first synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon dioxide from the hydrocarbon by reforming the hydrocarbon with steam plasma; a step of cooling the first synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature, removing water vapor contained in the first synthesis gas, and then separating hydrogen from the first synthesis gas; a step of producing a second synthesis gas with reduced carbon dioxide by reforming the first synthesis gas from which hydrogen has been separated and the hydrocarbon with steam plasma to produce hydrogen; and a step of cooling the second synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature, removing water vapor contained in the second synthesis gas, and then separating hydrogen from the second synthesis gas.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a reforming system and a method thereof, and more specifically, to a reforming system and a method thereof for obtaining hydrogen by reforming hydrocarbons. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrocarbons such as natural gas and oil gas are reformed in the presence of reforming materials such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and oxygen, as well as a catalyst, and converted into hydrogen, carbon monoxide, etc.

[0003] This reaction can be used for various purposes, for example, to supply hydrogen in fuel cells, which are considered as one of the energy sources to replace fossil fuels.

[0004] Here, a typical conventional method for producing hydrogen is to steam reform naphtha generated during the natural gas or crude oil refining process.

[0005] Although these methods are well-known and commercially available hydrogen production techniques, the reactants—natural gas and naphtha—are all fossil fuels, and their steam reforming process inevitably generates a large amount of carbon dioxide.

[0006] Since carbon dioxide generated during the use of fossil fuels is known as a major greenhouse gas causing global warming, European countries are imposing high carbon taxes on fossil fuels and are actively restricting their use by introducing measures such as cap-and-trade systems and carbon emission trading schemes.

[0007] Accordingly, countries are focusing their research and development efforts on methods to produce hydrogen for fuel cells from new and renewable energy sources.

[0008] Meanwhile, Korean registered patent No. 10-1594188 (February 15, 2016) discloses a method for producing synthesis gas.

[0009] However, the above invention focuses only on energy efficiency through daytime and nighttime operation, and has limitations in reducing the emission of large amounts of carbon dioxide generated during hydrogen production. The problem to be solved

[0010] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems by providing a reforming system and a method capable of increasing the efficiency of hydrogen acquisition while simultaneously reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0011] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings. means of solving the problem

[0012] A reforming method according to one embodiment of the present invention relates to a reforming method for obtaining hydrogen by reforming a hydrocarbon, and may include: a step of producing a first synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon dioxide from the hydrocarbon by reforming the hydrocarbon with steam plasma; a step of cooling the first synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature, removing water vapor contained in the first synthesis gas, and then separating hydrogen from the first synthesis gas; a step of producing a second synthesis gas with reduced carbon dioxide by reforming the first synthesis gas from which hydrogen has been separated and the hydrocarbon with steam plasma; and a step of cooling the second synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature, removing water vapor contained in the second synthesis gas, and then separating hydrogen from the second synthesis gas. Effects of the invention

[0013] According to a reforming system according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is an advantage of being able to increase the efficiency of hydrogen acquisition while simultaneously reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0014] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic flowchart of a modification method according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a modification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a specific first embodiment of a modification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram illustrating a specific second embodiment of a modification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a modification section of a modification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0016] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the concept of the present invention is not limited to the presented embodiments. Those skilled in the art who understand the concept of the present invention may easily propose other inventions that are inferior or other embodiments included within the scope of the concept of the present invention by adding, changing, or deleting other components within the same scope of the concept, and such are also to be considered to be included within the scope of the concept of the present invention.

[0017] A reforming method according to one embodiment of the present invention relates to a reforming method for obtaining hydrogen by reforming a hydrocarbon, and may include: a step of producing a first synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon dioxide from the hydrocarbon by reforming the hydrocarbon with steam plasma; a step of cooling the first synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature, removing water vapor contained in the first synthesis gas, and then separating hydrogen from the first synthesis gas; a step of producing a second synthesis gas with reduced carbon dioxide by reforming the first synthesis gas from which hydrogen has been separated and the hydrocarbon with steam plasma to produce hydrogen; and a step of cooling the second synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature, removing water vapor contained in the second synthesis gas, and then separating hydrogen from the second synthesis gas.

[0018] The above hydrocarbon may be at least one or a combination of two or more of methane, LPG, methanol, and naphtha.

[0019] In addition, the reforming reaction in the step of generating the first synthesis gas may be of the following Chemical Formulas 1 and 2, and the reforming reaction in the step of generating the second synthesis gas may be of the following Chemical Formulas 3 and 4.

[0020] [Chemical Formula 1]

[0021]

[0022] [Chemical Formula 2]

[0023]

[0024] [Chemical Formula 3]

[0025]

[0026] [Chemical Formula 4]

[0027]

[0028] A reforming system implementing a reforming method according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a reforming unit that reforms a hydrocarbon with steam plasma to produce a first synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon dioxide from the hydrocarbon; and a post-treatment unit that cools the first synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature, removes water vapor contained in the first synthesis gas, and separates hydrogen from the first synthesis gas. The reforming unit can produce hydrogen and a second synthesis gas with reduced carbon dioxide by reforming the hydrocarbon with steam plasma and the first synthesis gas from which hydrogen has been separated, and the post-treatment unit can cool the second synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature, remove water vapor contained in the second synthesis gas, and separate hydrogen from the second synthesis gas.

[0029] In addition, the reforming reaction that produces the first synthesis gas in the reforming section is the following Chemical Formula 1 and Chemical Formula 2, and the reforming reaction that produces the second synthesis gas in the reforming section may be the following Chemical Formula 3 and Chemical Formula 4.

[0030] [Chemical Formula 1]

[0031]

[0032] [Chemical Formula 2]

[0033]

[0034] [Chemical Formula 3]

[0035]

[0036] [Chemical Formula 4]

[0037]

[0038] As a specific first embodiment of a reforming method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of separating hydrogen from the second synthesis gas may be to mix the first synthesis gas and the second synthesis gas to produce a mixed gas, cool the mixed gas to a predetermined temperature, remove water vapor contained in the mixed gas, and then separate hydrogen from the mixed gas.

[0039] In addition, the step of generating the second synthesis gas can capture the char generated on the second synthesis gas.

[0040] A reforming system for implementing a reforming method according to the first embodiment above may have a reforming unit comprising a first reforming unit that generates the first synthesis gas and a second reforming unit that generates the second synthesis gas and is separated from the first reforming unit.

[0041] Additionally, the apparatus further includes a mixing unit that receives the first synthesis gas from the first reforming unit and the second synthesis gas from the second reforming unit, and mixes the first synthesis gas and the second synthesis gas to produce a mixed gas; and the post-treatment unit receives the mixed gas from the mixing unit, cools the mixed gas to a predetermined temperature, removes water vapor contained in the mixed gas, and can separate hydrogen from the mixed gas.

[0042] In addition, the second reforming unit can collect char generated on the second synthesis gas.

[0043] A specific second embodiment of a reforming method according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of producing carbon monoxide by reacting carbon dioxide with char in the first synthesis gas from which hydrogen has been separated, after the step of separating hydrogen from the first synthesis gas and before the step of generating the second synthesis gas.

[0044] In addition, the step of generating the second synthesis gas can generate hydrogen by reacting the carbon monoxide generated in the step of generating the carbon monoxide with steam.

[0045] Additionally, prior to the step of generating the first synthesis gas, the method further includes a step of heat-treating waste to generate a pretreatment gas containing char and methane from the waste; wherein the step of generating the pretreatment gas can capture the char generated on the pretreatment gas.

[0046] Additionally, the step of generating carbon monoxide may utilize the char captured by the step of generating the pretreatment gas.

[0047] A reforming system implementing the reforming method according to the second embodiment may further include a reaction unit that reacts carbon dioxide with char in the first synthesis gas from which hydrogen has been separated to produce carbon monoxide.

[0048] In addition, the above-mentioned reforming unit can produce hydrogen by reacting the carbon monoxide generated in the above-mentioned reaction unit with steam.

[0049] Additionally, it further includes a pretreatment unit that heat-treats waste to generate a pretreatment gas containing char and methane from the waste; said pretreatment unit can capture the char generated on said pretreatment gas and transfer it to said reaction unit, and transfer said pretreatment gas to said reforming unit.

[0050] Components with the same function within the scope of the same concept appearing in the drawings of each embodiment are described using the same reference numeral.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a schematic flowchart of a modification method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a modification system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a specific first embodiment of a modification system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram illustrating a specific second embodiment of a modification system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a modification section of a modification system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] In order to express the technical concept of the present invention more clearly, the attached drawings have simplified or omitted parts that are less related to the technical concept of the present invention or that can be easily derived by those skilled in the art.

[0057] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as being "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected" but also cases where they are "electrically connected" with other elements interposed between them. Furthermore, when a part is described as "including" a component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components, and it should be understood that this does not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0058] In this specification, the term "part" includes a unit realized by hardware, a unit realized by software, and a unit realized using both. Additionally, one unit may be realized using two or more hardware, and two or more units may be realized by one hardware.

[0059] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 and FIG. 2, a modification method (S10) according to one embodiment of the present invention and a modification system (10) implementing this method will be described.

[0060] For example, the above-mentioned reforming method (S10) may mean a method of obtaining hydrogen by reforming hydrocarbons.

[0061] For example, the hydrocarbon may be at least one or two or more combined gases among organic compounds composed only of carbon and hydrogen, such as methane (CH4), LPG, methanol, and naphtha.

[0062] However, for the sake of convenience, the following explanation will assume that hydrogen is obtained by reforming methane (CH4).

[0063] Methane can be obtained from natural gas, oil gas, etc., or through biomass or waste treatment.

[0064] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the modification method (S10) can be broadly divided into four steps as follows.

[0065] For example, the above reforming method (S10) may include the step (S100) of reforming methane with steam plasma to produce a first synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon dioxide from methane; the step (S200) of cooling the first synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature, removing water vapor contained in the first synthesis gas, and then separating hydrogen from the first synthesis gas; the step (S300) of reforming the first synthesis gas from which hydrogen has been separated and methane with steam plasma to produce hydrogen and produce a second synthesis gas with reduced carbon dioxide; and the step (S400) of cooling the second synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature, removing water vapor contained in the second synthesis gas, and then separating hydrogen from the second synthesis gas.

[0066] Below, I will explain each step in detail.

[0067] The step (S100) of generating the first synthesis gas above may mean generating a first synthesis gas containing hydrogen, carbon dioxide, etc. from methane by reforming methane with steam plasma.

[0068] For example, the reforming reaction in the step (S100) of generating the first synthesis gas may be the following Chemical Formula 1 and Chemical Formula 2.

[0069] [Chemical Formula 1]

[0070]

[0071] [Chemical Formula 2]

[0072]

[0073] As can be seen in Chemical Formula 1 above, the methane (CH4) in the step (S100) of generating the first synthesis gas can react with high temperature / high pressure steam (H2O) to produce carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (3H2).

[0074] In addition, as can be seen in Chemical Formula 2 above, the carbon monoxide (CO) produced in Chemical Formula 1 can react with high temperature / high pressure steam (H2O) to produce hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

[0075] Consequently, in the step (S100) of generating the first synthesis gas, the first synthesis gas generated by the reforming of methane (CH4) may be a gas comprising hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), unreacted carbon monoxide (CO), methane, and unreacted water vapor (H2O).

[0076] The step (S100) of generating the first synthesis gas can be implemented by the reforming unit (100) of the reforming system (10).

[0077] To explain this in more detail, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the reforming unit (100) can produce a first synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon dioxide from methane by reforming methane with steam plasma.

[0078] For example, the above-mentioned reforming unit (100) may refer to a reaction chamber that reforms methane with steam plasma.

[0079] To this end, the reforming system (10) may further include a steam supply unit (not shown) that supplies high-temperature, high-pressure steam (H2O) to the reforming unit (100), and the reforming unit (100) may be equipped with a plasma generation unit (not shown) that generates plasma.

[0080] As a result, the modification reaction of the above chemical formula 1 and chemical formula 2 can occur in the above modification part (100).

[0081] Meanwhile, the step (S200) of separating hydrogen from the first synthesis gas of the above-mentioned reforming method (S10) can separate hydrogen from the first synthesis gas after cooling the first synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature and removing water vapor contained in the first synthesis gas.

[0082] The step (S200) of separating hydrogen from the first synthesis gas can be implemented by the post-processing unit (200) of the reforming system (10).

[0083] To explain this in more detail, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the post-processing unit (200) may be equipped with a heat exchanger (210) that cools the first synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature, a water vapor removal unit (220) that removes water vapor contained in the first synthesis gas, and a hydrogen separation unit (230) that separates hydrogen from the first synthesis gas.

[0084] As a result, the post-processing unit (200) receives the first synthesis gas from the reforming unit (100), cools the first synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature through the heat exchange unit (210), removes the water vapor contained in the first synthesis gas through the water vapor removal unit (220), and then separates hydrogen from the first synthesis gas through the hydrogen separation unit (230).

[0085] The hydrogen separated in the above hydrogen separation unit (230) can be stored in a separate hydrogen storage unit (not shown).

[0086] For example, the heat exchanger (210) can cool the first synthetic gas to a preset temperature through a heat exchange medium.

[0087] The above heat exchanger (210) may be selected and placed from any one of the known heat exchange devices.

[0088] For example, the above steam removal unit (220) may be a demister, but is not limited thereto, and any configuration capable of removing steam can be applied in various ways from the perspective of a person skilled in the art.

[0089] For example, the hydrogen separation unit (230) is configured to separate hydrogen from the first synthesis gas and may be one of the Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA), Temperature Swing Adsorption (TSA), or Membrane methods, but preferably may be the PSA method.

[0090] Meanwhile, the step (S300) of generating the second synthesis gas of the above-mentioned reforming method (S10) can generate hydrogen and produce the second synthesis gas with reduced carbon dioxide by reforming the first synthesis gas, from which hydrogen has been separated by the step (S200) of separating hydrogen from the first synthesis gas, with methane using steam plasma.

[0091] The step of generating the second synthesis gas (S300) may mean a step of recycling the first synthesis gas to regenerate hydrogen through the first synthesis gas and further reducing carbon dioxide contained in the first synthesis gas.

[0092] For example, the reforming reaction in the step (S300) of generating the second synthesis gas may be the following chemical formulas 3 and 4.

[0093] [Chemical Formula 3]

[0094]

[0095] [Chemical Formula 4]

[0096]

[0097] As can be seen in Chemical Formula 3 above, carbon dioxide (CO2) contained in the first synthesis gas can react with methane (CH4) in a high temperature / high pressure environment to produce carbon monoxide (CO), water vapor (H2O), and carbon char.

[0098] In addition, as can be seen in Chemical Formula 4 above, carbon monoxide (CO) contained in the first synthesis gas or generated by Chemical Formula 3 can react with high temperature / high pressure steam (H2O) to produce hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and water vapor (H2O).

[0099] When combining Chemical Formula 3 and Chemical Formula 4, as can be seen in Chemical Formula 3 and Chemical Formula 4, in the step (S300) of generating the second synthesis gas, the first synthesis gas is recycled to additionally generate hydrogen (H2), and at the same time, the carbon dioxide (CO2) contained in the first synthesis gas is reduced.

[0100] Therefore, the above-mentioned reforming method (S10) has the effect of increasing the yield of hydrogen while simultaneously reducing the emission of carbon dioxide.

[0101] Meanwhile, the second synthesis gas produced by the step (S300) of producing the second synthesis gas may be a gas containing hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), char, unreacted carbon monoxide (CO), and unreacted water vapor (H2O).

[0102] The step (S300) of generating the second synthesis gas can be implemented by the reforming unit (100) of the reforming system (10).

[0103] To explain this in more detail, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the reforming unit (100) receives the first synthesis gas from which hydrogen has been separated from the post-treatment unit (200), and can produce hydrogen and the second synthesis gas with reduced carbon dioxide by reforming the first synthesis gas and methane with steam plasma.

[0104] As a result, the modification reactions of the above chemical formulas 3 and 4 can occur in the modification section (100).

[0105] Meanwhile, the step (S400) of separating hydrogen from the second synthesis gas of the above-mentioned reforming method (S10) can separate hydrogen from the second synthesis gas after cooling the second synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature and removing water vapor contained in the second synthesis gas.

[0106] The step (S400) of separating hydrogen from the second synthesis gas can be implemented by the post-processing unit (200) of the reforming system (10).

[0107] To explain this in more detail, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the post-processing unit (200) receives the second synthesis gas from the reforming unit (100), cools the second synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature through the heat exchange unit (210), then removes the water vapor contained in the second synthesis gas through the water vapor removal unit (220), and then separates hydrogen from the second synthesis gas through the hydrogen separation unit (230).

[0108] The hydrogen separated in the above hydrogen separation unit (230) can be stored in a separate hydrogen storage unit (not shown).

[0109] Below, specific first and second embodiments of the modification method (S10) and the modification system (10) described above will be explained in more detail.

[0110] Meanwhile, regarding content that is identical to the technical concept explained above or can be easily inferred from the perspective of a person skilled in the art, I will omit or briefly explain it.

[0111] 1. Modification method and modification system (10A) according to the first embodiment

[0112] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a modification system (10A) according to a first embodiment.

[0113] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the reforming unit (100A) may include a first reforming unit (110A) that generates the first synthesis gas and a second reforming unit (120A) that generates the second synthesis gas but is separated from the first reforming unit (110A).

[0114] That is, the first modification unit (110A) and the second modification unit (120A) may be mutually separated independent chambers.

[0115] Here, for example, the step (S100) of generating the first synthesis gas can be implemented in the first reforming unit (110A).

[0116] The reforming system (10A) according to the first embodiment may further include a storage unit (K2) that stores methane and supplies methane to the first reforming unit (110A), and a steam supply unit (K1) that supplies high temperature / high pressure steam to the first reforming unit (110A).

[0117] That is, the first reforming unit (110A) can reform methane with steam plasma to produce the first synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon dioxide from methane.

[0118] Consequently, the modification reaction in the first modification section (110A) may be a reaction of Formula 1 and Formula 2.

[0119] Afterwards, the step (S200) of separating hydrogen from the first synthesis gas can be implemented by the post-processing unit (200).

[0120] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the post-processing unit (200) receives the first synthesis gas from the first reforming unit (110A), cools the first synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature through the heat exchange unit (210), then removes the water vapor contained in the first synthesis gas through the water vapor removal unit (220), and then separates hydrogen from the first synthesis gas through the hydrogen separation unit (230).

[0121] The hydrogen separated in the above hydrogen separation unit (230) can be stored in the hydrogen storage unit (K3).

[0122] Afterwards, the step (S300) of generating the second synthesis gas can be implemented in the second reforming unit (120A).

[0123] The second reforming unit (120A) can receive the first synthesis gas from which hydrogen has been separated from the post-treatment unit (200), and can also receive high-temperature / high-pressure steam from the steam supply unit (K1) and methane from the storage unit (K2).

[0124] That is, the second reforming unit (120A) can produce hydrogen and a second synthesis gas with reduced carbon dioxide by reforming the first synthesis gas from which hydrogen has been separated and methane with steam plasma.

[0125] Consequently, the modification reaction in the second modification section (120A) may be the reaction of Formula 3 and Formula 4.

[0126] Here, the step (S300) of generating the second synthesis gas can capture the char generated on the second synthesis gas.

[0127] That is, the second reforming unit (120A) may be equipped with a collection unit (not shown) for collecting char generated on the second synthesis gas.

[0128] For example, the above-mentioned collection unit may be a collection device such as steam supplied to the second reforming unit (120A) and / or a filter installed in the second reforming unit (120A) for the char contained in the second synthesis gas.

[0129] The char collected in the above-mentioned collection unit can be recycled into various fields, such as lightweight aggregates and soil conditioners.

[0130] Afterwards, the step (S400) of separating hydrogen from the second synthesis gas can be implemented by the post-processing unit (200).

[0131] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the post-processing unit (200) receives the second synthesis gas from the second reforming unit (120A), cools the second synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature through the heat exchange unit (210), then removes the water vapor contained in the second synthesis gas through the water vapor removal unit (220), and then separates hydrogen from the second synthesis gas through the hydrogen separation unit (230).

[0132] The hydrogen separated in the above hydrogen separation unit (230) can be stored in the hydrogen storage unit (K3).

[0133] Meanwhile, the step (S400) of separating hydrogen from the second synthesis gas of the reforming method (S10) according to the first embodiment may produce a mixed gas by mixing the first synthesis gas and the second synthesis gas, cool the mixed gas to a predetermined temperature, remove water vapor contained in the mixed gas, and then separate hydrogen from the mixed gas.

[0134] To this end, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the reforming system (10A) according to the first embodiment may further include a mixing unit (300) that receives the first synthesis gas from the first reforming unit (110A) and receives the second synthesis gas from the second reforming unit (120A), and mixes the first synthesis gas and the second synthesis gas to produce a mixed gas.

[0135] That is, the second synthetic gas generated in the second reforming unit (120A) is transferred to the mixing unit (300), and the first synthetic gas generated in the first reforming unit (110A) is also transferred to the mixing unit (300) so that the first synthetic gas and the second synthetic gas are mixed to produce the mixed gas.

[0136] As the mixed gas generated in the mixing unit (300) passes sequentially from the mixing unit (300) through the heat exchange unit (210), the water vapor removal unit (220), and the hydrogen separation unit (230), the post-treatment unit (200) receives the mixed gas from the mixing unit (300), cools the mixed gas to a predetermined temperature, removes the water vapor contained in the mixed gas, and then separates hydrogen from the mixed gas.

[0137] Therefore, it is possible to efficiently perform post-processing of the first synthesis gas, the second synthesis gas, and the mixed gas with only one of the above post-processing units (200).

[0138] Afterwards, the mixed gas that has been post-treated by the post-treatment unit (200) can be introduced back into the second reforming unit (120A).

[0139] As a result, hydrogen acquisition efficiency can be maximized and carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced.

[0140] Meanwhile, the mixing unit (300) may be equipped with a first valve (not shown) for controlling whether the first synthesis gas generated in the first reforming unit (110A) is introduced, and a second valve (not shown) for controlling whether the second synthesis gas generated in the second reforming unit (120A) is introduced.

[0141] Accordingly, the mixing unit (300) can optionally transfer the first synthesis gas and / or the second synthesis gas to the heat exchange unit (210).

[0142] To explain this in more detail, the mixing unit (300) may open the first valve and close the second valve to receive only the first synthetic gas from the first reforming unit (110A) and deliver the first synthetic gas to the heat exchange unit (210), or it may close the first valve and open the second valve to receive only the second synthetic gas from the second reforming unit (120A) and deliver the second synthetic gas to the heat exchange unit (210), or it may open both the first valve and the second valve to receive the first synthetic gas and the second synthetic gas from the first reforming unit (110A) and the second reforming unit (120A) and deliver the generated mixed gas to the heat exchange unit (210).

[0143] 2. Modification method and modification system (10B) according to the second embodiment

[0144] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a modification system (10B) according to a second embodiment.

[0145] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the reforming system (10B) according to the second embodiment may include a pretreatment unit (400) that heat-treats waste to produce a pretreatment gas containing char and methane from the waste.

[0146] That is, the modification method (S10) according to the second embodiment may further include a step of heat-treating waste through the pretreatment unit (400) to produce a pretreatment gas containing char and methane from the waste prior to the step (S100) of producing the first synthesis gas.

[0147] The waste may be household waste, but there is no limit to the types thereof, and any type that can be produced by the pretreatment unit (400) pyrolyzing the waste to generate a pretreatment gas containing char and methane may be considered waste.

[0148] The above pretreatment unit (400) may be configured to generate the above pretreatment gas by burning waste in a high temperature / high pressure environment.

[0149] In addition, the pretreatment unit (400) can collect char generated on the pretreatment gas.

[0150] Here, the modification system (10B) according to the second embodiment may further include a waste storage unit (K4) that stores waste and transfers waste to the pretreatment unit (400).

[0151] Meanwhile, the step (S100) of generating the first synthesis gas can be implemented in the reforming unit (100B).

[0152] The above-mentioned reforming unit (100B) receives the pretreatment gas containing methane from the above-mentioned pretreatment unit (400) and can reform the methane contained in the pretreatment gas using steam plasma to produce the first synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon dioxide from the methane.

[0153] The reforming system (10B) according to the second embodiment may further include a steam supply unit (not shown) that supplies high temperature / high pressure steam to the reforming unit (100B).

[0154] Consequently, the modification reaction in the modification section (100B) may be a reaction of Formula 1 and Formula 2.

[0155] Afterwards, the step (S200) of separating hydrogen from the first synthesis gas can be implemented by the post-processing unit (200).

[0156] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the post-processing unit (200) receives the first synthesis gas from the reforming unit (100B), cools the first synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature through the heat exchange unit (210), then removes the water vapor contained in the first synthesis gas through the water vapor removal unit (220), and then separates hydrogen from the first synthesis gas through the hydrogen separation unit (230).

[0157] The hydrogen separated in the above hydrogen separation unit (230) can be stored in the hydrogen storage unit (K3).

[0158] Afterwards, the step (S300) of generating the second synthesis gas of the modification method (S10) according to the second embodiment can be implemented again in the modification unit (100B).

[0159] The above reforming unit (100B) can receive the first synthesis gas from which hydrogen has been separated from the above post-treatment unit (200), and can also receive high-temperature / high-pressure steam from the above steam supply unit (K1) and methane from the above pre-treatment unit (400).

[0160] That is, the above reforming unit (100B) can produce hydrogen and produce a second synthesis gas with reduced carbon dioxide by reforming the first synthesis gas from which hydrogen has been separated and methane with steam plasma.

[0161] Consequently, the modification reaction in the modification section (100B) may be the reaction of Formula 3 and Formula 4.

[0162] Here, the step (S300) of generating the second synthesis gas can capture the char generated on the second synthesis gas.

[0163] That is, the above-mentioned reforming unit (100B) may be equipped with a collection unit (not shown) for collecting char generated on the second synthesis gas.

[0164] Afterwards, the step (S400) of separating hydrogen from the second synthesis gas of the reforming method (S10) according to the second embodiment can be implemented by the post-processing unit (200).

[0165] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the post-processing unit (200) receives the second synthesis gas from the reforming unit (100B), cools the second synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature through the heat exchange unit (210), then removes the water vapor contained in the second synthesis gas through the water vapor removal unit (220), and then separates hydrogen from the second synthesis gas through the hydrogen separation unit (230).

[0166] The hydrogen separated in the above hydrogen separation unit (230) can be stored in the hydrogen storage unit (K3).

[0167] Meanwhile, the reforming method (S10) according to the second embodiment may further include a step of producing carbon monoxide by reacting carbon dioxide with char in the first synthesis gas from which hydrogen has been separated (S10) after the step (S200) of separating hydrogen from the first synthesis gas and before the step (S300) of generating the second synthesis gas.

[0168] To implement the step of generating carbon monoxide, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the reforming system (10B) according to the second embodiment may further include a reaction unit (500) that generates carbon monoxide by reacting carbon dioxide and char in the first synthesis gas from which hydrogen has been separated.

[0169] The reaction unit (500) receives the first synthesis gas from which hydrogen has been separated from the post-treatment unit (200) by the step (S200) of separating hydrogen from the first synthesis gas, and receives the tea captured by the step of generating the pre-treatment gas from the pre-treatment unit (400), and can produce carbon monoxide by reacting the carbon dioxide contained in the first synthesis gas with the tea in a high temperature / high pressure environment.

[0170] The reaction equation in the above reaction unit (500) is as shown in Chemical Formula 5 below.

[0171] [Chemical Formula 5]

[0172]

[0173] That is, when sequentially examining the reforming method (S10) according to the second embodiment, a step of generating the pretreatment gas in the pretreatment unit (400) is implemented, and subsequently, a step (S100) of generating the first synthesis gas in the reforming unit (100B) is implemented, and subsequently, a step (S200) of separating hydrogen from the first synthesis gas in the posttreatment unit (200) is implemented, and subsequently, a step of generating carbon monoxide in the reaction unit (500) is implemented, and subsequently, a step (S300) of generating the second synthesis gas in the reforming unit (100B) can be implemented.

[0174] Here, the step of generating the second synthesis gas (S300) can generate hydrogen by reacting the carbon monoxide generated in the step of generating carbon monoxide with steam.

[0175] To explain this in more detail, the carbon monoxide generated in the reaction unit (500) can be included in the first synthesis gas and transferred to the reforming unit (100B), and the reforming unit (100B) can generate hydrogen and carbon dioxide by reacting the carbon monoxide generated by the reaction unit (500) with steam in a high temperature / high pressure environment during the step (S300) of generating the second synthesis gas.

[0176] The reaction equation for this reaction is as shown in Chemical Formula 6 below.

[0177] [Chemical Formula 6]

[0178]

[0179] That is, the modification method (S10) according to the second embodiment can generate more hydrogen by generating carbon monoxide in the reaction unit (500) and reacting the generated carbon monoxide with steam in the modification unit (100B).

[0180] In addition, the carbon dioxide produced by the above formula 6 can be reduced through the reaction of the above formulas 3 and 4 on the modification unit (100B).

[0181] As a result, the hydrogen yield can be increased while carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced.

[0182] Meanwhile, FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the modification section (100) of the modification system. As shown in FIG. 5, the modification section (100) is introduced with a high-temperature plasma torch, and the hydrocarbons, water vapor, etc. described above can be introduced through a plurality of inlets.

[0183] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned reforming unit (100) may include a catalyst module (M) that generates hydrogen in the internal space.

[0184] The catalyst module (M) may be composed of a cage forming a space for storing a predetermined catalyst and a catalyst stored within the cage.

[0185] For example, the cage may consist of an inner wall and an outer wall, and a catalyst may be placed between the inner wall and the outer wall of the cage.

[0186] For example, the catalyst is capable of generating hydrogen from hydrocarbons in a high-temperature environment (e.g., 400°C or higher) and may be a nickel (Ni)-based catalyst, such as Ni / alpha-Al2O3, Ni / SiO2, Ni-Zn-Al, but is not limited thereto.

[0187] Meanwhile, the catalyst module (M) is placed inside the case of the reforming unit (100) and can be heated (e.g., 400°C or higher) by the waste heat of a plasma torch that reforms hydrocarbons to generate additional hydrogen.

[0188] As a result, the hydrocarbon introduced into the reforming unit (100) is first reformed by high temperature / high pressure steam plasma and secondly reformed by the catalyst module (M), so that a large amount of hydrogen can be produced with a relatively small amount of power and can be moved to the post-treatment unit (200) through the outlet.

[0189] Although the structure and features of the present invention have been described above based on embodiments according to the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention; therefore, it is noted that such changes or modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A reforming method for obtaining hydrogen by reforming a hydrocarbon, comprising: a step of reforming the hydrocarbon with steam plasma to produce a first synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon dioxide from the hydrocarbon; a step of cooling the first synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature, removing water vapor contained in the first synthesis gas, and then separating hydrogen from the first synthesis gas; a step of reforming the first synthesis gas from which hydrogen has been separated and the hydrocarbon with steam plasma to produce hydrogen and produce a second synthesis gas with reduced carbon dioxide; and a step of cooling the second synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature, removing water vapor contained in the second synthesis gas, and then separating hydrogen from the second synthesis gas. Claim 2 A reforming method according to claim 1, wherein the step of separating hydrogen from the second synthesis gas comprises mixing the first synthesis gas and the second synthesis gas to produce a mixed gas, cooling the mixed gas to a predetermined temperature, removing water vapor contained in the mixed gas, and then separating hydrogen from the mixed gas. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the step of generating the second synthesis gas is a reforming method that captures char generated on the second synthesis gas. Claim 4 A reforming method according to claim 1, further comprising: a step of producing carbon monoxide by reacting carbon dioxide with char in the first synthesis gas from which hydrogen has been separated, after the step of separating hydrogen from the first synthesis gas and before the step of generating the second synthesis gas. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the step of generating the second synthesis gas is a reforming method in which hydrogen is produced by reacting steam with carbon monoxide generated in the step of generating carbon monoxide. Claim 6 In claim 5, the method further comprises, prior to the step of generating the first synthesis gas, a step of heat-treating waste to generate a pretreatment gas containing char and hydrocarbons from the waste; wherein the step of generating the pretreatment gas captures the char generated on the pretreatment gas. Claim 7 In claim 6, the step of generating carbon monoxide is a reforming method that utilizes char captured by the step of generating the pretreatment gas. Claim 8 A reforming system for obtaining hydrogen by reforming hydrocarbons comprises: a reforming unit that reforms hydrocarbons with steam plasma to produce a first synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon dioxide from the hydrocarbons; and a post-treatment unit that cools the first synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature, removes water vapor contained in the first synthesis gas, and then separates hydrogen from the first synthesis gas; wherein the reforming unit reforms the hydrocarbons with the first synthesis gas from which hydrogen has been separated with steam plasma to produce hydrogen and produce a second synthesis gas with reduced carbon dioxide, and the post-treatment unit cools the second synthesis gas to a predetermined temperature, removes water vapor contained in the second synthesis gas, and then separates hydrogen from the second synthesis gas. Claim 9 In claim 8, the reforming unit comprises a catalyst module for generating hydrogen, and the catalyst module is heated by waste heat from a hydrocarbon reforming reaction to generate hydrogen, forming a reforming system. Claim 10 In claim 8, the reforming system comprises a first reforming unit that generates the first synthesis gas and a second reforming unit that generates the second synthesis gas and is separated from the first reforming unit. Claim 11 A reforming system according to claim 10, further comprising: a mixing unit that receives the first synthesis gas from the first reforming unit and receives the second synthesis gas from the second reforming unit, and mixes the first synthesis gas and the second synthesis gas to produce a mixed gas; wherein the post-treatment unit receives the mixed gas from the mixing unit, cools the mixed gas to a predetermined temperature, removes water vapor contained in the mixed gas, and separates hydrogen from the mixed gas. Claim 12 In paragraph 11, the second reforming unit is a reforming system that captures char generated on the second synthesis gas. Claim 13 A reforming system according to claim 9, further comprising a reaction unit that reacts carbon dioxide and char in the first synthesis gas from which hydrogen has been separated to produce carbon monoxide. Claim 14 In paragraph 13, the reforming unit is a reforming system that produces hydrogen by reacting carbon monoxide generated in the reaction unit with steam. Claim 15 A reforming system according to claim 14, further comprising a pretreatment unit that heat-treats waste to generate a pretreatment gas containing char and hydrocarbons from the waste, wherein the pretreatment unit captures the char generated on the pretreatment gas and delivers it to the reaction unit, and delivers the pretreatment gas to the reforming unit.

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