Mobile direct air carbon capture with fuel generation

Abstract

A mobile apparatus for direct air carbon capture includes, a structure configured to support the internal and external systems of the mobile apparatus, an electricity source configured to power the mobile apparatus, at least one carbon capture module attached to the structure of the mobile apparatus, a carbon collection unit configured to receive the output of the at least one carbon capture module, where the mobile apparatus can be moved from one location to another location. A method of using the mobile apparatus to refuel a ship on a shipping route with an E-fuel produced by the mobile apparatus to increase the cargo capacity or the range of the ship.

Description

MOBILE DIRECT AIR CARBON CAPTURE WITH FUEL GENERATIONBACKGROUND

[0001] Removing CO2 from the atmosphere, commonly referred to as carbon capture or direct air carbon capture (DAC) has been implemented on small and industrial scales. The economics of carbon capture are driven by the energy costs of the processes used and the filter or sorbent material used in the carbon capture process. Two of the main methods of DAC are liquid and solid sorbent DAC. Solid sorbents, such as a solid base material coated with a type of amine. The base material and amine coating can optionally be bonded together. Amine formulations can be produced to coat beads or spheres of plastic, polymer, or other suitable material. Some of the issues involved in the use of amine coated or impregnated sorbent material is the service life of the filter material or sorbent due to degradation of the amine material. The present invention provides a cost-effective and energy-effective way of continuously operating a direct air capture (DAC) apparatus using a solid sorbent.

[0002] Different methods of capturing CO2 from the atmosphere or air streams are available, but the method of direct air capture by use of a solid sorbent in a direct air capture unit or other suitable sorbent configuration is discussed in detail below.

[0003] Typical DAC methods involve flowing atmosphere across a sorbent filter media typically referred to simply as a "filter" in an absorption cycle. The filter is contained within a sealable container typically referred to as an air contactor or simply a contactor, as the filter contacts the air flow of atmosphere within the “contactor.” Once sorbent filter media has reached a designated level of absorption, typically between 50 and maximum absorption for the sorbent media, a desorption cycle is initiated. The desorption of a solid sorbent currently requires a temperature swing or pressure swing to release the captured CO2 from the sorbent media, but other methods of desorption are known in the art. Temperature swing desorption uses a heat source and a heated working fluid. Any number of known industrial methods of heating can be used, including but not limited to resistive heating of the working fluid. Heating of the working fluid generally represents the majority of the energy required by the desorption cycle. Prior to introducing the heated working fluid within the contactor during the desorption cycle, a vacuum is applied within the contactor to remove the atmosphere or air within the contactor to lower the level of Oxygen. Current amine and other solid sorbent materials deteriorate when exposed to Oxygen and the rate of degradation is increased with the temperature of the sorbent. Typically,sorbent medias designed for DAC units utilizing atmospheric air flows, -21% Ch at ambient temperature ranges, and are designed to last a service interval that is based on atmospheric / ambient conditions. The service life of the sorbent filter is determined by the amount of degradation that occurs in every absorption and desorption cycle. Service life can be increased by limiting the temperature and the amount of O2 that the sorbent media is exposed to during each absorption and desorption cycles. Current methods of desorption can use steam as the working fluid, but other methods of desorption or other working fluids are known in the art. When steam is used as the working fluid, the contactor is a sealable pressure vessel that needs to resist collapsing under a vacuum and the pressures generated by the steam, which may be superheated. The structural requirements of a contactor used with steam as the working fluid are significant and generally required the use of corrosion resistant materials with sufficient material properties for the particular application, such as stainless steel. Even with the use of metals such as stainless steel or similar metals contactors have significant structural requirements that translates into a significant volume / mass of material which needs to be heated up with the filters to bring the filters to the desired desorption temperature, the inverse is also true, the contactor will need to be cooled back to the desired absorption temperature for a particular application. The thermal mass of the contactor and sorbent media is directly related to the amount of energy required for the desorption cycle of a DAC-unit.

[0004] The CO2 produced by DAC can be stored for later use in other industrial applications or diverted to a secondary process that seeks to convert the CO2 into a form that can be permanently stored without the potential of releasing the CCh back into the atmosphere or environment, i.e. producing solid compositions. One secondary use for the captured CO2 is industrial use, such as E-fuel generation and CO2 injection based Enhanced Oil Recovery.

[0005] The present state of the art in DAC units and facilities require a large footprint for several reasons, primarily the relatively low amount of CO2 in the atmosphere requires a large amount of surface area to facilitate absorption by the sorbent in the filter housings. This results in a large number of filter housings and the carbon capture modules or DAC units that contain the filter housings. The auxiliary systems required for desorption of the sorbent can include, heat sources, steam generators, lifting equipment, cooling equipment, piping and anything else required by the method of desorption used by a particular DAC unit.TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

[0006] Unless specified, the terms absorption and adsorption can be used to mean any sorption process. Both can be used to describe DAC processes. In DAC applications, absorption is used to refer to the process by which carbon dioxide is attracted to the sorbent and becomes evenly distributed throughout the whole body of the absorbate material. This is most commonly understood to occur when the sorbent is in the liquid or aqueous state. The term adsorption is used to refer to the process when carbon dioxide is attracted to the sorbent and becomes distributed on the surface of the sorbent. For the purpose of this document the term adsorption has been used. However, this does not imply that absorption cannot also occur.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0007] It is therefore a goal of the present invention to provide a mobile apparatus and method of using the apparatus disclosed herein that overcomes the above mentioned disadvantage(s). The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of fixed location DAC units by configuring a mobile apparatus to include at least one carbon capture module which allows for collection of carbon dioxide in locations that are not available to normal construction methods. Operating a DAC unit in remote locations, such as navigable waters, allows for the captured carbon dioxide to be processed into a hydrocarbon based fuel when water is broken down into Hydrogen and oxygen by a separate process within the mobile apparatus.

[0008] At least one objective of the invention is achieved by a mobile apparatus for direct air carbon capture includes, a structure configured to support the internal and external systems of the mobile apparatus, an electricity source configured to power the mobile apparatus, at least one carbon capture module attached to the structure of the mobile apparatus, a carbon collection unit configured to receive the output of the at least one carbon capture module, where the mobile apparatus can be moved from one location to another location.

[0009] The mobile apparatus may also include where a floating vessel is configured as the mobile apparatus. In one embodiment conventional sea faring vessels, including but not limited to, aircraft carriers, container ships, barges, oil rigs, floating platforms, cruise ships, and any other suitable vessel known in the art are configured as the mobile apparatus for direct air carbon capture.

[0010] The mobile apparatus may also include where the mobile apparatus further includes a drive unit. In one embodiment the drive unit advantageously moves the mobile apparatus from one location to another.

[0011] The mobile apparatus may also include where the drive unit is a propeller or azimuth thrustor. In one embodiment the drive unit advantageously allows for the mobile apparatus to be moved in bodies of water.

[0012] The mobile apparatus may also include where the electricity source is a nuclear reactor.

[0013] The mobile apparatus may also include where the electricity source is a renewable energy source. In one embodiment the renewable energy source is a wind farm, solar array, or other known green energy source known in the art to advantageously reduce the carbon foot print of the mobile apparatus or be carbon neutral. In one embodiment, the energy source is advantageously located outside or separated from the mobile apparatus, such as a solar array or wind farm located onshore when an oil rig is configured as the mobile apparatus.

[0014] The mobile apparatus may also include a first processing unit configured to produce a first compound, a second processing unit configured to receive the first compound and an output of the carbon collection unit, where the second processing unit produces a carbon based compound. In one embodiment the mobile apparatus is advantageously configured to produce a carbon based compound for storage of the captured carbon dioxide or produce a useful compound with the captured carbon dioxide.

[0015] The mobile apparatus where the first processing unit configured to output a supply of Hydrogen, and the second processing unit is configured to receive the supply of Hydrogen and an output of the carbon collection unit to produce the carbon based compound that is a hydrocarbon based E-fuel. The E-fuel may advantageously be any known fuel that can be derived from the chemical components of CO2.

[0016] The mobile apparatus may also include where the carbon based compound is an E-fuel that is methane or methanol.

[0017] The mobile apparatus may also include where the output of the at least one carbon capture module is carbon dioxide and the carbon collection unit is a carbon storage unit that is configured to store the carbon dioxide. In one embodiment the carbon dioxide is stored on the mobile apparatus in at least one carbon storage unit. In one embodiment the carbon dioxide that is stored by the carbon storage units is injected in the area adjacent to or serviceable by themobile apparatus. The carbon dioxide can be injected into the Sea floor to advantageously sequester the carbon dioxide or as part of a CO2 based Enhanced Oil Recovery operation. In another embodiment the carbon storage units are portable containers or tanks that can be transferred off of the mobile apparatus.

[0018] The mobile apparatus may also include where the carbon compound is carbon carbonate. The carbon carbonate generated by the mobile apparatus may advantageously be formed into solid shapes such as bricks.

[0019] The mobile apparatus where the mobile apparatus is located in a salt water environment and the carbon based compound is used to produce a coral reef. In other embodiments, the mobile apparatus can advantageously deposit the carbon carbonate directly on the sea floor to manufacture artificial coral reefs.

[0020] In one embodiment, a method of refueling a ship using the mobile apparatus for direct air carbon capture includes the steps of selecting a shipping route for the ship that requires at least one refueling point, configuring the mobile apparatus to produce a hydrocarbon based E- fuel, configuring the mobile apparatus to refuel the ship with the E-fuel, positioning the mobile apparatus at the at least one refueling point to extend the range of a ship by refueling, completing the shipping route with the ship.

[0021] The method of refueling a ship where the cargo capacity of the ship is increased along the shipping route by refueling at the at least one refueling point by substituting fuel capacity for extra cargo. The range or cargo capacity of a seafaring vessel can advantageously be extended or increased by use of the mobile apparatus for direct air carbon capture by refueling the ship with a hydrocarbon based E-fuel. The Hydrocarbon based E-fuel can be carbon neutral or have a low carbon foot print depending on the electricity source. The operating costs or cost per unit of cargo can advantageously be reduced by use of the method of refueling a ship using the mobile apparatus for direct air carbon capture.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0023] FIG. 1 A is an overhead view of an exemplary floating vessel.

[0024] FIG. IB is an overhead view of the floating vessel of FIG. 1A configured for DAC.

[0025] FIG. 1 C is an overhead view of a cargo ship that is suitable for DAC.

[0026] FIG. 2A is a view in cross section of the floating vessel of FIG. 1A.

[0027] FIG. 2B is a view in cross section of the floating vessel of FIG. IB.

[0028] FIG. 3A is a view in cross section of an oil rig.

[0029] FIG. 3B is an overhead view of an oil rig.

[0030] FIG. 3C is the oil rig of FIG. 3 A configured for DAC.

[0031] FIG. 3D is an overhead view of the oil rig of FIG 3B configured for DAC.

[0032] FIG. 4A is a partial exposed view of a Post Panamax I or II container ship or floating vessel.

[0033] FIG. 4B is a modified floating vessel of FIG. 4A with hull dividers 402 removed and carbon capture modules installed below deck.

[0034] FIG. 5A is another partial exposed view of a Post Panamax I or II container ship or floating vessel.

[0035] FIG. 5B is the floating vessel of FIG. 5 A with contactors installed below deck.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in this description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0037] Various technologies that pertain to apparatus and methods will now be described with reference to the drawings, where like reference numerals represent like elements throughout. The drawings discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged apparatus.

[0038] It is to be understood that functionality that is described as being carried out by certain system elements may be performed by multiple elements. Similarly, for instance, an element may be configured to perform functionality that is described as being carried out by multiple elements. The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will be described with reference to exemplary non-limiting embodiments.

[0039] Also, it should be understood that the words or phrases used herein should be construed broadly, unless expressly limited in some examples. For example, the terms “including,” “having,” and “comprising,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and / or, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. Furthermore, while multiple embodiments or constructions may be described herein, any features, methods, steps, components, etc. described with regard to one embodiment are equally applicable to other embodiments absent a specific statement to the contrary.

[0040] Also, although the terms "first", "second", "third" and so forth may be used herein to refer to various elements, information, functions, or acts, these elements, information, functions, or acts should not be limited by these terms. Rather these numeral adjectives are used to distinguish different elements, information, functions or acts from each other. For example, a first element, information, function, or act could be termed a second element, information, function, or act, and, similarly, a second element, information, function, or act could be termed a first element, information, function, or act, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] Also, unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted”, “connected”, “supported”, and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0042] In addition, the term "adjacent to" may mean: that an element is relatively near to but not in contact with a further element; or that the element is in contact with the further portion, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Terms “about” or “substantially” or like terms are intended to cover variations in a value that are within normal industry manufacturing tolerances for that dimension. If no industry standard as available a variation of 20 percent would fall within the meaning of these terms unless otherwise stated.

[0043] FIG. 1 A is an example of a floating vessel 102 that can be used as the support structure for the mobile apparatus 100. The floating vessel 102 of FIG. 1A is a simplified overhead outline of an aircraft carrier, which is presented due to the vast deck space 210 and equally vast below deck space 208 available in floating vessels 102 of this configuration. Any vessel with sufficient surface area and or volume to enclose all of the equipment necessary for DAC can be used, other examples are oil rigs, cruise ships, container ships, floating barges and movable platforms.

[0044] FIG. IB is an overhead view of the floating vessel of FIG. 1A with a plurality of carbon capture modules 104 installed and distributed on the deck space 210 of the floating vessel 102. The configuration of FIG. IB includes 24 carbon capture modules 104 on the deck space 210 of the floating vessel 102. Other configurations are possible with more or less number of carbon capture modules 104. Additionally, a person skilled in the art would recognize that the carbon capture modules 104 can be of any of the known types and configurations of DAC that utilize sorbent filters, self contained or otherwise. In other embodiments the carbon capture modules 104 can be individual sorbent filters or contactors 502 rather than an assembly or array of sorbent filters or contactors 502.

[0045] FIG. 1C is an overhead view of a container / cargo ship or floating vessel 102. In one configuration, an existing DAC plant can require a rectangular area of 380 meters by 60 meters to accommodate all of the necessary auxiliaries and required number of carbon capture modules 104. A floating vessel 102 as seen in FIG. 1C can have available deck space 210 of approximately 390 meters by 60 meters, this foot print can be adapted to contain an existing DAC plant with minimal alteration to preexisting designs, if any.

[0046] FIG. 2A is a simplified cross sectional view of an aircraft carrier or floating vessel 102. The floating vessel 102 has below deck space 208 that is above and below the water line 212. As with most floating vessels 102 the below deck space 208 that is below the water line212 can be utilized for the mechanical and electrical systems of the vessel. The drive unit 214 of the floating vessel 102 can be below the water line 212 and is typically a mechanically or electrically driven propeller or independent electric propellers commonly known as Azimuth thrustors (not shown).

[0047] FIG. 2B is a simplified cross sectional view of the floating vessel 102 of FIG. 2A with a carbon capture module 104 on the deck space 210 of the floating vessel 102. By placing the carbon capture modules 104 on the deck space 210, atmospheric air can be directed into and out of the carbon capture modules 104 at the flow rates required for industrial scale DAC. The internal areas of the floating vessel 102 can be utilized to contain the various auxiliaries necessary for DAC and any additional parallel or post processing applications that will be used with the CO2 captured by the carbon capture modules 104. An electricity source 202 can be located in the below deck space 208, in one embodiment the electricity source 202 can be a conventional nuclear reactor or a plurality of small modular reactor (SMR). A nuclear reactor or SMR is an ideal electricity source 202 for the mobile apparatus 100 as they do not require a continuous fuel source and are considered to be carbon neutral. Other electricity source 202 can be used that are also carbon neutral, such as wind and solar power, but fossil fuel powered electricity sources 202 can be used. In one embodiment the floating vessel 102 is stationary after assembly or delivery, such as an oil rig or floating barge, in these embodiments the oil rig or floating barge can be towed or moved by a tug boat or other known method. In stationary or movable embodiments of the floating vessels 102, the electricity source 202 can be onshore or nearby the floating vessel 102, such as a wind farm or solar array (onshore or offshore). Any know method of generating electricity can be use and subsequently connected via the appropriate cables to the stationary or mobile floating vessel 102.

[0048] The necessary auxiliaries 216 required for DAC can be configured in the below deck space 208. The auxiliaries 216, can include heat exchanger(s), piping, steam generators, and other necessary equipment required for the type of desorption used by the floating vessel 102. In embodiments that do not perform a secondary operation on the captured CO2 can utilize a carbon storage unit 204, alternatively a carbon storage unit 204 can be used in conjunction with a secondary operation in a processing unit 206. Examples of a processing unit 206 are the equipment necessary for E-fuel generation or the production of a solid such as carbon carbonate. In embodiments that produce carbon carbonate, solid bricks can be manufactured or alternatively the carbon carbonate can be deposited on the ocean floor to create artificial coralreefs. Existing conventional or additive manufacturing techniques can be used to shape the carbon carbonate into the desired shapes, as well as advance weathering. Other known methods of carbon sequestration can be utilized in ocean faring floating vessel 102, such as undersea storage by injection of the CO2 directly in to the Sea floor, Sea bed or any suitable area configurable for CO2 injection. The Sea floor can be adjacent to the mobile apparatus 100 or can be in an area serviceable by the mobile apparatus 100 directly by moving the mobile apparatus 100 or by transporting carbon storage units 204 off of the mobile apparatus 100. In embodiments configured for CO2 injection, sequestration or CO2 injection EOR, the mobile apparatus 100 can include the auxiliaries 216 and processing units 206 or any other necessary equipment required by the operations.

[0049] In one embodiment of the mobile apparatus 100 water is used in a processing unit 206 to produce Hydrogen and Oxygen via electrolysis or other known method. In floating vessels 102 located in saltwater environments, desalination would be conducted in a processing unit 206. The H, O, and CO2 can be combined to produce an E-fuel, such as methanol (CH3OH) or methane (CH4) or any other known combustible fuel that can be derived from CO2 or Carbon molecules. Additional processing units 206 can be used to execute the process necessary to produce the E-fuel and or store the E-fuel. Depending on the E-fuel produced, liquid or gaseous storage is possible in additional processing units 206. In one embodiment, the mobile apparatus 100 generates an E-fuel that is stored in a processing unit 206, the E-fuel can be transferred to other floating vessel 102 or ships in containers or used to directly refuel the ships. In one embodiment, the floating vessel 102 is located at a point that lies on a shipping route, the location of the floating vessel 102 advantageously allows for the ships that utilize the shipping route to refuel at the location of the floating vessel 102. By utilizing a floating vessel 102 as a refueling station a ship can carry additional cargo, either by mass or volume no longer utilized by the fuel that would have been required to complete the shipping route without refueling. Refueling can be accomplished by transferring the liquid or gaseous fuel to the ships via piping or hoses. In one embodiment, fuel is stored in modular tanks 218 that can be stored on the deck space 210 or below deck space 208. The modular tanks 218 can be swapped with the empty modular tank 218 on a ship that is refueling, thereby decreasing the amount of storage space needed for fuel by the floating vessel 102 and any ship requiring refueling. Additionally, refueling times may be reduced as the safety procedures required to transfer and connect fuel lines / piping would not be required, only the process of unloading an empty modular tank 218and loading a full modular tank 218, which can be connected or utilized while the ship is underway. Alternatively, refueling vessels, such as barges or tankers, can be utilized as an intermediary between the floating vessel 102 and a ship requiring refueling. The refueling vessel can refuel a ship that is stationary or in motion.

[0050] FIG. 3A is a simplified side view or view in cross section of an oil rig or platform 300 used in the extraction of fossil fuels from the floor of the ocean or seafloor.

[0051] FIG. 3B is a simplified overhead view of the platform 300 of FIG. 3 A. The platform 300 has a substantially square shape when viewed from overhead, as seen in FIG. 3B, the sides of the platform 300 can be 80 meters. An 80 meter by 80 meter platform 300 can accommodate a DAC unit that includes 8 carbon capture modules 104 and a processing unit 206 and or auxiliaries 216 hardware on the deck space 210, see FIG. 3D. In this embodiment, the carbon capture modules 104 require a 20 meter by 20 meter area for equipment and adequate spacing for air flow. A person skilled in the art will know that other dimensions can be used to accommodate other platform 300 or floating vessel 102 configurations. The configuration or array of FIG. 3D can be utilized on a single floor or deck of the platform 300, alternatively the entire platform 300 can be utilized for DAC, as seen in FIG. 3C. In one embodiment, the platform 300 is configured for DAC and moved or towed to an existing Oil rig for the purpose of producing CO2 next to or adjacent to an existing Oil rig for carbon dioxide (CO2) injection EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery). The platform 300 can be configured with an electricity source 202. Alternatively, the platform 300 can be used for the same purposes as a floating vessel 102, such as the embodiments described in FIG. 1 A through FIG. 2B. In this way an existing oil rig can be repurposed as a refueling station, coral reef generator, or for CO2 sequestration (direct injection or as a solid).

[0052] FIG. 4A is a partial exposed view of a Post Panamax I or II container ship or floating vessel 102 with capacities of 4,000-6000 TEU or 6,000-8,300 TEU respectively. The floating vessel 102 has below deck space 208 that is separated by hull dividers 402.

[0053] FIG. 4B is a modified floating vessel 102 of FIG. 4A with hull dividers 402 removed to accommodate an existing design of a carbon capture module 104. In this embodiment, a pair of carbon capture modules 104 can be housed in each of the expanded cargo bays. A person skilled in the art would know that larger and smaller cargo vessels could be modified for the same purpose as the exemplary embodiment.

[0054] FIG. 5A is a partial exposed view of a Post Panamax I or II container ship or floating vessel 102 with capacities of 4,000-6000 TEU or 6,000-8,300 TEU respectively. The floating vessel 102 has below deck space 208 that is separated by hull dividers 402.

[0055] FIG. 5B is a modified floating vessel 102 of FIG. 5 A. In this embodiment, a 3 by 10 array of individual contactors 502(30 per array) has been arranged in the existing below deck space 208 of floating vessel 102. In this embodiment, the hull dividers 402 do not need to be removed. A person skilled in the art would know that larger and smaller cargo vessels could be modified for the same purpose as the exemplary embodiment.

[0056] Although various embodiments that incorporate disclosed concepts have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other varied embodiments that still incorporate these disclosed concepts. Disclosed embodiments are not limited to the specific details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. Disclosed concepts may be implemented by other implementations, and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways, which now would become apparent to one skilled in the art.

[0057] None of the description in the present application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, act, or function is an essential element, which must be included in the claim scope: the scope of patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed claims. Moreover, none of these claims are intended to invoke a means plus function claim construction unless the exact words "means for" are followed by a participle

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A mobile apparatus (100) for direct air carbon capture comprising, a structure configured to support the internal and external systems of the mobile apparatus (100), an electricity source (202) configured to power the mobile apparatus (100), at least one carbon capture module (104) attached to the structure of the mobile apparatus (100) and configured to capture carbon dioxide, a carbon collection unit configured to receive an output of the at least one carbon capture module (104), wherein the mobile apparatus (100) can be moved from one location to another location.

2. The mobile apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein a floating vessel (102) is configured as the mobile apparatus (100).

3. The mobile apparatus (100) of claim 2, wherein the mobile apparatus (100) further comprises a drive unit (214).

4. The mobile apparatus (100) of claim 3, wherein the drive unit (214) is a propeller or azimuth thrustor.

5. The mobile apparatus (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the electricity source (202) is a nuclear reactor.

6. The mobile apparatus (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the electricity source (202) is a renewable energy source.

7. The mobile apparatus (100) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a first processing unit (206) configured to produce a first compound, a second processing unit (206) configured to receive the first compound and an output of the carbon collection unit, wherein the second processing unit (206) produces a carbon based compound.

8. The mobile apparatus (100) of claim 7, wherein the first processing unit (206) is configured to output a supply of Hydrogen, and the second processing unit (206) is configured to receive the supply of Hydrogen and the output of the carbon collection unit to produce the carbon based compound that is a hydrocarbon based E-fuel.

9. The mobile apparatus (100) of claim 8, wherein the mobile apparatus (100) is located in a sea faring body of water and is configured to refuel a plurality of sea faring vessels with the hydrocarbon based E-fuel.

10. The mobile apparatus (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrocarbon based E-fuel is methane or methanol.

11. The mobile apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the output of the at least one carbon capture module (104) is carbon dioxide, and the carbon collection unit is a carbon storage unit (204) that is configured to store the carbon dioxide.

12. The mobile apparatus (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the carbon based compound is carbon carbonate.

13. The mobile apparatus (100) of claim 12, wherein the mobile apparatus (100) is located in a salt water environment and the carbon based compound is used to produce a coral reef.

14. A method of refueling a ship (102) using the mobile apparatus (100) of claim 1 comprising the steps of: selecting a shipping route for the ship (102) that requires at least one refueling point, configuring the mobile apparatus (100) to produce a hydrocarbon based E-fuel, configuring the mobile apparatus (100) to refuel the ship with the E-fuel, positioning the mobile apparatus (100) at the at least one refueling point to extend the range of a ship (102) by refueling, completing the shipping route with the ship (102).

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the cargo capacity of ship (102) is increased along the shipping route by refueling at the at least one refueling point by substituting fuel capacity for extra cargo.

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