Ammonia Production System Using Metal Halide Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Haber-Bosch process for ammonia production is inefficient and not adaptable for distributed, renewable energy-based production due to its reliance on fossil fuels, high energy consumption, and inability to handle intermittent renewable energy sources, resulting in high CO2 emissions and limited scalability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple vessels with integrated ammonia synthesis and absorption processes using metal halides for reversible heat storage and ammonia separation, allowing for efficient energy transfer and storage, and operation in various modes to optimize ammonia production and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the conventional Haber-Bosch process is used with fossil fuels, then high ammonia production efficiency is achieved, but high CO2 emissions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the energy source parameter from fossil fuels to renewable electricity, and modifies the process parameters (temperature, pressure, catalyst) to enable efficient ammonia synthesis at smaller scale and lower temperatures, thereby reducing CO2 emissions while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the steam turbine-based mechanical system with electric compressors and heaters directly powered by renewable electricity, eliminating the need for steam generation from fossil fuel combustion and significantly reducing CO2 emissions
2Loss of energy
If the Haber-Bosch process is designed for continuous steady-state operation, then high energy efficiency is achieved, but adaptability to intermittent renewable energy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static continuous operation design into a dynamic system that can operate in multiple modes (synthesis mode, storage mode, delivery mode) and adapt its operation to the intermittent availability of renewable energy, while maintaining high energy efficiency through optimized heat and mass transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the conventional integrated Haber-Bosch process into separate functional units (synthesis reactor, absorbent vessels for storage, delivery system) that can operate independently or in combination, enabling flexibility to match renewable energy availability while maintaining overall energy efficiency
3Productivity
If large-scale centralized ammonia production is implemented, then economies of scale are achieved, but distributed energy storage capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the large-scale production system into multiple smaller modular units that can be distributed geographically, each capable of independent operation with local renewable energy sources, thereby enabling both distributed energy storage and maintaining production scalability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention designs universal modular units that can serve multiple functions (ammonia synthesis, energy storage, fertilizer production) and be deployed in various locations and scales, enabling both distributed energy storage capability and economies of scale through replication
4Productivity
If high pressure conditions are used in ammonia synthesis, then reaction rate is improved, but energy consumption and equipment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the process parameters by using lower operating pressures combined with improved catalysts and absorbents, achieving high reaction rates and ammonia separation efficiency without requiring complex high-pressure equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining productivity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves an energy efficiency of approximately 88%, enabling the production of ammonia using renewable energy with reduced CO2 emissions and allowing for distributed, scalable production without the need for continuous operation or compressors, thus aligning with the requirements of a Net Zero society.
Implementation Method 1
a first material for storing ammonia
Implementation Method 2
ammonia synthesis and absorption processes using metal halides for reversible heat storage
Implementation Method 3
reversible heat transfer is desired
Implementation Method 4
second vessel adjacent and in direct thermal communication with the first vessel
Implementation Method 5
ammonia synthesis catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a system for the production of ammonia, the system comprising: a reservoir for liquid ammonia or water; a first vessel configured to receive gaseous nitrogen and hydrogen feedstocks, the first vessel comprising an ammonia Core process synthesis catalyst and a first material for storing ammonia, a second vessel adjacent and in direct thermal communication with the first vessel, the second vessel comprising a second material for storing ammonia or water, and being in fluid communication with the reservoir for liquid ammonia or water; a third vessel comprising a third material for storing ammonia and comprising an outlet for recovering ammonia; wherein the system has at least two operating modes, wherein: (i) in a first operating mode for retaining ammonia synthesised on the catalyst the first vessel is not in fluid communication with the third vessel, and (ii) in a second operating mode the first vessel is in fluid communication with the third vessel for passing ammonia to the third material.