Bio-methanol Production via Off-Peak Electrolysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid biofuel production techniques face challenges due to high energy and reactant requirements, leading to technical and economic issues, as well as elevated fossil fuel emissions, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Innovation Solution

An integrated process and system for producing bio-methanol using renewable energy sources, including electrolysis powered by batteries charged during off-peak electricity demand, which stores surplus electricity for peak demand periods, and utilizes biomass to synthesize hydrogen and oxygen, reducing fossil fuel-derived emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If conventional liquid biofuel production techniques are used, then biofuel can be produced, but high energy and reactant requirements lead to elevated fossil fuel emissions and economic challenges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefossil fuel emissionsVSAvoidenergy requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the production process by using renewable electricity instead of fossil fuels, and byproduct gases instead of conventional reactants. This transforms the energy source from fossil-based to renewable-based, eliminating fossil fuel emissions while maintaining biofuel production capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts harmful byproduct gases (CO2, H2S, NH3) from biomass decomposition into useful reactants for methanol synthesis. Instead of treating these as waste products to be disposed of, the process utilizes them as valuable chemical building blocks, thereby converting a harmful output into a beneficial input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Productivity

If electrolysis is powered during peak electricity demand periods, then bio-methanol can be produced, but electricity costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebio-methanol productionVSAvoidelectricity cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs electrolysis during off-peak electricity demand periods when electricity is cheaper and more abundant. By preparing hydrogen and oxygen gases in advance during these low-cost periods, the system avoids the need to perform energy-intensive electrolysis during expensive peak periods, thereby reducing overall electricity costs while maintaining production capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic operation of the electrolysis unit, alternating between off-peak and peak demand periods. This periodic action allows the system to utilize cheaper electricity during off-peak times and store the produced gases for later use during peak times, creating a cost-effective production rhythm

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If batteries are used to store surplus electricity, then peak demand electricity can be supplied, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectricity supply reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the batteries serve multiple functions: storing surplus electricity during off-peak periods, providing peak demand electricity during high-demand periods, and enabling flexible operation of the electrolysis unit. By making the energy storage system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach enables the production of greenhouse gas-neutral bio-methanol, reducing fossil fuel emissions and providing a flexible, reliable method for balancing electricity supply and demand, while transitioning from petroleum-based fuels to climate-friendly hydrocarbons.

Implementation Method 1

an electrolysis unit that is part of a bio-methanol production process is powered using different sources of energy at different electricity demand periods

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

utilizes biomass to synthesize hydrogen and oxygen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnaerobic digestion: Anaerobic Digestion

Data Source

PatentUS11111195B2Bio-methanol production

Publication Date: 2021.09.07 ULTRA CLEAN ECOLENE INC

AI summary

Methods and systems for producing bio-methanol can include anaerobic digestion of a biomass feedstock to produce biogas including methane and carbon dioxide, partial oxidation of the biogas with oxygen from water electrolysis to produce syngas, synthesizing bio-methanol from the syngas and hydrogen from the water electrolysis, storing the bio-methanol, intermittently using battery based electricity to power the electrolysis during peak electricity demand, and intermittently using renewable electricity from another source during off-peak demand. Electricity can also optionally be obtained by periodically combusting a portion of the bio-methanol. The techniques provide a route for the production of bio-methanol without the engagement of fossil fuels as feedstocks and mitigating fossil fuel derived greenhouse gas emissions from processing and utilization of transportation fuels and commercial or industrial alcohols.