Biomass Gasification with Electrolytic Hydrogen for FT Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomass conversion processes to hydrocarbon fuels via synthesis gas generation and Fisher-Tropsch synthesis often result in suboptimal carbon utilization, leading to significant carbon dioxide emissions due to inadequate hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratios, which can be mitigated by using green hydrogen produced through electrolysis or geologic sources.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system that includes the conversion of sustainably cultivated biomass and non-recyclable plastics into synthesis gas, followed by the electrolytic production of green hydrogen and oxygen, which are then used to achieve an optimal hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratio for Fisher-Tropsch synthesis, along with heat recovery and carbon dioxide recycling, to enhance carbon utilization efficiency and reduce emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional biomass gasification is used to produce synthesis gas for Fisher-Tropsch synthesis, then liquid fuel production is achieved, but carbon dioxide emissions increase due to suboptimal hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratio in the synthesis gas through multiple mechanisms: (1) using oxygen-enriched air or pure oxygen during gasification to control the ratio, (2) injecting hydrocarbons or alcohols into the gasifier to increase hydrogen content, (3) using water-gas shift reactions to convert carbon monoxide and water to hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and (4) selectively removing carbon dioxide through absorption or adsorption processes. These parameter adjustments enable optimal Fisher-Tropsch synthesis while reducing net carbon dioxide emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs intermediaries to manage carbon dioxide and optimize the synthesis gas composition. Carbon dioxide absorption/adsorption materials serve as intermediaries to selectively remove excess carbon dioxide from the synthesis gas. Additionally, water-gas shift catalysts act as intermediaries to facilitate the conversion of carbon monoxide to hydrogen. These intermediary substances enable precise control over the hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratio without directly altering the core gasification process.
2Productivity
If additional hydrogen is provided to achieve optimal hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratio, then carbon utilization efficiency improves, but process complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated process units to reduce overall complexity. The gasification system is designed to simultaneously produce synthesis gas, generate heat for process needs, and provide a platform for hydrogen enrichment through multiple mechanisms (oxygen injection, hydrocarbon injection, water-gas shift reactions) within the same reactor system. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate hydrogen production and purification units, thereby improving carbon utilization efficiency while managing process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasification process is designed to be self-sufficient by generating its own heat requirements through combustion of part of the synthesis gas or by burning the biomass feedstock. The process uses its own byproducts (heat, syngas) to sustain the reaction conditions needed for optimal hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratios, eliminating the need for external energy inputs and reducing overall process complexity.
3Ease of operation
If oxygen from electrolysis is used in biomass conversion, then control over thermal conversion process is enhanced, but energy input requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the oxygen concentration and flow rate during biomass gasification to precisely control the thermal conversion process. By adjusting these parameters, operators can optimize the hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratio in real-time, enhancing process control and adaptability to different feedstock types and desired product specifications.
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 results in higher yields of sustainable liquid fuels, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, and greater control over the synthesis gas generation and catalytic conversion processes, achieving higher carbon utilization efficiencies and improved fuel production.
Implementation Method 1
electrolytic production of green hydrogen and oxygen
Implementation Method 2
gasification of biomass
Implementation Method 3
pyrolytic conversion of biomass
Implementation Method 4
Fisher-Tropsch or other catalytic methods of synthesis of clean, high-quality hydrocarbon or alcohol fuel products
Implementation Method 5
recovery of heat from flue gases produced during thermal conversion of the biomass to synthesis gas
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of thermally processing carbonaceous materials, and especially sustainably cultivated woody biomass or cellulosic biomass sorted from municipal solid waste, to produce green fuel, such as diesel, sustainable aviation fuel and other beneficial by-products, including biochar. Synthesis gas is made by gasifying sustainably grown biomass, the thermal energy from which is used to create steam for treatment of biochar by-product to produce higher value activated carbon. Oxygen for the gasifier and hydrogen for a Fischer Tropsch (FT) or other catalytic synthesis stage of the process are generated by electrolysis of water using sustainably produced electricity. The gasification and electrolysis processes are operated to produce a 2:1 ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide needed for FT or other catalytic synthesis. The hydrocarbon product is distilled as required to produce either green alcohols or green diesel fuel and sustainable aviation fuel.