Building Power Supply System Using Methanol Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power systems for buildings fail to be self-sufficient, as they either cover only electrical or thermal energy needs, and not both, and often rely on additional energy sources or mains supply, with seasonal availability issues of renewable energy sources like solar power posing a challenge.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system comprising a renewable energy plant, an electro-biocatalysis apparatus for producing methanol from CO2, a methanol tank for storage, a combined heat and power plant, a rechargeable battery, and a thermal heat pump, allowing for independent coverage of both electrical and thermal energy needs throughout the year, with optional furnace for high heat requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If energy is accumulated in batteries for seasonal storage, then energy availability is improved, but system cost and size become uneconomical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and form of energy storage from electrical energy in batteries to chemical energy in methanol liquid. This parameter change enables long-term seasonal storage without the exponential cost increase associated with battery capacity expansion, making the system economically viable for year-round energy independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces methanol as an intermediary energy carrier between renewable energy generation and building energy consumption. Methanol serves as a stable chemical storage medium that can be produced during high-generation periods and consumed during high-demand periods, bridging the seasonal gap without requiring prohibitively large battery systems.
2Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is used for energy accumulation, then energy storage capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to high pressure and cryogenic equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex, expensive hydrogen storage infrastructure with simple, ambient-temperature methanol storage tanks. Methanol can be stored in conventional liquid storage vessels without high-pressure or cryogenic equipment, dramatically reducing system complexity while maintaining energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the energy carrier from gaseous hydrogen requiring extreme conditions to liquid methanol stable at ambient conditions. This parameter change eliminates the need for specialized high-pressure and cryogenic equipment, simplifying the entire storage system.
3Productivity
If photovoltaic system is dimensioned for summer production, then summer energy surplus is improved, but winter energy deficiency occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary energy storage by producing and storing methanol during the summer when photovoltaic generation exceeds demand. This stored chemical energy is then utilized during winter months when solar production is insufficient, ensuring year-round energy reliability without oversizing the photovoltaic system for peak winter demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a continuous energy supply chain by coupling summer photovoltaic surplus with winter methanol combustion. The system maintains uninterrupted useful action throughout the year by transitioning from direct electrical use in summer to chemical storage and subsequent electrical/thermal generation in winter.
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 ensures year-round self-sufficiency in both electrical and thermal energy for buildings, reducing reliance on external energy sources and being CO2-neutral, with high energy efficiency and adaptable component dimensions for various building types.
Implementation Method 1
an apparatus for the production of methanol by reduction of CO2 by means of electro-biocatalysis
Implementation Method 2
the reduction of CO2 by means of electro-biocatalysis
Implementation Method 3
electro-biocatalysis comprising directly heated electrodes
Implementation Method 4
a combined heat and power plant
Implementation Method 5
a thermal energy storage
Implementation Method 6
a renewable energy plant, e.g. a photovoltaic system
Implementation Method 7
a thermal heat pump
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a power supply system for a self-sufficient, i.e., autarkic, building, wherein the system is capable of covering both electrical and thermal energy needs of the building throughout the year, independent of additional energy sources, a self-sufficient building comprising said system and a process for operating said system. The power supply system comprises a renewable energy plant, e.g. a photovoltaic system, an apparatus for the production of methanol by reduction of CO2 by means of electro-biocatalysis comprising directly heated electrodes, a methanol tank, a thermal energy storage, a combined heat and power plant, a rechargeable battery, and, optionally, a furnace for burning methanol and generating heat and/or a thermal heat pump. The system advantageously is CO2-neutral when in use.