Carbon Negative Module for Industrial Conversion Processes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carbon footprint reduction in industrial processes remains a challenge due to high emissions from fossil fuels, with existing methods not effectively addressing the need for significant carbon footprint reduction in conversion processes.
Innovation Solution
Integration of external carbon negative processes using renewable inputs such as biomass, which produce sequesterable carbon and renewable energy, to power and input into conversion processes, thereby reducing the overall carbon footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If fossil fuels are used to power conversion processes, then energy production is achieved, but carbon emissions increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts harmful carbon emissions into beneficial sequesterable carbon through carbon negative processes. Biomass is converted into useful products while capturing and sequestering carbon, transforming the harmful emission into a beneficial carbon storage mechanism that reduces the overall carbon footprint of the conversion process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the carbon balance parameter from positive (emissions) to negative (sequestration) by introducing carbon negative processes. This parameter change allows the system to achieve carbon reduction while maintaining energy production, fundamentally altering the environmental impact profile of the conversion process
2Object-generated harmful factors
If carbon negative processes are integrated into conversion processes, then carbon footprint is reduced, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conversion process into distinct modules: conventional conversion processes and carbon negative processes. This segmentation allows the carbon negative component to be added as a separate functional unit that processes biomass and provides carbon sequestration, reducing overall process complexity by organizing functions into discrete, manageable sections rather than requiring complete redesign of the entire process
3Use of energy by moving object
If biomass is used as feedstock, then renewable energy is produced, but requires additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the biomass processing system multi-functional by integrating multiple objectives into a single process flow: biomass conversion, renewable energy production, and carbon sequestration. This universal approach allows the same processing steps to achieve multiple benefits simultaneously, reducing the need for separate dedicated steps for each function
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 integration of carbon negative processes significantly reduces the carbon footprint of conversion processes, potentially making them carbon negative, and qualifies them for carbon credits and renewable identification numbers, demonstrating a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The atmosphere is being presently overburdened by carbon emissions produced from fossil fuels... the high absorption of CO2 by the algae
Implementation Method 2
US Patent Publication 2010/0040510 discloses a multistage pressurized fluidized bed gasifier operating between 780° C. and 1100° C. that converts biomass to synthesis gas and biochar
Implementation Method 3
US Patent Publication 2004/0111968 discusses pyrolyzing biomass to produce char and pyrolysis gases
Implementation Method 4
electricity is produced by combustion of one or both of combustible biovapors or renewable fuels obtained as output from the carbon negative process
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for reducing the carbon footprint of any commercially important industrial conversion process. The output of this conversion process can be combustible fuels, chemicals, electricity or heat energy. In its broadest form, a carbon negative module outputs energy to a conversion energy and this energy replaces conventional fossil-fuel based energy. A sequesterable carbonaceous solid is produced by the carbon negative process which represents a net carbon withdrawal from the atmosphere.