CO2 Absorption-Electrolysis Loop Using a Nickel Hydrogen Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon dioxide recovery and electrochemical reduction technologies are inefficient when combined, with pH discrepancies affecting absorption and decomposition rates, leading to suboptimal energy efficiency and loss.
Innovation Solution
A carbon dioxide process apparatus that integrates a recovery device, electrochemical reaction device, and electric energy storage device, utilizing a nickel hydrogen battery to optimize electrolytic solution pH through controlled circulation paths, enhancing absorption and decomposition efficiencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate techniques for carbon dioxide recovery and electrochemical reduction are combined, then both functions are achieved, but the overall energy efficiency is reduced due to multiplicative efficiency losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the carbon dioxide absorption function and electrochemical decomposition function into a single unified system that shares common components. The same electrolytic solution serves both absorption and decomposition functions, and the same power supply unit provides electricity for both processes. This integration eliminates the multiplicative efficiency losses that would occur if separate systems were combined, as the efficiencies are additive rather than multiplicative.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing components that perform multiple functions. The electrolytic solution universally serves both as an absorption medium for carbon dioxide and as an electrolyte for electrochemical decomposition. The power supply unit universally provides electrical energy for both the absorption process and the decomposition process. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity and improves overall energy efficiency.
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 apparatus improves overall carbon dioxide process efficiency by optimizing pH conditions, reducing energy loss, and increasing absorption and decomposition rates through strategic electrolytic solution circulation during battery charging and discharging.
Implementation Method 1
an electric energy storage device that supplies electric energy to the electrochemical reaction device, wherein the electric energy storage device includes: an electric energy storage portion that is constituted of a nickel hydrogen battery which stores electric energy
Implementation Method 2
a carbon dioxide absorption portion that dissolves the carbon dioxide in an electrolytic solution of a strong alkali and absorbs the carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 3
an electrochemical reaction device that electrochemically reduces the carbon dioxide which is recovered by the recovery device
Data Source
AI summary
A carbon dioxide process apparatus includes: a recovery device that recovers carbon dioxide; an electrochemical reaction device that electrochemically reduces the carbon dioxide; and an electric energy storage device, the recovery device includes: a carbon dioxide absorption portion, the electric energy storage device includes: an electric energy storage portion constituted of a nickel hydrogen battery, at a time of discharging, an electrolytic solution is circulated in an order of the carbon dioxide absorption portion, a negative electrode-side flow path of the electric energy storage portion, the electrochemical reaction device, a positive electrode-side flow path of the electric energy storage portion, and the carbon dioxide absorption portion, and at a time of charging, the electrolytic solution is circulated in an order of the carbon dioxide absorption portion, the positive electrode-side flow path, the electrochemical reaction device, the negative electrode-side flow path, and the carbon dioxide absorption portion.