CO2 Capture System Using Electrolyzer Enrichment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for CO2 capture from flue gas are inefficient due to the dilute concentration of carbon dioxide, leading to high energy costs and reduced power plant production capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A CO2 recovery system that enriches the flue gas with O2 before input into a fuel cell, utilizing an electrolyzer cell to produce a high-concentration CO2 stream, which is then processed by a fuel cell to enhance energy output and reduce energy input for CO2 removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional CO2 removal systems are used on dilute flue gas, then CO2 can be removed, but the energy input required is very high and production capabilities are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enriching the flue gas with CO2 before it enters the fuel cell. An enrichment system concentrates the CO2 from dilute flue gas (typically 3-15% CO2) to a higher concentration (e.g., 40-80% CO2), which then serves as fuel for the fuel cell. This pre-concentration step enables efficient CO2 utilization while generating electricity, thereby reducing the net energy input required for CO2 removal from power plant emissions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If flue gas is provided as input supply to the fuel cell, then CO2 can be selectively removed and concentrated, but the output of electricity is lower due to dilute CO2 concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enriching the flue gas with CO2 before it enters the fuel cell. An enrichment system concentrates the CO2 from dilute flue gas (typically 3-15% CO2) to a higher concentration (e.g., 40-80% CO2), which then serves as fuel for the fuel cell. This pre-concentration step enables efficient CO2 utilization while generating electricity, thereby reducing the net energy input required for CO2 removal from power plant emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the concentration parameter of CO2 in the flue gas. The enrichment system changes the CO2 concentration from dilute (3-15%) to concentrated (40-80%), which fundamentally alters the fuel quality and enables the fuel cell to generate sufficient electricity. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction between CO2 removal efficiency and power generation capability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If CO2 is removed from dilute flue gas using conventional methods, then CO2 can be captured, but the cost and energy input are very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'blessing in disguise' principle by converting the harmful CO2 emissions into a beneficial resource. Instead of treating CO2 as waste to be removed at high cost, the system uses CO2 enrichment to create a valuable fuel source for the fuel cell. The enriched CO2 stream (40-80% concentration) serves as chemical energy input, generating electricity and reducing the net cost of CO2 capture. This transforms the harmful emission into an energy asset, eliminating the need for expensive conventional CO2 removal infrastructure.
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 increases the efficiency of CO2 capture and energy output from the power plant by concentrating CO2, allowing for more efficient removal and utilization of CO2, while also producing valuable hydrogen as a by-product.
Implementation Method 1
A CO2 recovery system that enriches the flue gas with O2 before input into a fuel cell, utilizing an electrolyzer cell to produce a high-concentration CO2 stream
Implementation Method 2
a fuel cell, such as a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), can be capable of producing electrical energy from an input supply of a flue gas and selectively removing the carbon dioxide contained in the flue gas as a byproduct
Data Source
AI summary
A carbon dioxide capture system for removing carbon dioxide from a flue gas produced by a combustion power plant. The system includes an electrolyzer cell configured to receive a flue gas comprising carbon dioxide and output a first exhaust stream comprising an enriched flue gas comprising carbon dioxide. The system further includes a fuel cell configured to receive the first exhaust stream and output a second exhaust stream comprising carbon dioxide. The second exhaust stream contains a higher concentration of carbon dioxide than the first exhaust stream.