Carbon Dioxide Capture and Hydrogen Power Generation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies are inadequate in effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions by efficiently capturing carbon dioxide from the air and simultaneously generating clean power.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves using a recycled hydroxide solution to capture carbon dioxide from the air, converting it into a carbonate-rich alkaline solution, which is then processed in an electrolyzer to generate hydrogen. This hydrogen is used to power a gas turbine power plant, with the power generated also used to sustain the carbon capture process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If carbon dioxide is captured from the air using hydroxide solution, then greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, but the system requires additional energy input for the electrolysis process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the carbon dioxide capture process with power generation by integrating the electrolyzer output directly into a gas turbine power plant. The system merges environmental benefit (CO2 removal) with energy production, where the electrolysis energy input is offset by the power generated from the hydrogen produced. This integration resolves the contradiction by making the energy consumption part of a larger energy-positive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves self-sustainability by using the power generated from the gas turbine to fund and operate the carbon capture and electrolysis processes. The hydrogen produced serves dual purposes: it generates power and also represents the captured carbon being converted into a useful energy carrier. This self-service mechanism allows the system to offset its energy requirements through its own output.
2Power
If hydrogen is generated from carbonate-rich alkaline solution, then clean power can be produced, but the process requires complex chemical processing
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyzer in the patent serves multiple functions: it generates hydrogen for power production, produces oxygen as a byproduct, and regenerates the carbonate lean alkaline solution for recycling back to the contactor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate processing systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining clean power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and recycles the carbonate lean alkaline solution back to the contactor instead of discarding it as waste. This recovery loop closes the chemical processing cycle, reducing the complexity of waste management and continuous chemical supply requirements. The recovered solution is reused in the carbon dioxide capture process, creating a sustainable cycle.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the system is made self-sustaining by using generated power to operate the contactor and electrolyzer, then operational sustainability is improved, but the initial energy investment and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using the power generated from the gas turbine to fund and operate the contactor and electrolyzer. This feedback loop ensures long-term operational sustainability by continuously replenishing the energy needed for carbon capture and hydrogen production. The feedback mechanism creates a self-regulating system where output fuels input, ensuring durable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous operation by recycling the carbonate lean alkaline solution back to the contactor and continuously generating hydrogen for power production. This continuous cycle ensures the system operates indefinitely without interruption, maintaining useful action throughout. The continuous nature of the process eliminates downtime and ensures sustained power generation and carbon capture.
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 not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions by capturing carbon dioxide but also generates clean power, creating a sustainable and self-sustaining carbon capture and power generation system.
Implementation Method 1
A source of carbon dioxide-rich gas is provided to a reaction device or 'contactor' where it is reacted with an alkaline solution, for example, sodium and/or potassium hydroxide, and thereby converted to a carbonate rich alkaline solution
Implementation Method 2
The carbonate rich alkaline solution is provided to an electrolyzer which generates hydrogen, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and a carbonate lean alkaline solution
Implementation Method 3
Hydrogen generated by the electrolyzer is fed to a gas turbine power plant, either alone or together with a natural gas or ammonia feed
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for capturing carbon dioxide from the air with a carbon contactor (also referred as to a carbon capture device), using an carbonate lean/poor alkaline solution to produce a carbonate rich alkaline rich solution, sending the resulting carbonate rich solution to an electrolyzer to generate hydrogen gas, and using the hydrogen gas to power a power plant, the hydrogen gas either used alone, or blended with natural gas or ammonia, and at least some of the power generated by the power plant is used to power the contactor and the electrolyzer.