CO2 Absorption-Reduction Loop With pH-Segmented Electrolyte Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon dioxide recovery and electrochemical reduction technologies suffer from inefficiencies in energy consumption and loss reduction when combined, with optimal pH conditions for carbon dioxide recovery differing from those for electrochemical reduction, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A carbon dioxide process apparatus that integrates a carbon dioxide absorption portion, electrochemical reaction device, anion exchange type fuel cell, and hydrogen supply passage to enhance absorption and decomposition efficiency by controlling pH and recycling hydrogen energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pH of the electrolytic solution is increased to improve carbon dioxide absorption rate, then the absorption rate is improved, but the decomposition efficiency of carbon dioxide deteriorates due to increased hydrogen generation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the electrolytic solution into two separate circulation paths: one path (first circulation path) maintains high pH for optimal carbon dioxide absorption in the recovery device, while the other path (second circulation path) maintains low pH for optimal carbon dioxide decomposition in the electrochemical reduction device. This segmentation allows each process to operate at its optimal pH condition independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pH conditions are applied to different locations in the system: the recovery device operates with high pH electrolytic solution for maximum absorption rate, while the electrochemical reduction device operates with low pH electrolytic solution for maximum decomposition efficiency. Each device receives electrolytic solution with locally optimized quality parameters.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate research and development is conducted for carbon dioxide recovery and electrochemical reduction, then each technique can be optimized independently, but the overall energy efficiency and loss reduction effect cannot be maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the carbon dioxide recovery device and the electrochemical reduction device into an integrated system where the electrolytic solution circulates through both devices in sequence. The recovery device and electrochemical reduction device are connected through shared electrolytic solution circulation, allowing both processes to work together synergistically rather than independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolytic solution serves multiple functions in the integrated system: it acts as both the absorption medium in the recovery device and the electrolyte in the electrochemical reduction device. This multi-functionality allows the same substance to contribute to both carbon dioxide recovery and electrochemical reduction processes.
3Quantity of substance
If high pH electrolytic solution is used for carbon dioxide absorption, then absorption rate is improved, but hydrogen generation amount increases at electrochemical reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolytic solution circulation is segmented into distinct paths: high pH solution is circulated through the recovery device for maximum carbon dioxide absorption, then the solution is regenerated and circulated through the electrochemical reduction device at low pH, minimizing hydrogen generation while maintaining carbon dioxide decomposition 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
Improves the absorption rate and decomposition efficiency of carbon dioxide, reducing energy consumption and losses by optimizing pH conditions and recycling hydrogen energy.
Implementation Method 1
a carbon dioxide absorption portion which dissolves carbon dioxide in an electrolytic solution of a strong alkali and absorbs the carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 2
a cathode in which a catalyst layer is formed on a side of a gas diffusion layer that is in contact with an electrolytic solution by using a carbon dioxide reduction catalyst, a carbon dioxide gas is supplied from a side of the gas diffusion layer opposite to the catalyst layer and is electrochemically reduced
Implementation Method 3
an anion exchange type fuel cell that supplies electric energy to the electrochemical reaction device
Implementation Method 4
anion exchange membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A carbon dioxide process apparatus includes: a recovery device that includes a carbon dioxide absorption portion which dissolves carbon dioxide in an electrolytic solution of a strong alkali and absorbs the carbon dioxide; an electrochemical reaction device to which the electrolytic solution in which the carbon dioxide is dissolved by the carbon dioxide absorption portion is supplied and which electrochemically reduces the carbon dioxide; an anion exchange type fuel cell that supplies electric energy to the electrochemical reaction device; a carbon dioxide concentration gas supply passage that supplies a carbon dioxide concentration gas generated by the fuel cell to the electrolytic solution which is discharged from the recovery device and before being supplied to the electrochemical reaction device; and a hydrogen supply passage that supplies hydrogen generated by the electrochemical reaction device to the fuel cell.