Atmospheric CO2 Reduction Plant Using Electrolysis and Bosch Reaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Natural forests are limited in their ability to continuously absorb CO2 and produce oxygen due to dependence on sunlight and require significant maintenance, and their decline exacerbates global warming, necessitating a technological solution to support and enhance their carbon dioxide reduction capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A plant comprising an electrolysis unit for oxygen production, a carbon dioxide sorption unit for ambient air cleaning, and a carbonation unit for CO2 reduction, powered by regenerative energy sources, allowing continuous operation and long-term carbon storage, thereby supporting natural forests and reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If natural forests are used to absorb CO2 and produce oxygen, then carbon dioxide reduction and oxygen production are achieved, but the process is limited by sunlight availability and forest lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the biological photosynthesis system with an artificial electrochemical system. The electrolysis unit uses electrical energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, while the carbonation unit chemically converts CO2 into solid carbon and oxygen. This substitution eliminates dependence on sunlight and forest biological cycles, enabling continuous 24/7 operation regardless of time of day or seasonal variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters from biological constraints (sunlight hours, forest growth cycles) to industrial process parameters (electrical energy supply, chemical reaction conditions). By controlling electrical energy input to the electrolysis unit and chemical reaction conditions in the carbonation unit, the system can operate continuously and adjust production rates independently of natural cycles.
2Quantity of substance
If natural forests are used for CO2 absorption, then oxygen is produced, but significant maintenance effort and land area are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex biological system of forest growth, maintenance, and regeneration with a simplified industrial process. The electrolysis unit and carbonation unit require only electrical energy input and chemical reagent supply, eliminating the need for land management, tree planting, pruning, pest control, and other forest maintenance activities. The system can be housed in compact facilities rather than requiring extensive forest land area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses readily available, inexpensive materials and processes: water from any source (including seawater), atmospheric CO2, and electrical energy. The chemical reactions produce stable solid carbon as a byproduct that can be stored or utilized. This approach replaces the need for maintaining living biological systems with simple chemical processes using abundant resources.
3Quantity of substance
If forest area is expanded to increase CO2 absorption, then more oxygen is produced, but available land area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the land-intensive forest system with a compact industrial facility. The electrolysis unit and carbonation unit can be installed in small buildings or containers, requiring minimal land area compared to the extensive forest land needed for equivalent CO2 absorption. The system processes CO2 from ambient air or concentrated streams, eliminating the need for large-scale land conversion to forest.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the scaling parameter from land area to electrical energy input and processing capacity. Instead of expanding forest area to increase CO2 absorption, the system increases production by adding electrolysis units or operating existing units at higher capacity. This allows dense urban environments or areas with limited land to achieve significant CO2 reduction without competing for agricultural or natural land.
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 plant enables continuous oxygen production and CO2 reduction independent of daylight and forest lifespan, effectively supporting natural forests and achieving long-term carbon storage, thus mitigating global warming.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrolysis unit for oxygen production, which is connected to at least one water supply line to receive a water quantity, and is adapted to decompose a received water quantity into an oxygen partial quantity and a hydrogen partial quantity by electrolysis
Implementation Method 2
at least one carbon dioxide sorption unit for cleaning ambient air of an outside atmosphere surrounding the plant, which has at least one air inlet for the supply of the ambient air and at least one downstream sorber device, which is adapted to extract a carbon dioxide quantity from the ambient air
Implementation Method 3
at least one carbonation unit for converting the hydrogen partial quantity and the carbon dioxide quantity into carbon and water, in particular a Bosch reaction unit
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a plant, especially power plant, for reduction of the carbon dioxide content in atmospheric air, especially for improvement of atmospheric air quality. The plant has at least one electrolysis unit for oxygen production, at least one carbonization unit for carbon synthesis, especially a Bosch reaction unit, and at least one unit for cleaning of ambient air from an outside atmosphere surrounding the plant. The carbonization unit synthesizes carbon from carbon dioxide which is obtained from the atmosphere by means of the carbon dioxide sorption unit and this carbon is stored, in order to effectively reduce the proportion of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The disclosure further relates to a method of operating such a plant, with which the carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere can be efficiently reduced.