CO2 Utilization System with Spontaneous Electrochemical Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current carbon capture and storage technologies face challenges such as high investment costs, potential emission of harmful capturing agents, and low technology readiness, necessitating a more efficient method for capturing and utilizing carbon dioxide.

Innovation Solution

A carbon dioxide utilization system that employs a spontaneous electrochemical reaction between carbon dioxide and an aqueous solution, using a cathode and anode unit to capture carbon dioxide as bicarbonate ions and produce hydrogen gas without an external power source, integrated into a complex power generation system that includes a reformer and fuel cells to efficiently generate electricity and hydrogen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If carbon capture and storage technologies are used to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, then greenhouse gas reduction is achieved, but investment costs are high and technology readiness is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegreenhouse gas emissionsVSAvoidtechnology readiness level

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the carbon dioxide itself as fuel in a fuel cell to generate electricity, and the generated hydrogen is used to reduce carbon dioxide to formic acid. The process is self-sustaining where the output of one reaction drives the next reaction, eliminating the need for external energy input and complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines carbon capture, hydrogen production, and electricity generation into a single integrated system. The fuel cell simultaneously captures carbon dioxide and generates electricity, while the hydrogen produced is immediately used for reduction reactions, merging multiple functions into one process unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional carbon capture methods are employed, then carbon dioxide is captured, but harmful capturing agents may be emitted to the atmosphere

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon dioxide captureVSAvoidemission of harmful capturing agents

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the harmful carbon dioxide emissions into useful products: electricity is generated through the fuel cell, and formic acid is produced through hydrogen reduction. The carbon dioxide that would normally be a waste product is transformed into valuable chemical products, eliminating the need for harmful capturing agents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If carbon dioxide is utilized through existing technologies, then some carbon conversion is achieved, but energy efficiency is low and additional power sources are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon dioxide utilizationVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous useful action where carbon dioxide is continuously converted to electricity in the fuel cell, and the generated hydrogen continuously reduces carbon dioxide to formic acid. This continuous cycle eliminates energy losses associated with start-stop operations and intermediate storage, maximizing energy efficiency throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system effectively captures carbon dioxide, produces high purity hydrogen, and generates electricity by utilizing carbon dioxide as a fuel, addressing the inefficiencies and costs of existing technologies while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Implementation Method 1

carbon dioxide introduced into the first aqueous solution is captured as a bicarbonate ion and produces a hydrogen ion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCarbon dioxide dissolution and ionization:

Implementation Method 2

the hydrogen ion reacts with an electron of the cathode to produce hydrogen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reduction: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 3

a fuel cell which receives the reformed gas produced in the reformer as a fuel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFuel cell electrochemical reaction: Fuel Cell

Data Source

PatentUS11710840B2Carbon dioxide utilization system, and complex power generation system using the same

Publication Date: 2023.07.25 GTC CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a carbon dioxide utilization system capable of recharging and undergoing reactions. The system includes a cathode unit provided with a first aqueous solution accommodated in a first accommodation space, and a cathode at least a part of which is submerged in the first aqueous solution; an anode unit provided with an alkaline second aqueous solution accommodated in a second accommodation space, and a metal anode at least a part of which is submerged in the second aqueous solution; and a connection unit provided with a connection channel connecting the first and second accommodation spaces in open communication, and a porous ion transfer member, disposed in the connection channel, for blocking the movement of the first and second aqueous solutions but allowing the movement of ions.