Cyclic Hydrogen Production with CO2 Capture and In-Situ CO Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen production methods, such as sorption-enhanced chemical looping reforming, capture CO2 but do not utilize it in situ, and there is a need for a method that combines CO2 capture with in situ utilization and avoids deactivation of solid materials by coking.
Innovation Solution
A cyclic method involving two steps with a first solid material that oxidizes a reductant to form syngas and a CO2 sorbent that captures and releases CO2, using a second solid material that is reduced and oxidized to form CO, with thermodynamic equilibrium oxygen partial pressures controlling the reactions to prevent deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If sorption-enhanced chemical looping reforming is used to capture CO2, then CO2 capture is achieved, but the captured CO2 is not utilized in situ
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CO2 capture and CO2 utilization into a single integrated process. The CO2 captured by the sorbent in the first reactor is directly utilized in the second reactor for CO production, merging two separate functions (capture and utilization) into one coupled system, thereby eliminating the need for external CO2 transport and storage infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The CO2 sorbent material acts as an intermediary that temporarily stores CO2 from the reforming reaction and transports it to the oxidation reaction zone. This intermediary mechanism enables the coupling of CO2 capture and utilization functions, allowing CO2 to be moved from the fuel conversion zone to the syngas production zone within the same process system.
2Productivity
If traditional steam reforming is used to produce hydrogen, then hydrogen production is achieved, but high temperatures and constant heat supply are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by alternating between fuel conversion mode and air oxidation mode in the same reactor system. During air oxidation mode, heat is generated to maintain reforming temperatures, eliminating the need for continuous external heat supply. This periodic operation allows the system to self-sustain the high temperatures required for steam reforming.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by using the fuel itself as the heat source for the reforming reaction. The air oxidation step generates heat that is immediately utilized to maintain the high temperatures required for steam reforming in the subsequent fuel conversion step, creating a self-sustaining thermal cycle that eliminates external heating requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If sorption-enhanced reforming is used to enhance hydrogen production, then purity is improved, but CO2 is captured but not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges CO2 capture and CO2 utilization into a single integrated process flow. The CO2 captured by the sorbent during hydrogen production is directly fed to the oxidation reactor for CO synthesis, combining two separate functions into one coupled system and eliminating CO2 as a waste product.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the captured CO2, the patent recovers it by utilizing the CO2-rich stream from the sorbent regeneration as feedstock for CO production in the oxidation reactor. This recovery approach transforms a waste stream into a valuable product stream, improving overall process efficiency.
4Productivity
If chemical looping steam reforming is used to produce hydrogen, then H2 production is achieved, but the process complexity increases due to multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the CO2 capture function and CO production function into a single coupled process where the output of one step becomes the input of the next. By integrating these functions and using the CO2 sorbent as a linking intermediary, the overall process complexity is reduced compared to separate standalone systems.
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 method efficiently produces hydrogen and carbon monoxide streams while utilizing captured CO2 and preventing solid material deactivation, achieving high purity and efficiency in hydrogen and carbon monoxide production.
Implementation Method 1
In sorption enhanced steam reforming, the reforming reaction is enhanced by the addition of a solid CO2 sorbent. The CO2 sorbent removes CO2 from the reactor, enhances the purity and enables in situ CO2 capture.
Implementation Method 2
The first solid material oxidizes the at least one reductant of the first gas stream in the first step and under the process conditions of the first step to form syngas
Implementation Method 3
the second solid material is reduced by syngas in the first step and under the process conditions of the first step; and the second solid material is oxidized by CO2 in the second step and under the conditions of the second step to form CO
Implementation Method 4
In a first step methane reacts with steam. This methane reforming process is however an endothermic process requiring high temperatures (usually from 973-1373 K (from 700-1100° C.)), a constant heat supply
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cyclic method of producing a hydrogen rich and/or a carbon monoxide rich stream using different materials, a first solid material, a second solid material and a CO2 sorbent material.In a first step a first gas stream comprising steam and at least one reductant is brought in contact with the three materials resulting in a hydrogen rich outlet stream.In a second step, the captured CO2 from the first step is released and converted to CO to produce a CO rich outlet stream.The invention further relates to an installation for producing a hydrogen rich and/or carbon monoxide rich stream.