Dielectric Barrier Discharge Scrubbing for LNG Engine Methane Slip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing methane slip from LNG engines, such as catalyst-based systems and electron beam flue gas treatment, are inefficient, costly, and impractical for mobile applications due to high energy consumption, maintenance requirements, and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing dielectric barrier electrical discharge with sub-macroscopic structures, particularly carbon nanotubes, to generate high-energy electrons that break down methane in exhaust gases without the need for vacuum environments or electron accelerators, reducing methane content through controlled electrical discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If catalyst-based systems are used to reduce methane slip, then methane removal efficiency is improved, but cost and device complexity increase due to precious metal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical catalyst-based system with an electrical field-based dielectric barrier discharge system. Instead of using precious metal catalysts to facilitate methane oxidation, the invention uses high-energy electrons generated by DBD to directly break down methane molecules, substituting a mechanical/electrical process for a chemical catalytic process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters from low-temperature catalytic conditions to high-energy electron bombardment conditions. By applying high voltage pulses to generate DBD, the system operates at atmospheric pressure and lower temperatures while achieving effective methane decomposition through electron impact, fundamentally changing the physical and chemical parameters of the treatment process.
2Productivity
If electron beam flue gas treatment is used, then methane removal capability is improved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase due to vacuum requirements and electron accelerators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex vacuum system and electron accelerator components from the electron beam treatment process. By using dielectric barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure, the invention eliminates the need for vacuum environments and high-energy electron accelerators, retaining only the essential electron generation function through a simplified electrode system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex electron accelerators with simple, inexpensive electrode structures that generate electrons through dielectric barrier discharge. The system uses readily available materials such as dielectric coatings on electrode surfaces, eliminating the need for costly accelerator components while achieving effective electron generation for methane treatment.
3Productivity
If electron beam flue gas treatment is used, then methane removal capability is improved, but maintenance requirements and safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical electron accelerator system with a simple electrical discharge system using dielectric barriers. This substitution eliminates moving parts, vacuum seals, and high-energy beam control mechanisms, resulting in a system with minimal maintenance requirements and enhanced safety for mobile applications.
4Productivity
If traditional catalytic methods are used, then methane oxidation is achieved, but operating temperature requirements increase power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention fundamentally changes the temperature parameter by using high-energy electron bombardment instead of thermal activation. The dielectric barrier discharge generates electrons with sufficient energy to break methane bonds at low temperatures, eliminating the need for high-temperature operation required by traditional catalytic methods and thereby reducing power consumption for heating.
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 effectively reduces methane emissions by up to 90% in exhaust gases from LNG engines, while minimizing power consumption and maintenance needs, making it suitable for mobile applications.
Implementation Method 1
Utilizing dielectric barrier electrical discharge with sub-macroscopic structures, particularly carbon nanotubes, to generate high-energy electrons that break down methane in exhaust gases
Implementation Method 2
high-energy electrons generated during the discharge have been found to scrub methane from gases containing methane
Implementation Method 3
the structure is arranged to field-emit electrons and electrical discharge is establishable between the dielectric and the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a dielectric barrier electrical discharge apparatus, system and method. The apparatus comprises at least two electrodes arranged in use to provide at least one anode and at least one cathode an electric field thereby being establishable therebetween, the at least two electrodes being separated to allow a fluid to be present between the electrodes in use. At least one of the electrodes has a dielectric portion connected to at least part of said electrode, and a sub-macroscopic structure is connected to at least one of the electrodes or dielectric portion.