Distributed Methanation With CO2 Recovery From Fuel Cell Off-Gas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently recovering carbon dioxide as a raw material for methane production.
Innovation Solution
A distributed methanation system that integrates a co-electrolysis device, methane reactor, fuel cell power generation system, and carbon dioxide recovery device, utilizing renewable energy and advanced separation techniques to efficiently recover and recycle carbon dioxide for methane generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If centralized large-scale gasification plants are used, then energy production capacity increases, but transmission losses and infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized gasification system into distributed modular units that can be deployed locally. Each module processes biomass independently at the point of use, eliminating the need for long-distance syngas transmission and associated losses. The system segments the energy production function across multiple locations rather than concentrating it in single large plants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized spatial model to a distributed spatial model by deploying modular units across multiple locations. This dimensional shift from concentration to distribution enables local energy production, reducing transmission distances and associated energy losses while maintaining scalable capacity through replication of modules.
2Power
If centralized gasification plants are used, then energy production capacity increases, but infrastructure requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments infrastructure requirements into localized modular units that each contain complete functionality for biomass processing and energy generation. This eliminates the need for complex centralized infrastructure including large-scale syngas transmission networks, extensive storage facilities, and centralized control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Each modular unit is designed to be self-contained and self-sufficient, processing biomass locally and generating energy on-site without requiring connection to or support from centralized infrastructure. The modules independently handle all processing stages from biomass intake to energy output, reducing overall system infrastructure complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If syngas is stored and transported, then energy distribution flexibility increases, but hydrogen loss to methane formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy production function from centralized facilities and places it directly at distribution points. By producing syngas locally through distributed modular units, the system eliminates the need for storage and long-distance transport, thereby preventing hydrogen loss to methane formation that occurs during storage while maintaining energy distribution flexibility through local generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary energy production at distributed locations before distribution is needed. By generating syngas locally at the point of use rather than producing it centrally and transporting it, the system prevents hydrogen loss during storage and transport while maintaining the flexibility to distribute energy as needed.
4Productivity
If biomass is gasified and cleaned centrally, then processing efficiency increases, but system vulnerability to disruptions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gasification and cleaning processes into distributed modular units located at multiple sites. Each module independently performs complete biomass processing including gasification and cleaning functions. This segmentation eliminates single points of failure, as disruptions at one location do not affect other modules, thereby reducing system vulnerability while maintaining processing efficiency through standardized modular designs.
5Productivity
If large-scale centralized facilities are built, then economies of scale are achieved, but modular adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple standardized modular units to achieve scale economies while preserving adaptability. Each module is identical and can be replicated, allowing the system to scale by simply adding more modules rather than building increasingly complex large-scale facilities. This modular approach maintains adaptability to different locations and applications while achieving economies of scale through standardized design and bulk procurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static large-scale facilities to dynamic modular configurations that can be adapted to different locations and applications. The modular design allows flexible deployment scenarios including standalone units, clustered configurations, or integrated with existing infrastructure, providing dynamic adaptability while achieving scale economies through replication of proven modular designs.
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 system enables efficient recovery and recycling of carbon dioxide, reducing costs and achieving zero or negative carbon emissions while stabilizing power generation and supply.
Implementation Method 1
The reformer is configured to receive a carbon-containing compound and water and convert the carbon-containing compound and water into synthesis gas according to a set of chemical reactions
Implementation Method 2
The shift converter is configured to receive the synthesis gas and water and convert the synthesis gas and water into carbon dioxide and hydrogen according to a set of chemical reactions
Implementation Method 3
The membrane separator is configured to receive the carbon dioxide and hydrogen and separate the hydrogen from the carbon dioxide to produce purified hydrogen
Data Source
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AI summary
A distributed methanation system (1) according to the present invention includes: a methane generation system (10) that includes a co-electrolysis device (11) and a methane reactor (12), and generates methane by being supplied with power, water, and carbon dioxide; and a fuel cell power generation system (20) that includes a reformer (21) which converts the methane supplied from the methane generation system (10) into hydrogen and a fuel cell (22) which generates power using the hydrogen supplied from the reformer (21), in which the fuel cell power generation system (20) includes a circulation flow path which recirculates an off-gas of the hydrogen generated in the fuel cell (22) and a separator (24) which separates carbon dioxide from the off-gas of the hydrogen, and the distributed methanation system (1) further includes a carbon dioxide recovery device (40) which recovers the carbon dioxide separated by the separator (24).