Electrochemical CO2 Converter with Ionic Liquid Regenerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current carbon dioxide conversion technologies for long-duration space missions are hindered by heavy solid sorbents that are difficult to replace and service in space, and require high regeneration temperatures, resulting in limited oxygen yield and susceptibility to radiation and water exposure issues.
Innovation Solution
A carbon dioxide conversion system utilizing a gas-liquid contactor-separator and electrochemical cell with ionic liquid storage, which allows for efficient CO2 sorption and electrochemical conversion to oxygen and reduced carbon species, enabling higher oxygen yield and robust operation in space environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid sorbents are used for CO2 removal, then CO2 can be removed from the cabin, but the system becomes heavy and difficult to replace or service in space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces solid sorbent systems with a liquid-based electrolyte system in an electrochemical cell. The liquid electrolyte circulates through the system, absorbing CO2 during electrolysis, and can be regenerated by heating or pressure reduction. This liquid hydraulic system is lighter and more easily replaceable than solid sorbent beds, directly addressing the weight and serviceability issues while maintaining CO2 removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the CO2 absorbing medium from solid to liquid, and utilizes electrochemical reactions to convert CO2 into useful products (oxygen and carbon monoxide). By changing the operational parameters from simple adsorption to electrochemical conversion, the system achieves both weight reduction and improved reliability through in-situ regeneration capability.
2Reliability
If high regeneration temperature is used for CO2 desorption, then CO2 can be desorbed for Sabatier reactor, but the system complexity increases and O2 yield is limited to 50%
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical cell performs self-regeneration by continuously converting CO2 into oxygen and carbon monoxide through electrolysis. The liquid electrolyte circulates automatically, picking up CO2 during the process and delivering it to the Sabatier reactor. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external regeneration systems while achieving greater than 50% oxygen yield through direct electrochemical conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid electrolyte serves multiple functions: it acts as the CO2 absorbing medium, the electrolyte for electrochemical conversion, and the transport medium for delivering CO2 to the Sabatier reactor. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by eliminating separate components for each function, while the electrochemical conversion process simultaneously produces oxygen for life support and carbon monoxide for fuel synthesis.
3Reliability
If water exposure occurs on solid sorbents, then adsorbed water is difficult to remove, but this creates susceptibility to radiation and reduces O2 yield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces solid sorbent material with a liquid electrolyte system that is not susceptible to radiation damage. The liquid electrolyte can be easily heated to remove any adsorbed water through simple heating or pressure reduction, eliminating the water retention problems associated with solid sorbents. This hydraulic system maintains CO2 removal efficiency while being immune to radiation effects that plague solid sorbent systems in space environments.
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 increases the maximum oxygen yield from CO2 to 67% and reduces system mass and complexity, providing a more reliable and efficient method for oxygen production in space, while also enabling water electrolysis and fuel generation.
Implementation Method 1
a scrubber configured to receive contaminated air from the environment, receive cleaned liquid absorbent from the ionic liquid storage, and discharge cleaned air to the environment
Implementation Method 2
an electrochemical conversion cell downstream of the scrubber... electrochemical conversion to oxygen and reduced carbon species
Implementation Method 3
enabling water electrolysis and fuel generation
Data Source
AI summary
A carbon dioxide conversion system for an environment includes a first gas-liquid contactor-separator downstream of the environment; an electrochemical conversion cell downstream of the first gas-liquid contactor-separator; and a cleaned ionic liquid storage intermediate the first gas-liquid contactor-separator and the electrochemical conversion cell.