Internal Combustion Engine CO2 Capture and Fuel Synthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal combustion engines face limitations in efficiency due to low-octane fuels, which restrict compression ratios and hinder the achievement of low or zero-CO2 emissions, while existing carbon dioxide capture and storage systems require high energy and cannot fully capture emissions, and hydrogen fuel availability is limited.

Innovation Solution

An onboard system that separates carbon dioxide from engine exhaust, produces hydrogen, and reforms it into high-octane fuel components using a carbon dioxide separator, electrolyzer, and reformer, with an engine control system to introduce these components to mitigate engine knock.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If higher compression ratios are used to increase engine efficiency, then engine efficiency is improved, but end-gas knock occurs due to low octane fuel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine efficiencyVSAvoidend-gas knock

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the chemical composition parameters of the fuel by converting CO2 and H2 into high-octane hydrocarbon components (such as isooctane) through catalytic reforming processes. This parameter change in fuel quality enables higher compression ratios without knock

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the harmful CO2 emission into a beneficial high-octane fuel component that prevents knock and improves engine efficiency. The harmful exhaust gas becomes the raw material for producing anti-knock additives

Inventive Principle:

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

2Object-generated harmful factors

If existing carbon dioxide capture and storage systems are used, then CO2 emissions are reduced, but high energy demand is required for separation and storage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 emissionsVSAvoidenergy demand

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of merely storing CO2, the system converts it into high-octane fuel components through reforming with hydrogen. This transforms the waste product into a valuable resource that enhances engine performance and efficiency

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the CO2 capture function with the fuel synthesis function in a single integrated process. The CO2 separator, water electrolyzer, and reformer work together to convert CO2 into usable fuel components, eliminating the need for separate storage systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If non-carbon containing fuel such as hydrogen is used, then CO2 emissions are reduced, but fuel availability and packaging challenges arise

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 emissionsVSAvoidfuel availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains compatibility with existing gasoline-powered infrastructure while producing hydrogen internally through water electrolysis. The reformer converts CO2 and H2 into hydrocarbon fuels that can be used in conventional engines, providing multi-functional adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system generates its own hydrogen fuel through onboard water electrolysis using the electrolyzer, eliminating dependence on external hydrogen supply infrastructure. The engine's own exhaust CO2 serves as the carbon source for fuel synthesis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution increases engine efficiency, reduces CO2 emissions, and enhances fuel economy by recycling CO2 into high-octane fuels, allowing for higher compression ratios and improved engine performance.

Implementation Method 1

A carbon dioxide separator is provided to separate carbon dioxide from internal combustion engine exhaust

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCarbon dioxide separation: Semipermeable Membrane

Implementation Method 2

a condenser and electrolyzer to separate water from the engine exhaust

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

a condenser and electrolyzer to separate water from the engine exhaust to provide hydrogen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 4

A reformer is present that converts said separated carbon dioxide and hydrogen into one or more high octane fuel components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalytic reforming: Catalysis

Implementation Method 5

An internal combustion engine comprising an engine control system in communication with the engine that detects and evaluates the presence of engine knock

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11608787B2Internal combustion engine having carbon dioxide capture and fuel additive synthesis system

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 VALERO SERVICES INC

AI summary

Separation of carbon dioxide from the exhaust of an internal combustion engine, the production of hydrogen from water, and reformation of carbon dioxide and hydrogen into relatively high-octane fuel components.