Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell CO2 Capture for Energy-Limited Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current carbon capture systems on vessels face challenges such as limited thermal and electrical energy availability, degradation of amine solvents, and inefficiencies in capturing and storing CO2, which hinder effective reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.
Innovation Solution
A carbon capture system comprising an internal combustion engine, a molten carbonate fuel cell, and a CO2 separation means, where the fuel cell produces electric energy used to operate the CO2 separation means, allowing for the separation of highly concentrated CO2 from the anode outlet stream and recirculation of other gases for further utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solvent-based CO2 capture systems are used onboard vessels, then CO2 capture capability is improved, but thermal and electrical energy consumption increases beyond available supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vessel's own waste heat from exhaust gases to drive the CO2 capture process, eliminating the need for external thermal energy supply. The CO2 is captured directly from the exhaust stream without requiring separate heating systems or energy-intensive solvent regeneration processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of CO2 capture by utilizing the high temperature and CO2 concentration already present in exhaust gases. Instead of using ambient temperature processes that require external heating, the system adapts to the existing high-temperature conditions of exhaust streams to achieve energy-efficient CO2 separation.
2Productivity
If amine solvents are used for CO2 absorption, then CO2 capture efficiency is improved, but hazardous compounds are formed through thermal and oxidative degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts CO2 directly from the exhaust gas stream without using amine solvents. By eliminating the solvent medium entirely, the harmful degradation products (nitrosamines, nitramines, and amides) are not formed, solving the toxicity problem while maintaining CO2 capture capability through direct physical separation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces expensive and hazardous amine solvents with a simpler, non-toxic physical absorption approach using chilled liquids or membranes. This substitution eliminates the need for costly solvent replacement and disposal systems while avoiding the formation of carcinogenic degradation products.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If CO2 is captured and stored onboard vessels, then greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, but device complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful CO2 in exhaust gases into a useful resource by capturing it for potential utilization onboard the vessel. The captured CO2 can be used for processes such as algae cultivation, fire suppression systems, or chemical synthesis, transforming a waste product into a valuable asset and reducing emissions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The CO2 capture system is designed to serve multiple functions: it reduces greenhouse gas emissions, provides concentrated CO2 for onboard utilization processes, and can potentially generate carbon credits. This multi-functionality justifies the added system complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single installation.
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 effectively captures and separates highly concentrated CO2, reducing environmental pollution and improving combustion properties of internal combustion engines, while also allowing for the utilization of other gases onboard the vessel, enhancing its autonomy and economic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a molten carbonate fuel cell, which comprises a cathode and an anode, for producing electric energy
Implementation Method 2
a CO2 separation means which is in fluid communication with the anode for receiving at least a portion of the anode outlet stream, wherein the CO2 separation means is configured to separate CO2 from the at least a portion of the anode outlet stream
Data Source
AI summary
Subject of the invention is a carbon capture system onboard a vessel which comprises an internal combustion engine for producing power and an exhaust gas, a molten carbonate fuel cell, which comprises a cathode and an anode, for producing electric energy, a cathode outlet stream and an anode outlet stream, wherein the cathode is in fluid communication with the internal combustion engine for receiving at least a portion of the exhaust gas, and a CO2 separation means which is in fluid communication with the anode for receiving at least a portion of the anode outlet stream, wherein the CO2 separation means is configured to separate CO2 from the at least a portion of the anode outlet stream for producing a CO2 rich stream and a CO2 depleted stream wherein the molten carbonate fuel cell has an electric connection with the CO2 separation means for at least partially using the electric energy to at least partially operate the CO2 separation means.