Fuel Tank CO2 Storage Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion in transportation are insufficient, as regulations alone fail to stop the increasing levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, necessitating new systems for recapture and recycling of CO2 emissions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle equipped with a fuel tank that integrates CO2 storage alongside combustible fuel, using pistons, baffles, or bladders to separate CO2 storage from fuel storage, and includes a CO2 removal system utilizing scrubbers, membranes, and sensors to collect and purify atmospheric CO2, allowing for recapture and recycling during refueling processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If CO2 storage is integrated into the fuel tank, then CO2 recapture and storage efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for separation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank is divided into separate compartments: a first area for storing combustible fuel and a second area for storing CO2. This segmentation allows independent management of fuel and CO2 storage while maintaining a unified tank structure, resolving the contradiction by organizing complexity through functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines CO2 storage functionality with the existing fuel tank structure, merging two functions (fuel storage and CO2 recapture) into a single integrated component. This reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate fuel tank and CO2 storage system.
2Volume of moving object
If the fuel tank shares volumetric space between CO2 and fuel, then vehicle space utilization is improved, but safety risks increase due to proximity of combustible materials
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank volume is segmented into distinct first and second areas, with the first area for fuel and the second area for CO2. This physical separation within the shared volume eliminates direct contact between combustible fuel and stored CO2, addressing safety concerns while maximizing space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
A piston or baffle acts as an intermediary element between the fuel area and CO2 storage area. This intermediate structure provides physical separation and potential pressure regulation, allowing the system to safely share volumetric space between incompatible substances.
3Ease of operation
If modularized tanks are used for refueling and recycling, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to modular components
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank system is modularized into replaceable units that can be independently serviced. This segmentation allows the refueling and CO2 recycling processes to be performed on modular components, improving operational ease through standardized replacement procedures while containing complexity within discrete modules.
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 reduces atmospheric CO2 levels by collecting and recycling CO2 from both vehicle exhaust and the atmosphere, providing a modular and efficient solution for CO2 storage and reuse, even in autonomous vehicles, with dynamic access codes for refueling and recycling.
Implementation Method 1
A CO2 removal system utilizing scrubbers, membranes, and sensors to collect and purify atmospheric CO2
Implementation Method 2
A CO2 removal system utilizing scrubbers, membranes, and sensors to collect and purify atmospheric CO2
Implementation Method 3
The fuel tank may include one or more pistons, baffles, bladders, or fixed dividers to separate CO2 storage from fuel storage within a fuel tank area
Implementation Method 4
A vehicle may collect CO2 from the vehicle's exhaust system and compress the exhaust into a fuel tank of the vehicle or other dedicated CO2 storage area
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel tank and a motor vehicle equipped to recapture, store and recycle atmospheric carbon dioxide is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a vehicle includes a fuel tank which stores carbon dioxide in a same area with the combustible fuel of the vehicle. The fuel tank may include one or more pistons, baffles, bladders, or fixed dividers to separate carbon dioxide storage from fuel storage within a fuel tank area. The fuel tank may share volumetric space between carbon dioxide and fuel within the fuel tank. The fuel tank may be integrally formed into a carbon fiber vehicle body. The fuel tank may be integrally formed into a frame of a vehicle.