Thermochemical Gas Splitting Reactor With Isothermal Pressure Swing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing hydrogen and carbon dioxide splitting are inefficient due to thermodynamic challenges and require significant energy for product compression, especially when operating at ambient pressure.
Innovation Solution
A thermochemical gas splitting reactor system that operates isothermally and at elevated pressures, utilizing a reactor with a gas heating zone, distribution plate, and controlled pressure conditions to enhance efficiency and reduce energy requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional solar thermochemical approaches use a two-step redox cycle with temperature swing configuration, then the reduction reaction can proceed at high temperature, but solid-solid heat recuperation and material stability challenges occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pressure swing action to alternate between reduction and oxidation steps. The system cycles between high pressure (1-100 bar) during oxidation and low pressure (0.01-1 bar) during reduction, enabling isothermal operation at a stable temperature of 800-1200°C throughout both steps, eliminating temperature-induced material instability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the controlling parameter from temperature swing to pressure swing. By maintaining constant temperature and varying pressure between steps, the system achieves isothermal operation that prevents material degradation while still enabling the thermodynamic requirements of both reduction and oxidation reactions
2Ease of operation
If two-step thermochemical processes operate the oxidation step at ambient pressure, then the process is simpler to operate, but significant work is required for product compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary compression during the oxidation step by operating at elevated pressure (1-100 bar). This preliminary action produces hydrogen and carbon monoxide at high pressure directly, eliminating or reducing the need for subsequent compression steps and the associated energy requirements
3Reliability
If isothermal redox cycling is used to avoid solid-solid heat recuperation challenges, then material stability is improved, but thermodynamic unfavourability occurs when operating the exothermic oxidation reaction at higher temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the controlling parameter from temperature to pressure. By operating at elevated pressure during oxidation, the system overcomes thermodynamic unfavourability while maintaining isothermal conditions for material stability. The high pressure shifts equilibrium to favor the oxidation reaction, enabling efficient operation without temperature-induced material degradation
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 achieves efficient and cost-effective splitting of water vapor and carbon dioxide by maintaining isothermal conditions and operating at pressures above 1 bar, significantly reducing energy needs and improving product throughput.
Implementation Method 1
a reduction reaction between a gas-phase reactant, such as water vapor (H2O) and/or carbon dioxide (CO2), and an active material, such as a metal oxide
Implementation Method 2
temperature within the reaction zone is greater than about 1000° C.
Implementation Method 3
pressure within the reaction zone is greater than 1 bar during a gas splitting step
Implementation Method 4
Isothermal redox cycling is feasible and avoids the solid-solid heat recuperation and material stability challenges associated with large temperature swings
Data Source
AI summary
A thermochemical gas splitting reactor system and a method of splitting gas are disclosed. The system includes a reactor including a reaction zone comprising active material, a gas heating zone, and a gas distribution plate assembly interposed between the reaction zone and the gas heating zone. Exemplary systems can include multiple reactors. The method can include providing one or more reactors and performing one or more of an oxidation and/or reduction process using each of the reactors.