GHG Ejector for Space Sequestration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current greenhouse gas (GHG) sequestration technologies are insufficient in effectively reducing atmospheric GHG levels, necessitating the development of new methodologies for efficient GHG removal and storage.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a gas removal station located in or above the upper atmosphere, equipped with a base for power and propulsion, a suction pump, and a GHG ejector configured to collect GHG from various sources and eject it at or above escape velocity into space, utilizing a GHG transporter to facilitate the collection and transportation of GHG to the station.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If GHG is stored in aquifers or as solid mineralized form, then GHG storage capacity is improved, but risk of leakage and long-term stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveGHG storage capacityVSAvoidstorage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts GHG from the terrestrial storage systems (aquifers and mineralized forms) and relocates it to space. The GHG ejector removes GHG molecules from the atmosphere and ejects them at escape velocity, completely removing the storage medium from Earth's gravitational field and eliminating the risk of leakage associated with terrestrial storage systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional GHG storage methods are used, then implementation complexity is reduced, but environmental effectiveness and long-term security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidenvironmental harm
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions GHG storage from the terrestrial dimension (aquifers, surface storage) to the spatial dimension (orbit, interplanetary space). By ejecting GHG at escape velocity, the system moves the problem-solving arena from Earth's constrained environment to the vast space environment, fundamentally changing the storage paradigm and eliminating terrestrial environmental risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If GHG is ejected at escape velocity, then permanent removal from Earth's atmosphere is improved, but energy consumption and technical complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepermanent removalVSAvoidejection energy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the velocity parameter of GHG ejection to reach escape velocity (approximately 11.2 km/s at Earth's surface). This parameter change ensures that once GHG is ejected, it permanently leaves Earth's gravitational field and atmospheric influence, guaranteeing permanent removal despite the high energy requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enables the substantial elimination of GHG from the Earth's atmosphere, potentially reaching trillions of tons, while offering lower material and operational costs compared to existing methods, and avoids leakage issues associated with aquifer storage.

Implementation Method 1

a suction pump disposed on the base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

a GHG ejector disposed on the base and in fluid communication with the suction pump. The GHG ejector is configured to eject at least a portion of the GHG at or above an escape velocity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPropulsion: Rocket

Data Source

PatentUS20240284836A1System for sequestering green house gas to space and method for same
Publication Date: 2024.08.29 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO
  • US20240284836A1 patent drawing
  • US20240284836A1 patent drawing
  • US20240284836A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for sequestering greenhouse gas (GHG) in space includes at least one gas removal station located in or above an upper atmosphere, and a GHG transporter configured to collect the GHG from a GHG source and deliver the GHG to the gas removal station. The gas removal station includes a base configured to provide power and propulsion for gas removal station, a suction pump disposed on the base, and a GHG ejector disposed on the base and in fluid communication with the suction pump. The GHG ejector is configured to eject GHG at or above an escape velocity. A method for sequestering GHG to space includes collecting GHG from a GHG source, transporting GHG from the GHG source to a GHG ejection site located in or above an upper atmosphere, and ejecting GHG from the GHG ejection site at or above an escape velocity.