Heat Integrated Electrochemical Conversion of Carbon Dioxide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical processes for converting gases like carbon dioxide face inefficiencies in energy use, as they require additional heating sources and compromise the properties of capture solvents, leading to suboptimal reaction performance and heat loss.
Innovation Solution
The process involves feeding a gas-containing absorbent into an electrochemical cell, where thermal energy from Joule heat generated during the process is used to release the gas, maintaining electrical conductivity and integrating gas stripping and conversion, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and reducing waste heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If additional heating sources are used to release reactant gas from absorbent, then gas release efficiency is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gas release function and electrochemical conversion function into a single compartment, eliminating the need for separate heating sources. The Joule heat generated during electrochemical conversion is directly used to release reactant gas from the absorbent, merging thermal energy generation and utilization within the same system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the Joule heat, which is typically considered waste heat or energy loss in electrochemical systems, into a useful thermal energy source for releasing reactant gas from the absorbent. This transforms an energy inefficiency into a functional benefit, improving overall energy utilization.
2Reliability
If supporting electrolytes are added to make absorbent electrically conductive, then electrical conductivity is improved, but absorbent properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional zones: the absorbent layer for gas release and the electrolyte layer for ionic conduction. This segmentation allows the absorbent to maintain its original properties while the electrolyte provides the necessary electrical conductivity, eliminating the need to compromise absorbent composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrolyte layer that mediates between the non-conductive absorbent and the electrochemical reaction zone. This intermediary provides ionic conductivity without affecting the absorbent's gas capture properties, allowing both functions to operate optimally.
3Productivity
If capture solvent properties are compromised to achieve gas release, then gas release is improved, but reaction performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into separate functional regions where the capture solvent (absorbent) is confined to the gas release function, while the electrochemical conversion occurs in a separate zone with appropriate electrolyte. This segmentation ensures that the capture solvent's properties are optimized for gas absorption/release without compromise from electrochemical requirements.
4Device complexity
If heat is lost as waste heat, then energy efficiency deteriorates, but process simplicity is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste heat (Joule heat) generated during electrochemical conversion into a beneficial thermal energy source for releasing reactant gas from the absorbent. This eliminates waste heat loss and improves overall energy efficiency without adding complex heat recovery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-heating through Joule heat generation during electrochemical conversion, using the heat produced by the reaction itself to drive the gas release process. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external heating sources and reduces energy losses.
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 improves energy efficiency by utilizing internal heat for gas release, maintaining electrical conductivity, and reducing costs, while effectively converting reactant gases like carbon dioxide into valuable products.
Implementation Method 1
releasing a gas from the gas-containing absorbent by using thermal energy, wherein at least part of the thermal energy originates from Joule heat generated by the electrochemical cell
Implementation Method 2
electrochemical conversion of reactant gases, such as carbon dioxide, to their conversion products, for example, formic acid or carbon monoxide
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat integrated electrochemical process for converting a gas, such as carbon dioxide, using, for example, an electrochemical reactor. The process comprisesa) feeding a gas-containing absorbent into an electrochemical cell;b) releasing a gas from the gas-containing absorbent by using thermal energy, wherein at least part of the thermal energy originates from Joule heat generated by the electrochemical cell, and c) converting the released gas to form a product.