Hydrogen Generation Assembly With CO2 Byproduct Fuel Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen generation assemblies produce hydrogen gas with impurities, requiring purification to increase hydrogen purity, but existing methods are inefficient in separating and utilizing byproduct streams for recirculation as fuel.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen generation assembly that includes a fuel processing system with a heating assembly to maintain the hydrogen-producing region at a minimum temperature, producing an output stream of hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and a purification region using hydrogen-selective membranes to separate and enrich hydrogen, with a gas removal assembly to separate carbon dioxide from the byproduct stream for recirculation as fuel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If hydrogen purification is performed using hydrogen-selective membranes, then hydrogen purity is improved, but the byproduct stream containing carbon dioxide is wasted and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful byproduct stream containing carbon dioxide into a beneficial fuel source. The gas removal assembly separates carbon dioxide from the byproduct stream, and the separated carbon dioxide is then fed to burners as fuel for heating the hydrogen-producing region. This transforms waste material into a useful resource, improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining hydrogen purification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers valuable energy from the byproduct stream that would otherwise be discarded. The gas removal assembly retrieves carbon dioxide from the byproduct stream, and this recovered gas is then utilized as fuel in the burners. This recovery process prevents energy loss and improves the overall efficiency of the hydrogen generation system.
2Device complexity
If byproduct stream is discarded, then device complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the byproduct stream from waste into a valuable fuel resource. The gas removal assembly separates carbon dioxide from the byproduct stream, and this separated carbon dioxide is fed to burners for heating the hydrogen-producing region. This conversion of waste to useful fuel improves energy efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves self-service by using its own byproduct stream as fuel for its heating requirements. The carbon dioxide separated from the byproduct stream is fed back to the burners that heat the hydrogen-producing region, creating a self-sustaining cycle where the system uses its own waste products to maintain its operation, thereby improving energy efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If carbon dioxide is removed from byproduct stream for fuel recirculation, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the byproduct stream processing into distinct functional components. The gas removal assembly is a separate unit that specifically targets carbon dioxide removal from the byproduct stream. This segmentation allows for specialized handling of the carbon dioxide separation and recirculation processes, improving energy efficiency while keeping the overall system architecture modular and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas removal assembly acts as an intermediary component between the purification region and the burners. It receives the byproduct stream, separates carbon dioxide, and delivers the separated carbon dioxide to the burners for fuel recirculation. This intermediary function enables efficient carbon dioxide recovery and utilization while maintaining clear functional boundaries in the system design.
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 increases hydrogen purity and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by utilizing the byproduct stream as a fuel stream, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
Hydrogen purification using one or more hydrogen-selective membranes is a pressure driven separation process in which the one or more hydrogen-selective membranes are contained in a pressure vessel. The mixed gas stream contacts the mixed gas surface of the membrane(s), and the product stream is formed from at least a portion of the mixed gas stream that permeates through the membrane(s).
Implementation Method 2
heating, via one or more burners, a hydrogen generating region of the fuel processing assembly to at least a minimum hydrogen-producing temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Hydrogen generation assemblies and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a feed stream in a fuel processing assembly, and heating, via one or more burners, a hydrogen generating region of the fuel processing assembly to at least a minimum hydrogen-producing temperature. The method additionally includes generating an output stream in the heated hydrogen generating region of the fuel processing assembly from the received feed stream, and generating a product hydrogen stream and a byproduct stream in a purification region of the fuel processing assembly from the output stream. The method further includes separating at least a portion of the carbon dioxide gas from the byproduct stream to generate a fuel stream having a carbon dioxide concentration less than the byproduct stream, and feeding the fuel stream to the one or more burners.