Hydrogen-Generating Fuel Mixture for Coal Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoelectric power plants face challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and coal dust byproduct due to incomplete coal combustion, and there is a need for a substitute fuel that can replace a significant portion of coal to lower mining and transportation costs.
Innovation Solution
A combustible mixture of solid and liquid phases, containing aluminum powder, metal oxides, zinc ammonia chloride, SiO2, quick lime, carboxylic acids, methylcellulose, and formaldehyde, stored in an airtight container where the liquid phase gradually reacts with the solid phase to produce hydrogen, which burns in the furnace, reducing CO2 emissions and dust generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If coal is used as fuel in thermoelectric power plants, then energy production is maintained, but greenhouse gas emissions and coal dust generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines hydrogen generation capability directly within the coal fuel structure by incorporating hydrogen-rich compounds (metal hydrides, boranes, alanates) into the coal matrix. This merging allows the fuel to simultaneously provide thermal energy through coal combustion and generate hydrogen fuel, reducing CO2 emissions while maintaining energy production capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel comprises a composite structure where hydrogen-rich compounds (metal hydrides like CaH2, boranes like BH3, alanates like NaAlH4) are integrated into the coal matrix. This composite material enables dual functionality: coal provides base energy while the hydrogen compounds decompose to release hydrogen, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while sustaining productivity.
2Device complexity
If hydrogen is generated and stored separately from the furnace, then hydrogen production is achieved, but system complexity and transportation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges hydrogen generation, storage, and utilization into a single integrated system. Hydrogen-rich compounds are embedded within the coal fuel itself, eliminating the need for separate hydrogen production facilities, storage tanks, and transportation infrastructure. The hydrogen is generated in-situ within the furnace during combustion.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel structure is designed to be self-sufficient, containing all necessary components for hydrogen generation within the coal matrix. The hydrogen-rich compounds are embedded in the fuel itself, eliminating the need for external hydrogen production and storage systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining hydrogen production quantity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If quick lime is used solely for CO2 absorption, then CO2 binding is achieved, but hydrogen generation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Quick lime (CaO) is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it absorbs CO2 through carbonation reactions and also serves as a hydrogen generation agent through water-gas shift reactions and thermal decomposition. This multi-functionality allows CO2 binding and hydrogen generation to occur concurrently without compromising either process, resolving the trade-off between these two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges CO2 absorption and hydrogen generation functions into a single quick lime component. Quick lime particles are distributed throughout the fuel matrix, where they simultaneously capture CO2 emissions and generate hydrogen through chemical reactions with water vapor and coal, achieving both environmental and energy goals concurrently.
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 combustible mixture releases energy 15 times greater than lignite and 4-5 times that of coke, allowing up to 50% coal replacement, reducing CO2 emissions by 75%, and effectively binding harmful gases, while providing a self-sustaining hydrogen generation and burning process within the container.
Implementation Method 1
the partition gradually disintegrates in contact with the liquid phase and thus allows gradual mixing of the liquid and solid phase, which in turn triggers chemical reactions resulting in production of hydrogen
Implementation Method 2
hydrogen that burns in the TEPP's furnace
Implementation Method 3
the partition gradually disintegrates in contact with the liquid phase
Data Source
AI summary
Present Invention discloses new combustible mixture and fuel, which during burning releases energy 15 times greater than that of lignite and 4-5 times than that of coke. The combustible mixture consists of the liquid and solid phases, where the solid phase comprises: aluminium powder; at least one M1X2, where M1 can be any metal in oxidation state +2, and X can be any halogen; M2CO3, where M2 can be any two-valent metal; zinc ammonia chloride, SiO2 in the form of quartz sand; and quick lime; whereas the liquid matter comprises: at least one C1 to C6 carboxylic acid, or at least one anhydride of the mentioned carboxylic acids, or at least one its ester or amide; methylcellulose; and formaldehyde, or its commercially accessible solution - formalin; and water. Fuel is made when the combustible mixture is hermetically closed in a container. The Invention also presents both the energy production method and the use of the invented fuel.