Hydrogen Production Module for Carbon Capture Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon capture systems in internal combustion engines face inefficiencies due to high energy requirements and limited economic viability, particularly in systems not tailored for solid oxide fuel cell systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hydrogen production module with a recirculation circuit and a reformer catalyst module to control the concentration of water vapor in the exhaust gas by adjusting the amount of hydrogen gas removed, thereby optimizing carbon capture efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a solid oxide fuel cell system is used for carbon capture, then refined carbon dioxide can be produced, but the system requires significant energy input for steam generation and is limited to specific use cases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using a recirculation circuit that processes exhaust gases at the engine's existing temperature and pressure, eliminating the need for external steam generation and high-temperature processing required by solid oxide fuel cell systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating the hydrogen production module with the existing engine exhaust stream, allowing the same system to both power the engine and produce refined carbon dioxide without requiring separate steam generation systems
2Object-generated harmful factors
If hydrogen gas is removed from the recirculation circuit, then water vapor concentration in exhaust gas decreases, but the amount of hydrogen gas available for combustion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the recirculation circuit flow rate, allowing the system to adjust the amount of hydrogen removed in real-time based on operating conditions, enabling optimization between water vapor reduction and hydrogen availability for combustion
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control to monitor water vapor concentration in the exhaust stream and adjust the recirculation circuit flow accordingly, maintaining optimal balance between reducing water vapor and preserving sufficient hydrogen for engine combustion
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 reduces the energy consumption and increases the efficiency of carbon capture by dynamically controlling water vapor production, enhancing the overall performance and economic viability of the carbon capture system.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrogen production module fluidly connected to the intake, and including a recirculation circuit having a reformer catalyst module, the hydrogen production module being configured to produce the reformed fuel by removing hydrogen gas from fluids in the recirculation circuit using the reformer catalyst module
Implementation Method 2
a reformer combusts the hydrocarbon fuel and hydrogen in a desired molar ratio with oxygen so that all the hydrogen is combusted, producing the refined carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 3
a carbon capture device fluidly connected to the exhaust, the carbon capture device being configured to receive exhaust gas from the exhaust, and to remove carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas
Data Source
AI summary
A carbon capture system includes a hydrogen production module. The hydrogen production module is used to control the amount of hydrogen entering an internal combustion engine to reduce an amount of water vapor generated by the internal combustion engine, thereby increasing the efficiency of the carbon capture device. If too much water vapor is detected in an exhaust of the engine, the amount of hydrogen produced by a hydrogen production module can be increased, thereby reducing the amount of hydrogen entering the engine and reducing the amount of water vapor generated by the engine. A reformer catalyst can be used by the hydrogen production module to remove at least a portion of hydrogen in a fuel stream of the engine.