Hydrogen Release from Carrier Using Sewage Sludge Combustion Heat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Biogas plants face economic challenges due to impending reduction in government subsidies and struggle with gas leaks and heat loss, necessitating a more efficient method for hydrogen production and energy generation.

Innovation Solution

A method that releases hydrogen from a hydrogen-loaded carrier using energy obtained through sewage sludge combustion, where the heat generated is reused in the dehydrogenation process, and the produced hydrogen is used to generate electricity and heat, potentially integrating with existing biogas plant infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If hydrogen is released from a carrier using external energy sources, then hydrogen can be obtained, but energy costs increase and economic viability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy cost for hydrogen releaseVSAvoideconomic viability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sewage sludge incineration process with the hydrogen release process by integrating a heat exchanger that transfers heat from the incineration flue gas to the hydrogen carrier. This merging of two separate processes (waste treatment and hydrogen production) allows the system to use its own waste heat for hydrogen release, eliminating the need for external energy sources and reducing operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful waste product (sewage sludge) into a beneficial resource (heat energy) through incineration. The previously wasted heat from sludge combustion is now captured and utilized to drive the endothermic hydrogen release reaction, transforming a environmental burden into an energy source that improves economic viability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Loss of energy

If heat is lost during sewage sludge incineration, then energy efficiency decreases, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat loss during incinerationVSAvoidoperational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback loop where the heat generated from sewage sludge incineration is captured through a heat exchanger and fed back into the system to provide the thermal energy required for hydrogen release from the carrier. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that energy is not lost but continuously recycled within the system, improving overall energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If biogas plants rely on government subsidies, then economic operation is maintained, but long-term sustainability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeconomic operationVSAvoidlong-term sustainability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the biogas plant to serve itself by using its own sewage sludge waste product as the energy source for hydrogen release. This self-service approach eliminates dependence on external subsidies by creating an internally sustainable energy cycle where waste heat from incineration drives hydrogen production, ensuring long-term economic viability through autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 method enhances the economic viability of biogas plants by utilizing waste heat from sewage sludge incineration for hydrogen release, allowing for efficient energy storage and generation, reducing operational costs and energy losses.

Implementation Method 1

at least a portion of the energy required to release hydrogen is obtained through the combustion of sewage sludge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

Release of hydrogen from a carrier (T2) loaded with hydrogen... energy required to release hydrogen is obtained through the combustion of sewage sludge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDehydrogenation: Endothermic Reaction

Data Source

PatentEP4039636B1Method for producing hydrogen

Publication Date: 2023.11.01 N ERGIE AG

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Figure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen, wherein hydrogen is released from a hydrogen-loaded carrier (T2) and at least a portion of the energy required for hydrogen release is obtained by the combustion of sewage sludge. This released hydrogen can in turn be used for electricity generation, so that the present invention also relates to a method for generating electricity and optionally heat.