Integrated Electrochemical Reactor for CO2 Capture and Hydrogen Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in producing high-purity methane from organic/biological waste streams due to low carbon dioxide solubility and the high cost and storage of hydrogen, leading to inefficient carbon dioxide utilization and hydrogen generation.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical reactor system comprising an electrolyzer cell and an alkaline water electrolysis cell, which captures carbon dioxide and generates hydrogen, using a design that avoids bipolar membranes to reduce voltage drop and energy consumption, allowing for the production of high-purity methane and bicarbonate for biomethanation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bipolar membranes are used in the electrochemical reactor, then carbon dioxide capture and hydrogen generation can be achieved, but voltage drop and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes bipolar membranes from the electrochemical reactor design, extracting the problematic component that caused high voltage drop and energy consumption while retaining the core functionality of carbon dioxide capture and hydrogen generation through alternative cell configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simpler, more durable membrane materials that do not require the complex bipolar membrane structure, reducing both initial investment and operational energy costs while maintaining adequate performance for carbon dioxide utilization
2Quantity of substance
If conventional electrolysis systems are used, then hydrogen can be produced, but the cost and storage requirements make the process economically unfavorable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hydrogen production with carbon dioxide capture and delivery into a single integrated electrochemical reactor system, eliminating the need for separate hydrogen storage and transport infrastructure by delivering hydrogen directly to the biomethanation reactor through the same system that captures carbon dioxide
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical reactor performs multiple functions simultaneously: it produces hydrogen, captures carbon dioxide, and delivers both products to the biomethanation reactor through integrated flow paths, making the system economically viable by reducing infrastructure requirements
3Ease of operation
If bioreactors operate at atmospheric pressure, then simple operation is maintained, but carbon dioxide utilization is low due to low aqueous solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the delivery parameter of carbon dioxide from gas phase at atmospheric pressure to dissolved phase in aqueous solution, dramatically increasing carbon dioxide utilization in the biomethanation reactor while maintaining simple atmospheric pressure operation through the electrolyte flow system
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 achieves a 67% reduction in energy consumption compared to previous designs, enabling high-purity methane production and efficient carbon dioxide capture, suitable for biomethanation and renewable natural gas generation.
Implementation Method 1
The electrolyzer cell comprises a first anode spaced from a first cathode by an ion exchange membrane between the first anode and the first cathode... adapted and arranged to allow a flow of a first liquid electrolyte to contact the first anode and the first cathode
Implementation Method 2
The AWE cell comprises a second anode spaced from a second cathode by a porous diaphragm, and the AWE cell is adapted and arranged to allow a flow of a second liquid electrolyte to contact the second anode and the second cathode
Implementation Method 3
The ion exchange membrane can be a cation exchange membrane (CEM), or an anion exchange membrane (AEM)
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical reactor for capturing carbon dioxide and producing bicarbonate and hydrogen is described herein. The electrochemical reactor is useful for, among other things, converting biogas to a bicarbonate and hydrogen feedstock for biomethanation. The reactor comprises at least one reactor unit comprising an electrolyzer cell and at least one alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) cell adjacent to the electrolyzer cell. The electrolyzer cell comprises an anode spaced from a cathode by an ion exchange membrane between the anode and the cathode; and the electrolyzer cell is adapted and arranged to allow a flow of a neutral liquid electrolyte to contact the anode and the cathode. The ion exchange membrane can be a cation exchange membrane (CEM), or an anion exchange membrane (AEM). The AWE cell comprises a second anode spaced from a second cathode by a porous diaphragm.