Low-Carbon Fuel Pathways Using Local Renewable Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current low carbon intensity energy strategies face challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the lifecycle of transportation fuels and hydrogen production, including inefficiencies in energy transmission, high carbon intensity in production and transport, and the need for specialized infrastructure and equipment, which can negate environmental benefits.
Innovation Solution
Implementing systems and methods that integrate renewable energy sources into feedstock procurement, transportation, refining, and distribution processes to reduce carbon emissions, using alternatives like wind, solar, and geothermal energy, and renewable feedstocks to produce low carbon intensity transportation fuels and hydrogen, which can be distributed through conventional channels without requiring special vehicles or infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If renewable energy is transmitted from remote locations to end users over long distances, then alternative energy can be provided to consumers, but energy loss occurs and resource efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the energy supply chain into local production units distributed geographically near consumption points. Each local facility produces renewable energy and fuels independently, eliminating the need for long-distance transmission infrastructure and reducing energy losses associated with transmission over distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces local renewable energy facilities as intermediary production points between remote energy sources and end users. These intermediaries convert renewable resources locally into usable energy and fuels, eliminating the need for direct long-distance transmission and reducing associated energy losses.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If renewable power is generated at remote locations, then low carbon intensity energy can be produced, but the carbon intensity increases due to adaptation requirements and infrastructure needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multi-functional local facilities that simultaneously produce electricity, heat, and transportation fuels from renewable resources. This universal approach consolidates infrastructure needs, reducing overall complexity while maintaining low carbon intensity across multiple energy vectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of local facilities to optimize for low carbon intensity production. By adjusting process conditions, feedstock selection, and technology configurations at local sites, the system achieves low carbon intensity outputs without requiring complex centralized infrastructure.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If electric vehicles are purchased and equipped with home charging stations, then direct use of renewable power can be achieved, but considerable expense is incurred by end users
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables communities and individuals to self-produce renewable energy and fuels locally, eliminating dependence on expensive electric vehicles and home charging infrastructure. Local facilities provide energy services directly to consumers, reducing the need for individual capital investments in low-carbon technology.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring consumers to purchase expensive electric vehicles and charging equipment to achieve low carbon emissions, the patent inverts the approach by delivering low-carbon fuels and energy directly through local production facilities. This reverses the traditional model where consumers must invest in expensive low-carbon infrastructure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional higher carbon intensity fuels are used in transportation and production, then existing infrastructure can be utilized, but significant carbon emissions are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the chemical and physical parameters of fuels produced at local facilities to match existing infrastructure requirements. By adjusting fuel composition, viscosity, and other parameters, the patent enables conventional distribution and storage infrastructure to handle low-carbon renewable fuels without modification.
Solution Approach 2:
Local renewable energy facilities act as intermediaries that convert renewable resources into fuels compatible with existing infrastructure. These intermediaries bridge the gap between renewable energy production and conventional distribution systems, enabling low-carbon fuel delivery through existing channels.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to provide low carbon intensity (CI) transportation fuels through one or more targeted reductions of carbon emissions based upon an analysis of carbon emissions associated with a combination of various options for feedstock procurement, feedstock refining, processing, or transformation, and fuel product distribution pathways to end users. Such options are selected to maintain the total CI (carbon emissions per unit energy) of the transportation fuel below a pre-selected threshold that defines an upper limit of CI for the transportation fuel.