Low-Carbon Fuel Pathway Design for Transmission Loss Reduction
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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 fuel production and transportation, and the need for specialized infrastructure and equipment, which can negate environmental benefits.
Innovation Solution
Implementing systems and methods that integrate low carbon intensity alternative energy sources into feedstock selection, transportation, refining, and distribution pathways, using renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal, and renewable feedstocks from plant and animal sources to reduce carbon emissions across all stages of fuel and hydrogen production and delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If renewable energy is transmitted over long distances via high voltage transmission lines, then the energy can reach end users, but energy loss occurs and carbon intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by integrating renewable energy sources directly at the point of consumption (refineries and processing facilities) before the fuel production and distribution process begins. This eliminates the need for long-distance transmission of renewable electricity, thereby preventing transmission losses entirely. The renewable energy is captured and utilized in advance, during the feedstock processing stage, rather than being transmitted afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing renewable energy sources (wind, solar, geothermal) as intermediate steps in the fuel production process. These renewable sources serve as mediators between primary energy resources and the final fuel products, enabling low-carbon fuel synthesis without requiring direct long-distance electrical transmission to end users.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If specialized infrastructure and equipment are deployed for renewable energy, then carbon emissions are reduced, but the environmental benefits are negated by manufacturing emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a system where renewable energy sources serve multiple functions: they provide power for feedstock processing, heating for chemical reactions, and can be integrated into existing refinery infrastructure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for entirely specialized infrastructure, as conventional facilities can be adapted to accommodate various renewable energy types (wind, solar, geothermal).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the carbon intensity parameters of fuel production processes through the integration of renewable energy. By changing the energy source parameter from fossil-fuel-based to renewable-based, the overall carbon intensity of the fuel lifecycle is reduced, offsetting the emissions from infrastructure manufacturing.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If renewable energy sources are integrated into feedstock selection and processing, then carbon intensity of fuels is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by breaking down the complex task of reducing carbon intensity into separate, manageable components: (1) selecting low-carbon feedstocks, (2) integrating specific renewable energy sources for specific process steps, and (3) tracking carbon intensity through the supply chain. This segmentation allows facilities to implement renewable integration in discrete steps rather than overhauling entire systems simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs partial action by allowing facilities to integrate renewable energy sources to the extent that achieves desired carbon intensity reduction, rather than requiring 100% renewable integration. This partial approach enables progressive implementation, where facilities can start with one or two renewable sources and expand gradually, reducing initial system complexity while still achieving environmental benefits.
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.