Low-Carbon Hydrogen Pathways Using Co-Located Renewable Refining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing low carbon intensity transportation fuels and hydrogen result in increased carbon intensity due to long-distance transmission and inefficient use of renewable energy, requiring consumers to invest in special equipment, and overlook indirect carbon emissions from conventional fuel use.
Innovation Solution
Integrate low carbon intensity alternative energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal power into feedstock selection, transportation, refining, and distribution processes to produce low carbon intensity fuels and hydrogen, reducing the carbon footprint by co-locating renewable energy sources with conventional refineries and processing facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If renewable energy is transmitted from remote locations to end users over long distances, then renewable energy can be delivered to consumers, but energy loss increases and carbon intensity increases due to transmission inefficiency
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 processes begin. This allows renewable energy to be used immediately in feedstock production, transportation, refining, and distribution operations, eliminating the need for long-distance transmission and associated energy losses.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If consumers use alternative renewable energy sources directly, then carbon emissions are reduced, but consumers must invest in special equipment and infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having refineries and processing facilities produce their own low carbon intensity fuels using renewable energy integrated into their operations. These facilities then provide low carbon intensity transportation fuels through existing distribution infrastructure, allowing consumers to access low carbon fuels through conventional means without requiring special equipment or infrastructure investments.
3Productivity
If conventional refineries use higher carbon intensity fuels in construction and operations, then infrastructure development is accelerated, but indirect carbon emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by fundamentally altering the carbon intensity parameter of the energy sources used in refinery construction and operations. By using renewable energy sources (wind, solar, geothermal, biomass) instead of conventional fossil fuels, the carbon intensity of infrastructure development and operations is dramatically reduced while maintaining operational productivity and infrastructure development capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to provide low carbon intensity (CI) hydrogen 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 hydrogen distribution pathways to end users. Such options are selected to maintain the total CI (carbon emissions per unit energy) of the hydrogen below a pre-selected threshold that defines an upper limit of CI for the hydrogen.