Magnetic Sorbent CO2 Capture Using Waste Heat Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing CO2 emissions from vehicles powered by internal combustion engines are impractical due to space and weight limitations, high energy requirements, and the dynamic nature of vehicle operations, as they rely on cooling the exhaust gases and lack efficient on-board CO2 capture and regeneration techniques.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a chemical phase-changing absorbent or solid CO2 capture agent with a magnetic core, which absorbs CO2 from the exhaust gas stream and regenerates using waste heat for efficient on-board storage, reducing the volume and energy consumption by converting waste heat into usable energy for CO2 capture and densification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If liquid amine solutions are used to absorb CO2 at temperatures up to 80°C, then CO2 absorption capacity is maintained, but the high temperature of ICE exhaust gas (130°C to 300°C) makes direct treatment impractical without cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses solid sorbent materials with different thermal and adsorption characteristics compared to liquid amine solutions. These solid materials can operate effectively at higher temperatures (130°C to 300°C) without requiring cooling, thereby changing the operational temperature parameter of the CO2 capture system to match exhaust gas conditions directly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the liquid-phase chemical absorption mechanism with a solid-phase adsorption mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for liquid handling, cooling systems, and complex regeneration infrastructure, enabling direct treatment of hot exhaust gases without mechanical cooling intervention
2Object-generated harmful factors
If on-board CO2 capture systems are implemented in vehicles, then CO2 emissions are reduced, but space and weight limitations are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs magnetically responsive sorbent particles that can be localized and concentrated in specific regions of the exhaust stream using magnetic fields. This localized approach allows CO2 capture to occur in a compact space without requiring large-scale system infrastructure, thereby reducing the overall space and weight footprint in the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase-changing absorbents that transition between different physical states (solid, liquid, gas) to capture and release CO2. These phase transitions enable compact storage of captured CO2 and simplify the regeneration process, reducing the space and weight requirements for storage tanks and regeneration equipment
3Object-generated harmful factors
If on-board CO2 capture systems are implemented in vehicles, then CO2 emissions are reduced, but the additional energy and apparatus requirements exceed vehicle capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste heat present in exhaust gases (a harmful byproduct) into a useful resource for driving the CO2 desorption and regeneration process. By using the thermal energy already present in the exhaust stream to regenerate the sorbent material, the system eliminates the need for additional external energy input, making the process energy-self-sufficient
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to use its own exhaust heat to regenerate the CO2 capture medium, creating a self-sustaining cycle. The sorbent material captures CO2 during the exhaust passage and then uses the thermal energy from subsequent exhaust pulses to release and concentrate the CO2, eliminating the need for separate power sources or complex energy management systems
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 approach significantly reduces CO2 emissions by leveraging waste heat for energy, decreasing the volume required for storage and minimizing fuel consumption, making on-board CO2 capture more efficient and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the exhaust gas stream with a chemical phase-changing absorbent
Implementation Method 2
solid CO2 capture agent having a magnetic core
Implementation Method 3
regenerates using waste heat for efficient on-board storage
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are described for the on-board treatment of a hydrocarbon-fueled internal combustion engine (ICE) exhaust gas stream to reduce CO2 emissions from the vehicle which include:a. contacting the exhaust gas stream with a CO2 sorbent capture agent on board the vehicle to produce a mixture containing modified CO2-containing sorbent and a treated exhaust gas stream with reduced CO2 content;b. separating the modified CO2-containing sorbent from the treated exhaust gas stream;c. passing the modified sorbent in heat exchange with heat from the ICE to release CO2 and regenerate the CO2 sorbent capture agent;d. recycling the regenerated CO2 sorbent for use in step (a);e. discharging the treated exhaust gas stream having a reduced CO2 content into the atmosphere;f. recovering and compressing the CO2 for temporary storage on board the vehicle.