Methanation Cooling with Phase-Change Refrigerant Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methane production systems face a risk of reduced methane gas generation rate.
Innovation Solution
A methane synthesis system incorporating a co-electrolysis part to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide, a methanation reaction part for methane generation, and a cooler with a distribution channel using refrigerant phase transition for cooling, optimizing temperature distribution and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional cooling methods are used in the methanation reaction part, then the system structure is simple, but the methane production efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cooler where a refrigerant undergoes phase transition (evaporation) within the distribution channel to absorb heat from the methanation reaction part. This phase change mechanism enables efficient cooling without requiring complex mechanical cooling systems, thereby improving methane production efficiency while maintaining relative system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant acts as an intermediary substance that transfers heat from the methanation reaction part through the distribution channel. By introducing this intermediate cooling medium, the system achieves effective heat removal and temperature control to enhance methane production efficiency
2Productivity
If the methanation reaction temperature is not optimized, then the system operation is simple, but the methane generation rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the methanation reaction part by introducing a cooler with refrigerant distribution channels. This temperature control optimization enables the reaction to proceed at optimal conditions, thereby increasing the methane generation rate while maintaining manageable system operation through parameter adjustment
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
Enhances methane production efficiency by efficiently cooling the methanation reaction and utilizing energy effectively, thereby increasing overall system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a co-electrolysis part that obtains hydrogen and carbon monoxide by electrolyzing water and carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 2
a methanation reaction part that obtains a product gas containing methane by a methanation reaction that uses the hydrogen and the carbon monoxide
Implementation Method 3
a cooler having a distribution channel in which a refrigerant capable of phase transition, is distributed. The cooler cools the methanation reaction part using heat of vaporization from vaporizing at least a portion of the refrigerant on an inside of the distribution channel
Data Source
AI summary
A methane synthesis system according to the present disclosure includes: a co-electrolysis part that obtains hydrogen and carbon monoxide by electrolyzing water and carbon dioxide, a methanation reaction part that obtains a product gas containing methane by a methanation reaction that uses the hydrogen and the carbon monoxide, and a cooler having a distribution channel in which a refrigerant capable of phase transition, is distributed. The cooler cools the methanation reaction part using heat of vaporization from vaporizing at least a portion of the refrigerant on an inside of the distribution channel.