Modular Membrane Isolation Carbon Desorption Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carbon desorption technologies face inefficiencies in electrolysis processes, particularly in heat management and electrode dissolution/deposition uniformity, leading to suboptimal CO2 capture and increased energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A modular membrane isolation carbon desorption device with an electrolyzer divided by anion exchange membranes, allowing for dual-sided electrode dissolution and deposition, and a carbon capture system that includes a CO2-lean liquid transfer tank and circulation tanks to enhance electrolysis efficiency and reduce heat loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional electrolytic desorption device is used, then CO2 desorption can be achieved, but the electrolysis efficiency is low and heat loss is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolysis efficiencyVSAvoidheat loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The electrolyzer is divided into multiple electrolysis units by anion exchange membranes, with each unit containing electrodes of specific polarity. This segmentation allows for optimized electrode arrangement and improved electrolysis efficiency while reducing heat loss through better thermal management in each individual unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Adjacent electrolysis units are designed with opposite electrode polarities, creating localized zones with different electrochemical characteristics. This local quality variation enables dual-sided electrode dissolution and deposition, improving overall electrolysis efficiency and heat distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If electrodes are arranged in a conventional single-sided configuration, then the device structure is simple, but electrode dissolution and deposition are non-uniform

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrodeposition uniformityVSAvoidelectrode arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrolyzer is segmented into multiple electrolysis units separated by anion exchange membranes, with each unit containing electrodes arranged for dual-sided operation. This segmentation enables uniform electrode dissolution and deposition by distributing electrochemical reactions across multiple surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode arrangement transitions from single-sided to dual-sided configuration across adjacent electrolysis units with opposite polarities. This dimensional change in electrode utilization enables uniform dissolution and deposition on both sides of each electrode, significantly improving manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If multiple independent carbon desorption devices are used, then CO2 capture can be achieved, but space and material consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 capture efficiencyVSAvoiddevice space consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple electrolysis units with alternating electrode polarities are merged into a single integrated electrolyzer structure. This combining approach maintains high CO2 capture efficiency through enhanced electrolysis while reducing overall device space consumption and material usage compared to multiple independent devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration improves electrolysis efficiency, reduces heat loss, and enhances CO2 capture efficiency, while also minimizing space and material consumption, resulting in lower operational costs and more uniform electrodeposition.

Implementation Method 1

the electrolyzer contains a number of anion exchange membranes, each sealed and connected to the bottom wall, as well as to the first and second side walls; the electrolyzer is divided into a number of electrolysis units by the number of anion exchange membranes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon Exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 2

each of the number of electrolysis units contains electrodes, and the polarities of the electrodes in adjacent electrolysis units are opposite; one of the number of electrolysis units with a positive electrode is an anode electrolysis unit, and one of the number of electrolysis units with a negative electrode is a cathode electrolysis unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS12121859B1Modular membrane isolation carbon desorption device, carbon capture system, method and application

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 CENT SOUTH UNIV

AI summary

The present application provides a modular membrane isolation carbon desorption device, a carbon capture system, a method, and an application thereof. The device comprises an electrolyzer in which a plurality of anion exchange membranes are arranged, dividing the electrolyzer into multiple electrolysis units. Each electrolysis unit is equipped with electrodes, and the polarities of the electrodes in adjacent units are opposite. An electrolysis unit containing a positive electrode function as an anode electrolysis unit, while one with a negative electrode serves as a cathode electrolysis unit. This application effectively reduces heat loss during the carbon desorption process and enables dual-sided dissolution of the positive electrode and dual-sided deposition of the negative electrode, thereby enhancing electrolysis efficiency during the carbon desorption process.