Nano Membrane Air Separation for Storable Hydrogen Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy sources, primarily fossil fuels, pose environmental and storage challenges, while renewable sources like wind and solar energy are limited by inability to be stored and are not widely available, necessitating a new method to harness energy from air and wind.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing nano membranes, such as graphene or borophene, to filter and separate molecules like hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide from the air, which are then stored for energy production, incorporating air and wind collection mechanisms to optimize energy extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fossil fuels are used as energy sources, then energy availability and storability are improved, but environmental pollution and extraction contamination worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts hydrogen molecules and other useful gases from the atmosphere using specialized membranes and collection systems. By separating hydrogen from air and storing it in tanks, the system provides a clean energy source that eliminates the pollution problems associated with fossil fuels while maintaining energy availability and storability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wind and solar energy are used, then environmental friendliness is improved, but energy storability and consistent availability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary collection and storage of hydrogen molecules from the atmosphere in advance of when they are needed for energy production. By continuously extracting and storing hydrogen in tanks, the system creates a reserve of storable energy that can be used on demand, eliminating the intermittency problem of wind and solar energy while maintaining environmental friendliness.
3Productivity
If nano membranes are used to filter air molecules, then separation efficiency and energy extraction capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous nano membranes with specifically engineered pore sizes that allow selective passage of hydrogen molecules and other target gases while blocking larger molecules. This passive filtration mechanism achieves high separation efficiency without requiring complex active separation systems, thereby maintaining relatively simple device architecture while improving energy extraction capability.
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 system enables efficient storage and utilization of renewable energy from the atmosphere, reducing environmental impact and increasing energy availability beyond current renewable energy contributions, while also filtering out harmful gases.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane, wherein the membrane is adapted to fit in the inlet of the collecting tank and is configured to let a specified pre-determined size of molecules, atoms and/or ions to pass through the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for separating and storing molecules, atoms and/or ions from air, wherein at least one air collecting means comprises at least one collecting tank configured to receive molecules, atoms and/or ions separated from air through an inlet and at least one membrane adapted to fit in the inlet of the collecting tank and configured to let a specified pre-determined size of molecules, atoms and/or ions to pass through the at least one membrane. The system further comprises at least one storing tank for storing the separated molecules, atoms and/or ions, and at least one outlet. The system according to the invention can be used to utilize the energy present in such molecules or separate unwanted gases present in the air.