Low-Carbon Fuel Pathways Using RNG and Distributed Renewables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current low carbon intensity energy strategies face challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the lifecycle of transportation fuels and hydrogen production, including inefficiencies in energy transmission, high carbon intensity in fuel production and distribution, and the need for specialized infrastructure and equipment, which can negate environmental benefits.
Innovation Solution
Implementing systems and methods that integrate renewable energy sources into feedstock procurement, transportation, refining, and distribution processes to reduce carbon emissions, using techniques such as power generation from wind, solar, and geothermal energy, and blending with plant-derived ethanol and biodiesel, while optimizing refinery processes and transportation modes to maintain low carbon intensity.
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 occurs and carbon intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the renewable energy supply chain by establishing multiple distributed generation points (wind farms, solar farms, geothermal plants) geographically closer to consumption centers, rather than relying on single remote sources. This segmentation reduces transmission distances and associated energy losses while maintaining renewable energy delivery to end users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using renewable natural gas (RNG) as a carrier medium. RNG is produced from biomass waste at distributed locations, then transported via existing natural gas infrastructure to refineries where it serves as a low-carbon feedstock for transportation fuel production, effectively mediating between renewable energy sources and end-use applications.
2Productivity
If conventional higher carbon intensity fuels are used in transportation, then transportation needs are met, but greenhouse gas emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of transportation fuels by blending conventional hydrocarbon fuels with renewable natural gas-derived components and plant-derived ethanol/biodiesel. This parameter change reduces the carbon intensity of the final fuel product while maintaining its effectiveness as a transportation fuel, thus meeting productivity needs while reducing harmful emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite transportation fuels by combining conventional fossil fuel feedstocks with renewable natural gas and plant-derived ethanol/biodiesel. This composite approach allows the fuel to maintain the performance characteristics of conventional fuels while incorporating low-carbon components that reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions during combustion.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If specialized infrastructure is implemented for renewable energy delivery, then low carbon intensity energy can be provided, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the renewable natural gas production and distribution system to serve multiple functions: it provides renewable energy for direct combustion, serves as a feedstock for refinery processes producing low-carbon transportation fuels, and utilizes existing natural gas infrastructure for transportation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for entirely new specialized infrastructure while achieving carbon intensity reduction goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through on-site renewable natural gas production at biomass waste facilities, where the facilities generate their own renewable energy from their waste streams and can directly supply it to co-located or nearby refineries. This self-service approach eliminates the need for extensive external infrastructure while providing low-carbon energy.
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 results in lower carbon intensity transportation fuels and hydrogen that can be readily available through conventional channels, reducing overall carbon emissions and eliminating the need for specialized infrastructure, making low carbon intensity energy more accessible and cost-effective for consumers.
Implementation Method 1
power generation from wind, solar, and geothermal energy
Implementation Method 2
power generation from wind, solar, and geothermal energy
Implementation Method 3
power generation from wind, solar, and geothermal energy
Implementation Method 4
blending with plant-derived ethanol and biodiesel
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to provide low carbon intensity (CI) transportation fuels 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 fuel product distribution pathways to end users. Such options are selected to maintain the total CI (carbon emissions per unit energy) of the transportation fuel below a pre-selected threshold that defines an upper limit of CI for the transportation fuel.