Solid Oxide Cell Coupling for Self-Sustaining CO2-to-Syngas Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), are costly and inefficient, especially when carbon dioxide is mixed with hydrocarbons, and existing reactions requiring high temperatures and pressures are not self-sustaining.
Innovation Solution
A carbon dioxide conversion device combining solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and solid oxide electrolyser cells (SOECs) that oxidize hydrocarbon fuels to produce syngas, using a self-sustaining process that captures carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon fuel, producing syngas without requiring external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional carbon capture and storage (CCS) is used to separate and store carbon dioxide, then atmospheric carbon dioxide levels can be reduced, but the process becomes expensive and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts harmful carbon dioxide emissions into useful syngas (hydrogen and carbon monoxide) through electrochemical conversion. Instead of simply capturing and storing CO2, the system uses it as a feedstock to produce valuable chemical products, thereby transforming a waste stream into an economic asset while simultaneously reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves self-sustainability by using the electrochemical cell to simultaneously generate electricity from hydrocarbon fuel while converting CO2 into syngas. The electricity generated powers the CO2 conversion process, eliminating or reducing the need for external power sources and making the overall system economically viable.
2Productivity
If high temperature and pressure reactions are used to convert carbon dioxide with methane to produce syngas, then carbon conversion can occur, but the process requires constant external energy input and is not self-sustaining
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical cell performs dual functions: it generates electricity through fuel oxidation while simultaneously using that electricity to drive CO2 conversion to syngas. This self-powered approach eliminates the need for separate high-temperature heating systems and external power sources, making the process self-sustaining.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional thermal processes (high temperature and pressure reactions) with an electrochemical approach. Instead of using mechanical heating and compression to drive CO2 methanation, the system uses electrochemical reactions that occur at lower temperatures and pressures, significantly reducing external energy requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If membrane separation is used to separate carbon dioxide from hydrocarbon streams, then carbon dioxide can be isolated, but hydrocarbon contamination occurs and requires additional flaring
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of treating hydrocarbon contamination as a problem to be eliminated through flaring, the patent converts it into a valuable resource. The electrochemical cell uses the hydrocarbons (including any contaminants) as fuel to generate electricity and produce syngas, thereby eliminating waste and creating economic value from what would otherwise be discarded material.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers both energy and chemical value from hydrocarbon streams that would otherwise be flared. By using electrochemical conversion, the system captures the chemical energy in hydrocarbons and transforms it into useful products (electricity and syngas), preventing substance loss and reducing environmental impact.
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 solution effectively captures and converts carbon dioxide into useful syngas, which can be used to produce chemicals and polymers, offering a cost-effective and self-sustaining method for reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, particularly in industries with abundant hydrocarbon fuel resources.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more solid oxide fuel cells oxidise the hydrocarbon fuel to the syngas
Implementation Method 2
In a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), fuel is oxidised at the anode, and the oxidant is reduced at the cathode. A potential is built up across the electrolyte, and this can be used to drive an external electrical circuit.
Implementation Method 3
the one or more solid oxide electrolyser cells convert the carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon fuel to the syngas
Implementation Method 4
SOCs can also be used as electrolysers. An electrical potential is applied across the electrodes, and this can drive a reaction which is not thermodynamically favoured.
Implementation Method 5
They consist of an electrolyte, which conducts oxygen ions but is an electrical insulator, an anode on one side of the electrolyte, and a cathode on the other side.
Data Source
AI summary
A solid oxide cell device is provided which uses hydrocarbon fuel gas and oxygen to remove carbon dioxide from a gas stream, converting it to syngas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen), preferably without any input of external energy beyond that derived from the input gases. Existing processes can then be used to convert the syngas to stable liquid or solid organic chemicals, so that all the input carbon is fixed. Partial oxidation of hydrocarbon fuel gas in a solid oxide fuel cell produces syngas and electricity, and the electricity powers a solid oxide electrolyser which reacts carbon dioxide with further hydrocarbon fuel gas to produce more syngas. The fuel cell and electrolyser together can achieve self-sustaining carbon dioxide utilization.