Spiral Joule Heating Reactor for Low-Emission Hydrogen Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing hydrogen, such as steam reforming of natural gas and coal gasification, emit significant greenhouse gases and are energy-intensive, while existing local production methods are inefficient and consume too much energy.
Innovation Solution
A machine and integrated installation for producing dihydrogen by pyrolysis of a hydrocarbon gas, utilizing a spiral tube reactor heated by Joule heating, with a cyclone for separating solid particles and a pressure swing adsorption device for purifying dihydrogen, designed for local, efficient, and less polluting production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If steam reforming of natural gas or coal gasification is used to produce hydrogen, then large-scale hydrogen production is achieved, but greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the chemical reaction by using pyrolysis (thermal decomposition without oxygen) instead of reforming or gasification (which require steam or oxygen and produce CO2). This parameter change transforms the reaction pathway from carbon-oxidizing to carbon-preserving, eliminating greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining hydrogen production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the conventional thermal/chemical reforming process with an electrical heating system (Joule heating) to drive pyrolysis. This substitution allows precise temperature control and eliminates the need for steam or oxygen, thereby preventing CO2 formation while achieving efficient hydrogen production
2Object-generated harmful factors
If water electrolysis is used to produce hydrogen, then carbon-free hydrogen is produced, but water consumption increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the input material parameter from water (electrolysis) to hydrocarbon gas (pyrolysis). This parameter change enables hydrogen production without water consumption and with lower energy input, as pyrolysis occurs at lower temperatures than water electrolysis and utilizes the chemical energy stored in hydrocarbon bonds
3Productivity
If hydrogen is produced in large centralized units, then production efficiency is improved, but transport costs and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the hydrogen production system into distributed modular units that can be deployed locally near consumption points. Each unit is self-contained with all necessary components (reactor, heating system, separation devices), enabling autonomous operation and eliminating the need for large-scale centralized production and long-distance hydrogen transport
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal modular platform that can be deployed in various locations and scaled according to local demand. The standardized design allows the same basic unit to serve different applications (transport, industry, electricity production) without requiring centralized infrastructure, thereby reducing transport-related environmental impacts
4Productivity
If the Kvaerner Carbon Black & Hydrogen method is used, then hydrogen and carbon are produced from hydrocarbons, but energy consumption is high and hydrogen yield is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the conventional thermal cracking process with electrical Joule heating to drive pyrolysis. This substitution provides more efficient and controllable heating, reducing energy consumption while achieving complete hydrocarbon decomposition and maximizing hydrogen yield
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a self-sufficient system where the pyrolysis process produces hydrogen that is then used to generate electricity via fuel cells or combustion, which in turn powers the Joule heating system. This self-service energy cycle eliminates the need for external energy input and maximizes the effective hydrogen yield
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
The solution achieves local, efficient, and less polluting hydrogen production, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to existing methods, while allowing for sizing according to hydrogen demand.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply circuit connected to the tube in order to heat the tube by Joule heating to a temperature above a pyrolysis temperature of the gas circulating in the tube
Implementation Method 2
producing dihydrogen by pyrolysis of a pure gas or a gaseous mixture
Implementation Method 3
a member for separating the gas leaving the tube and the solid particles present in the gas
Implementation Method 4
a device for treating the gas after passing through the separating member
Data Source
AI summary
Machine for producing dihydrogen by pyrolysis of a gas (G) comprising:a. a reactor comprising at least one tube (2), at least partially made of electrically conductive material, shaped in a spiral with a first end (2a) forming an inlet for a gas and an opposite second end (2b) forming an outlet for the gas,b. a power supply circuit (3) connected to the tube (2) in order to heat the tube by Joule heating to a temperature above a pyrolysis temperature of the gas (G) circulating in the tube (2),c. at the second end of the tube (2b), a member (4) for separating the gas leaving the tube (Gp) and the solid particles(S) present in the gas (Gp),d. means (5) for collecting the solid particles(S), ande. a device (6) for treating the gas after passing through the separating member (4).