Subsurface Hydrogen Production With Carbon-Sulfur Mineralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods of hydrogen synthesis are extremely carbon and energy intensive, limiting the realization of a viable hydrogen economy, and existing hydrogen production methods face challenges in cost, scalability, and carbon sequestration.
Innovation Solution
Injecting reactants such as dihydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, or a mixture of both into iron-rich subsurface rock formations, combined with heat and mechanical stimulation, to produce hydrogen and sequester carbon and sulfur in mineral form, utilizing geothermal energy for enhanced hydrogen production and sequestration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If current hydrogen synthesis methods are used, then hydrogen production is achieved, but carbon emissions and energy consumption are extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts harmful CO2 emissions into beneficial hydrogen production by injecting CO2 into subsurface formations containing iron-bearing minerals. The CO2 reacts with these minerals to produce hydrogen gas while sequestering carbon in mineral form, thus transforming a harmful greenhouse gas into a useful feedstock for hydrogen synthesis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses subsurface iron-bearing rock formations as an intermediary medium between CO2 injection and hydrogen production. The rock formation facilitates the chemical reaction between CO2 and iron-bearing minerals, enabling hydrogen generation while simultaneously sequestering carbon in the subsurface.
2Quantity of substance
If current hydrogen synthesis methods are used, then hydrogen production is achieved, but energy consumption is extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the subsurface formation to perform the hydrogen production function autonomously by injecting CO2 and water into iron-bearing rock formations. The natural geochemical reactions occur in-situ without requiring external energy input for hydrogen synthesis, allowing the system to produce hydrogen through self-sustaining geochemical processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces energy-intensive mechanical hydrogen production systems with geochemically-driven in-situ reactions. Instead of using high-energy industrial processes like steam methane reforming or electrolysis, the system utilizes natural subsurface chemical reactions between CO2, water, and iron-bearing minerals to generate hydrogen.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If subsurface reactions are used for hydrogen production, then carbon sequestration is achieved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges hydrogen production and carbon sequestration into a single integrated process. By injecting CO2 into subsurface iron-bearing formations, the system simultaneously produces hydrogen through geochemical reactions and sequesters carbon in mineral form, achieving dual benefits through one unified operation rather than separate processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The subsurface iron-bearing rock formation serves multiple functions: it acts as the reaction medium for hydrogen production, the storage medium for carbon sequestration, and the source of iron-bearing minerals required for the chemical reactions. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
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
Achieves low-cost, low-emission, and dispatchable hydrogen production with direct and indirect carbon and sulfur sequestration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing a reliable energy source.
Implementation Method 1
reacting the reactant with the subsurface formation to form at least one of hydrogen gas or a mineralized product within the subsurface formation
Implementation Method 2
carbon sequestration by mineralization of carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 3
heat assisted enhanced hydrogen production
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to producing hydrogen from a subsurface formation by injecting a reactant into the subsurface formation and reacting the reactant with the subsurface formation to form at least one of hydrogen gas or a mineralized product within the subsurface formation. The hydrogen produced is collected or one or more components of the reactant is sequestered to form a mineralized product in the subsurface formation. Other embodiments of the invention relate to producing hydrogen by injecting a thermal fluid into the subsurface rock formation, where the thermal fluid includes a reactant. The reactant is reacted with components in the subsurface formation to form at least one of hydrogen gas mineralized sulfur, or mineralized carbon.