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 feasibility of a hydrogen economy, and existing alternatives for low-carbon energy sources are either uneconomic, intermittent, or geographically limited.
Innovation Solution
Injecting reactants such as dihydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, or a mixture of both, along with thermal fluids into iron-rich subsurface rock formations to produce hydrogen and sequester carbon and sulfur through mineralization reactions, utilizing geothermal heat 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 greenhouse gases (CO2 and H2S) into beneficial products (hydrogen and sulfur). By injecting these gases into subsurface formations containing iron-bearing minerals, the system transforms carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide into hydrogen gas through chemical reactions, while the carbon and sulfur are sequestered as solid minerals. This converts two major pollutants into a clean energy source, directly addressing the contradiction between hydrogen production and carbon emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses iron-bearing minerals in subsurface formations as an intermediary medium to facilitate the conversion of CO2 and H2S into hydrogen. The iron minerals act as catalysts and reactants in the chemical reactions, enabling the transformation of harmful gases into useful hydrogen while sequestering carbon and sulfur. This intermediary approach allows the system to achieve hydrogen production without direct combustion or high-energy input that would generate additional emissions.
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 employs self-service principles by utilizing naturally occurring geothermal heat from subsurface formations to drive the chemical reactions that produce hydrogen. The system taps into the Earth's natural thermal energy to heat the injected CO2 and H2S gases, eliminating the need for external high-energy heating systems. This geothermally-driven approach dramatically reduces energy consumption compared to conventional steam methane reforming or electrolysis methods, while maintaining continuous hydrogen production.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If low-carbon energy alternatives are used, then carbon emissions are reduced, but economic viability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by simultaneously producing hydrogen (energy source), sequestering carbon (climate mitigation), and sequestering sulfur (pollution control) within a single integrated system. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate carbon capture facilities, sulfur treatment plants, and hydrogen production units, thereby reducing overall infrastructure costs and improving economic viability while delivering multiple environmental benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers valuable hydrogen gas from what would otherwise be discarded harmful gases (CO2 and H2S). By injecting these waste gases into subsurface formations and extracting the resulting hydrogen, the system transforms waste streams into a valuable energy resource. This recovery approach creates revenue streams from waste gas handling while simultaneously achieving carbon and sulfur sequestration, improving the economic case for low-carbon energy production.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If low-carbon energy alternatives are used, then carbon emissions are reduced, but reliability is compromised due to intermittency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous hydrogen production through a thermally-driven chemical reaction system that operates continuously as long as reactants (CO2 and H2S) are supplied and geothermal heat is available. Unlike intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar, this system does not depend on weather conditions or time of day, providing reliable baseline power. The continuous operation of the chemical reactions in subsurface formations ensures steady hydrogen generation, addressing the reliability concern of low-carbon energy alternatives.
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, dispatchable, and low-emission hydrogen production with direct and indirect carbon and sulfur sequestration, overcoming the limitations of existing hydrogen production methods 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
The reaction can include one or more of a serpentinization reaction, a pyritization reaction, or a decarbonation reaction
Implementation Method 3
heating the reactant prior to injecting the thermal fluid into the subsurface formation
Implementation Method 4
utilizing geothermal heat for enhanced hydrogen production and sequestration
Implementation Method 5
collecting hydrogen produced from a reaction of the reactant with the subsurface formation
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.