Syngas Compressor Dual-Mode Storage for Green Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for producing hydrogen-based synthetic products, such as ammonia, often result in the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, leading to environmental concerns and inefficiencies in energy usage.
Innovation Solution
The proposed process involves using electrolysis to produce high-purity hydrogen, which is then mixed with other gaseous reactants to form a reaction mixture. This mixture is temporarily stored under pressure, allowing existing compressors to be used for both storage and synthesis, thereby reducing investment and operating costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrogen is stored separately using a dedicated hydrogen compressor, then hydrogen storage capability is improved, but device complexity and investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the syngas compressor to serve dual purposes: compressing syngas for storage and compressing hydrogen for storage. This eliminates the need for a separate hydrogen compressor, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable hydrogen storage capability through flexible operational modes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of separate syngas compression and hydrogen compression systems into a single integrated approach. By storing both syngas and hydrogen in the same storage unit and using the same compressor for both, the system combines multiple functions into unified equipment, reducing overall system complexity
2Productivity
If a dedicated hydrogen compressor is used for filling hydrogen buffer, then hydrogen compression efficiency is improved, but operating costs increase due to partial load operation
Solution Approach 1:
The syngas compressor is designed to perform multiple functions including syngas compression, hydrogen compression, and simultaneous operation for both streams. This multi-functionality ensures the compressor operates at or near optimal load levels continuously, avoiding the partial load inefficiencies that would occur with a dedicated hydrogen compressor operating intermittently
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by having the compressor operate continuously for syngas compression while also performing hydrogen compression during periods when syngas production exceeds immediate demand. This continuous operation at optimal load levels maximizes efficiency and minimizes energy losses compared to intermittent operation
3Device complexity
If reaction mixture is stored instead of hydrogen, then device complexity is reduced, but storage volume requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges syngas storage and hydrogen storage into a single unified storage unit. By storing the reaction mixture (syngas) instead of separating hydrogen storage, the system eliminates the need for separate storage vessels while accepting larger volume requirements for the combined storage facility
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 eliminates the need for additional equipment, operates compressors more efficiently, and allows for the temporary storage of a reaction mixture instead of hydrogen, thereby reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
providing gaseous hydrogen by electrolysis of water
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (100) for producing a synthesis product (6) is proposed, in which gaseous hydrogen (3) is provided by electrolysis (10) of water (1) and is subjected to a reaction (30) with one or more gaseous reactants (4) to form the synthesis product (6), wherein during a first process mode the hydrogen (3) and the one or more reactants (4) are mixed to obtain a reaction mixture (5), and the reaction mixture (5) or a portion thereof is stored under pressure in a storage unit (20), and wherein during a second process mode the reaction mixture (5) stored under pressure in the first process mode or a portion thereof is removed from the storage unit (20) and fed to the reaction (30) to form the synthesis product (6). A corresponding system is also proposed.