Abstract
A process for capturing carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) emissions and converting the CO.sub.2 into other products is disclosed herein. The process includes capturing CO.sub.2 emissions from an exhaust mechanism at a CO.sub.2 capture device. The process also includes converting the CO.sub.2 emissions into a carbon-based product using catalysis, such as an electrochemical process or a photocatalytic process.
Claims
1. A process for capturing carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) emissions from a truck and converting the CO.sub.2 into other carbon based products, the process comprising: capturing CO.sub.2 emissions from an exhaust mechanism of a truck at a CO.sub.2 capture device; transferring the CO.sub.2 emissions to a CO.sub.2 to ethanol catalyst component of a CO.sub.2 conversion device; transferring water from a water tank of the CO.sub.2 conversion device to the CO.sub.2 to ethanol catalyst component to mix with the CO.sub.2 emissions; generating a voltage at the CO.sub.2 to ethanol catalyst component to react the water with the CO.sub.2 emissions; converting the CO.sub.2 emissions and water to ethanol, methanol and hydrogen; filtering the ethanol, methanol, hydrogen and water through a membrane or other chemical separation device; and transferring the ethanol to an ethanol tank and the water to the water tank.
2. The process according to claim 1 further comprising transferring hydrogen and CO.sub.2 to a CO.sub.2 catalyst component, generating a voltage at the CO.sub.2 catalyst component to react the hydrogen with the CO.sub.2 to generate ethanol, and transferring the ethanol to the ethanol tank.
3. The process according to claim 2 wherein the ethanol is used to refuel the truck.
4. The process according to claim 1 further comprising oxidizing the hydrogen to H.sub.2O using a heating element.
5. A process for capturing carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) emissions from an industrial facility and converting the CO.sub.2 into other carbon based products, the process comprising: capturing CO.sub.2 emissions from an exhaust mechanism of an industrial facility at a CO.sub.2 capture device; transferring the CO.sub.2 emissions to a CO.sub.2 to ethanol catalyst component of a CO.sub.2 conversion device; transferring water from a water tank of the CO.sub.2 conversion device to the CO.sub.2 to ethanol catalyst component to mix with the CO.sub.2; generating a voltage at the CO.sub.2 to ethanol catalyst component to react the water with the CO.sub.2 emissions; converting the CO.sub.2 emissions and water to ethanol, methanol and hydrogen; filtering the ethanol, methanol, hydrogen and water through a membrane or other chemical separation device; and transferring the ethanol to an ethanol tank and the water to the water tank.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a CO.sub.2 capture and conversion for a heavy duty truck.
(2) FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a CO.sub.2 capture and conversion for a flex fuel passenger vehicle.
(3) FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a CO.sub.2 capture and conversion for a heavy duty truck to generate fuel for a flex fuel passenger vehicle.
(4) FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a CO.sub.2 capture and conversion for a passenger vehicle.
(5) FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a mobile CO.sub.2 capture and conversion for a heavy duty truck.
(6) FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method for CO.sub.2 conversion.
(7) FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method for CO.sub.2 conversion to ethanol.
(8) FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method for CO.sub.2 sorption to conversion for end-consumer consumable.
(9) FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a vehicle and CO.sub.2 storage conversion device.
(10) FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a CO.sub.2 capture and conversion for an industrial building.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(11) One embodiment of the invention is capturing emissions from heavy duty trucks and converting the CO.sub.2 into other products to refuel the heavy duty truck. Where the CO.sub.2 conversion process is via catalysis, such as an electrochemical process or a photocatalytic process. Where the CO.sub.2 is converted into C1+ products defined as chemicals having 1 carbon atom. Where the CO.sub.2 is converted into C2+ products defined as chemicals having 2 carbon atoms. Where the CO.sub.2 is converted to an alcohol, an alkene, an aromatic, a hydrocarbon, or an alkane.
(12) Another embodiment is capturing emissions from heavy duty trucks and converting the CO.sub.2 into other products to refuel the heavy duty truck. Where the CO.sub.2 conversion process is via catalysis, such as an electrochemical process or a photocatalytic process. Where the CO.sub.2 is converted into C1+ products defined as chemicals having a single carbon atom. Where the CO.sub.2 is converted into C2+ products defined as chemicals having two carbon atoms. Where the CO.sub.2 is converted to an alcohol, an alkene, an aromatic, a hydrocarbon, or an alkane.
(13) After it reacts with the CO.sub.2.fwdarw.Ethanol Catalyst, the isolated CO.sub.2 reacts with the solid catalyst and water, then ethanol bubbles inside of a solution composed of water.
(14) FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a CO.sub.2 capture and conversion for a heavy duty truck 1000. The heavy duty truck 1000 is preferably a diesel powered truck. The heavy duty truck 1000 preferably has an onboard CO.sub.2 capture system 135 and stacked exhaust 1021a-b. The CO.sub.2 conversion process is preferably via an catalysis, such as an electrochemical process or a photocatalytic process, at a CO.sub.2 conversion component 700. The CO.sub.2 is converted into C1+ products defined as chemicals having a single carbon atom. The CO.sub.2 is converted into C2+ products defined as chemicals having two carbon atoms. The CO.sub.2 is preferably converted to an alcohol, an alkene, an aromatic, a hydrocarbon, or an alkane.
(15) FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a CO.sub.2 capture and conversion for a flex fuel passenger vehicle 1100. The flex fuel passenger vehicle 1100 has installed an onboard carbon capture system 725 to capture and isolate pollutants and emissions. The emissions captured are CO.sub.2 gas. The CO.sub.2 gas is vacuumed/funneled/etc. to a CO.sub.2 to ethanol conversion device 715 unattached to the vehicle. The CO.sub.2 is converted into C1+ products defined as chemicals having a single carbon atom. The CO.sub.2 is converted into C2+ products defined as chemicals having two carbon atoms. The CO.sub.2 is converted to an alcohol, an alkene, an aromatic, a hydrocarbon, or an alkane. The converted CO.sub.2 is used to refuel the vehicle 1100.
(16) FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a CO.sub.2 capture and conversion for a heavy duty truck 1000 to generate fuel for a flex fuel passenger vehicle 1100. The heavy duty truck 1000 may have an onboard CO.sub.2 capture system 135. The CO.sub.2 conversion process is via catalysis, such as an electrochemical process or a photocatalytic process, at a CO.sub.2 to ethanol conversion device 715. The CO.sub.2 is converted into C1+ products defined as chemicals having a single carbon atom. The CO.sub.2 is converted into C2+ products defined as chemicals having two carbon atoms. The CO.sub.2 is converted to an alcohol, an alkene, an aromatic, a hydrocarbon, or an alkane. The converted CO.sub.2 chemical is used to fuel the flex fuel passenger vehicle 1100.
(17) FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a CO.sub.2 capture and conversion for a passenger vehicle. The emissions captured are CO.sub.2 gas. The CO.sub.2 gas is vacuumed/funneled/etc. to a CO.sub.2 conversion device 725 unattached to the vehicle 1100. The CO.sub.2 conversion process is preferably via catalysis, such as an electrochemical process or a photocatalytic process, at the CO.sub.2 conversion component 725. The CO.sub.2 is converted into C1+ products defined as chemicals having single carbon atom. The CO.sub.2 is converted into C2+ products defined as chemicals having two carbon atoms. The CO.sub.2 is preferably converted to an alcohol, an alkene, an aromatic, a hydrocarbon, or an alkane. The storage tank, not shown, is preferably emptied weekly/monthly/by a chemicals company to utilize the chemicals.
(18) FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a mobile CO.sub.2 capture and conversion for a heavy duty truck 1000. The heavy duty truck 1000 preferably has an onboard CO.sub.2 capture system 135 and stacked exhaust 1021a-b. The onboard CO.sub.2 capture system 135 is preferably located between the truck and the trailer, and most preferably on the back of the truck. The CO.sub.2 conversion process is preferably via catalysis, such as an electrochemical process or a photocatalytic process, at a CO.sub.2 conversion component 700. The CO.sub.2 is converted into C1+ products defined as chemicals having a single carbon atom. The CO.sub.2 is converted into C2+ products defined as chemicals having two carbon atoms. The CO.sub.2 is preferably converted to an alcohol, an alkene, an aromatic, a hydrocarbon, or an alkane.
(19) FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart for a method 600 for converting the CO.sub.2 emissions into a carbon-based product. At block 603, CO.sub.2 is transferred to a CO.sub.2 catalyst component of the CO.sub.2 conversion device at block 604. At block 602, water is transferred from a water tank of the CO.sub.2 conversion device to the CO.sub.2 catalyst component at block 604 to mix with the CO.sub.2. At block 601, voltage is generated for the CO.sub.2 catalyst component at block 604 to react the water with the CO.sub.2. At block 605, the CO.sub.2 is converted to the carbon-based product. At block 606, the carbon-based product and water is filtered through a membrane or other chemical separation device. At block 608, the carbon-based product is transferred to a product tank. At block 607, the water is transferred to the water tank.
(20) FIG. 7 illustrates a method for converting CO.sub.2 emissions into ethanol. At block 703, the CO.sub.2 to is transferred to a CO.sub.2 to ethanol catalyst component of the CO.sub.2 conversion device at block 704. At block 702, water is transferred from a water tank of the CO.sub.2 conversion device to the CO.sub.2 to the ethanol catalyst component at block 704 to mix with the CO.sub.2. At block 701, a voltage is generated at the CO.sub.2 to ethanol catalyst component at block 704 to react the water with the CO.sub.2. At block 705, the CO.sub.2 to is converted to ethanol, methanol and hydrogen. At block 706, the ethanol, methanol, hydrogen and water is filtered through a membrane or other chemical separation device. At block 709, the ethanol is transferred to an ethanol tank at block 710. At block 707, the water is transferred to the water tank at block 702.
(21) The method of FIG. 7 also preferably includes transferring hydrogen and CO.sub.2 to a CO.sub.2 catalyst component, generating a voltage at the CO.sub.2 catalyst component to react the hydrogen with the CO.sub.2 to generate ethanol, and transferring the ethanol to the ethanol tank.
(22) The method of FIG. 7 also preferably includes oxidizing the hydrogen to H.sub.2O using a heating element.
(23) The method of FIG. 7 also preferably includes transferring hydrogen and CO.sub.2 to a CO.sub.2 catalyst component, generating a voltage at the CO.sub.2 catalyst component to react the hydrogen with the CO.sub.2 to generate ethanol, and transferring the ethanol to the ethanol tank.
(24) The method of FIG. 7 also preferably includes oxidizing the hydrogen to H.sub.2O using a heating element.
(25) As shown in FIG. 8, a method for CO.sub.2 absorption to conversion for end-consumer consumable is generally designated 1400. At block 1401, a hose is attached between a tailpipe apparatus of a tailpipe of a vehicle and a CO.sub.2 removal device. Alternatively, the hose is attached to a device placed within a trunk of the vehicle. Alternatively, the hose or an exhaust conduit is connected to a device placed anywhere on the vehicle. At block 1402, the CO.sub.2 is vacuumed from the tailpipe apparatus of the vehicle to a CO2 catalyst component of the CO.sub.2 removal device. At block 1403, water is transferred from a water tank of the CO.sub.2 removal device to the CO.sub.2 catalyst component to mix with the CO.sub.2. At block 1404, a voltage is generated at the CO2 catalyst component to react the water with the CO.sub.2. At block 1405, the CO2 with the water is converted to an end-consumer consumable. At block 1406, the end-consumer consumable is transferred to a consumable tank of the CO.sub.2 removal device.
(26) FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram for a CO.sub.2 conversion system 100. The system comprises a vehicle 91, a CO.sub.2 removal device 89 and a hose 92 for connection between a CO.sub.2 tank tip 90 of the vehicle 91 and the CO.sub.2 removal device 89. The CO.sub.2 removal device 89 preferably comprises a consumable tank 98, a hose storage 93, a vacuum and other components (electrical outlet) module 94, a water tank 95, a control panel 96, an electrical inlet 97, and a CO.sub.2 catalyst 99. The water tank 95 is preferably removable, however in an alternative embodiment it is stationary/fixed. The vacuum component preferably serves three purposes: to transfer the CO.sub.2 from the vehicle to the CO.sub.2 catalyst 99; to transfer water from the water tank 95 to the CO.sub.2 catalyst 99; and to provide voltage to the CO.sub.2 catalyst 99. The consumable tank 98 is preferably fully removable or alternatively, partially removable (so that it isn't carrying all of the consumable material, and only some of it is transferred to the removable section). The CO.sub.2 removal device 89 is preferably on wheels. In an alternative embodiment, the hose 92 and hose storage 93 are replaced with an inlet to allow CO.sub.2 from a CO.sub.2 tank to be disposed into the CO.sub.2 removal device 89.
(27) FIG. 10 illustrates a process 2000 for capturing carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) emissions from an industrial facility 2050 and converting the CO.sub.2 into other carbon based products. The process includes capturing CO.sub.2 emissions from an exhaust mechanism 2055 of the industrial facility 2050 at a CO.sub.2 capture device 2070. The process also includes converting the CO.sub.2 emissions into a carbon-based product at a carbon conversion site 2100 using catalysis, such as an electrochemical process or a photocatalytic process. The exhaust mechanism 2055 preferably includes boilers and furnaces for industrial buildings. The industrial buildings preferably include cement plants, steel mills and power plants. The industrial building may also be a commercial building or residential apartment building. The process may also be sized to use with a residential home.
(28) From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention and will readily understand that while the present invention has been described in association with a preferred embodiment thereof, and other embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous changes modification and substitutions of equivalents may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which is intended to be unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in the following appended claim. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined in the following appended claims.
