Abstract
A process for capturing carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) emissions and converting the CO.sub.2 into an alcohol fuel is disclosed herein. The process includes capturing CO.sub.2 emissions from an exhaust mechanism of a machine at a CO.sub.2 capture device. The process also includes converting the CO.sub.2 emissions into an alcohol fuel using an electrolyzer.
Claims
1. A process for capturing carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) emissions from a CO.sub.2 emitting heavy duty truck and converting the CO.sub.2 into an alcohol fuel, the process comprising: capturing CO.sub.2 emissions from an exhaust mechanism of the heavy duty truck at a CO.sub.2 capture device on the heavy duty truck; transferring the CO.sub.2 emissions to an electrolyzer; mixing the CO.sub.2 emissions with an electrolyte to create a CO.sub.2 aqueous mixture; transferring the CO.sub.2 aqueous mixture to an electrochemical cell, wherein the electrochemical cell comprises a proton exchange membrane, a gas diffusion anode and catalyst attached a first end to a first end of the proton exchange membrane, a first current collector and flow plate attached to a second end of the gas diffusion anode and catalyst, a gas diffusion cathode and catalyst attached on a first end to a second end of the proton exchange membrane, and a second current collector and flow plate attached to a second end of the gas diffusion cathode and catalyst; applying a voltage to the CO.sub.2 aqueous mixture within the electrochemical cell to generate an alcohol and byproducts; separating the alcohol and byproducts to separate the alcohol from the byproducts; and collecting the alcohol for use as a fuel for the heavy duty truck.
2. The process according to claim 1 wherein the byproduct is hydrogen and further comprising converting the hydrogen in oxygen or air to create water and a byproduct mixture and recirculating the water into the electrochemical cell.
3. The process according to claim 1 wherein the alcohol is ethanol, methanol or 1-propanol.
4. The process according to claim 1 further comprising transferring the fuel to a storage tank for use by the heavy duty truck.
5. The process according to claim 4 wherein the storage tank is where existing refuelers add fuel.
6. The process according to claim 1 wherein the CO.sub.2 capture device is in flow communication with an exhaust mechanism for the heavy duty truck.
7. The process according to claim 1 wherein applying the voltage occurs at an off-peak electricity time period.
8. The process according to claim 1 wherein the CO.sub.2 conversion occurs where the offloading of the CO.sub.2 and refueling occurs.
9. The process according to claim 1 wherein the electrochemical cell is positioned within the electrolyzer.
10. The process according to claim 1 wherein the separating the alcohol and byproducts is performed using a membrane filtration process, a pervaporation process or a distillation process.
11. The process according to claim 2 wherein separating the alcohol and byproducts is performed using a membrane filtration process, and wherein a heat source utilized to oxidize the hydrogen is also utilized to expedite the membrane filtration process.
12. The process according to claim 1 wherein the electrolyte is a solution of water and at least one of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, lithium bicarbonate, rubidium bicarbonate, cesium bicarbonate or mixtures thereof.
13. The process according to claim 1 wherein separating the alcohol and byproducts is performed using a membrane electrode assembly comprising an alkali anion exchange membrane, a cathode and an anode.
14. A process for capturing carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) emissions from a CO.sub.2 emitting passenger vehicle and converting the CO.sub.2 into an alcohol fuel, the process comprising: capturing CO.sub.2 emissions from an exhaust mechanism of the passenger vehicle at a CO.sub.2 capture device on the passenger vehicle; transferring the CO.sub.2 emissions to an electrolyzer; mixing the CO.sub.2 emissions with an electrolyte to create a CO.sub.2 aqueous mixture; transferring the CO.sub.2 aqueous mixture to an electrochemical cell, wherein the electrochemical cell comprises a proton exchange membrane, a gas diffusion anode and catalyst attached a first end to a first end of the proton exchange membrane, a first current collector and flow plate attached to a second end of the gas diffusion anode and catalyst, a gas diffusion cathode and catalyst attached on a first end to a second end of the proton exchange membrane, and a second current collector and flow plate attached to a second end of the gas diffusion cathode and catalyst; applying a voltage to the CO.sub.2 aqueous mixture within the electrochemical cell to generate an alcohol and byproducts; separating the alcohol and byproducts to separate the alcohol from the byproducts; and collecting the alcohol for use as a fuel for the passenger vehicle.
15. A process for capturing carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) emissions from a CO.sub.2 emitting excavator and converting the CO.sub.2 into an alcohol fuel, the process comprising: capturing CO.sub.2 emissions from an exhaust mechanism of the excavator at a CO.sub.2 capture device on the excavator; transferring the CO.sub.2 emissions to an electrolyzer; mixing the CO.sub.2 emissions with an electrolyte to create a CO.sub.2 aqueous mixture; transferring the CO.sub.2 aqueous mixture to an electrochemical cell, wherein the electrochemical cell comprises a proton exchange membrane, a gas diffusion anode and catalyst attached a first end to a first end of the proton exchange membrane, a first current collector and flow plate attached to a second end of the gas diffusion anode and catalyst, a gas diffusion cathode and catalyst attached on a first end to a second end of the proton exchange membrane, and a second current collector and flow plate attached to a second end of the gas diffusion cathode and catalyst; applying a voltage to the CO.sub.2 aqueous mixture within the electrochemical cell to generate an alcohol and byproducts; separating the alcohol and byproducts to separate the alcohol from the byproducts; and collecting the alcohol for use as a fuel for the excavator.
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 mobile CO.sub.2 capture and conversion for a heavy duty truck.
(3) FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for CO.sub.2 conversion.
(4) FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a CO.sub.2 capture and conversion for an industrial building.
(5) FIG. 5A is a flow chart of a method for CO.sub.2 conversion to ethanol.
(6) FIG. 5B is a flow chart of a method for CO.sub.2 conversion to ethanol.
(7) FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a CO.sub.2 capture and conversion process.
(8) FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a CO.sub.2 capture and conversion for a tractor.
(9) FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a CO.sub.2 capture and conversion for a cargo ship.
(10) FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a CO.sub.2 capture and conversion for an excavator.
(11) FIG. 10A is an alternative embodiment for the conversion step of the process of FIG. 5A.
(12) FIG. 10B is an alternative embodiment for the conversion step of the process of FIG. 5A.
(13) FIG. 10C is an alternative embodiment for the conversion step of the process of FIG. 5A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(14) 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. 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.
(15) After it reacts with the CO.sub.2->Ethanol Catalyst, the isolated CO.sub.2 reacts with the solid catalyst and water, then ethanol bubbles inside of a solution composed of water.
(16) 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 catalysis, such as an electrochemical 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.
(17) FIG. 2 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, 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.
(18) FIG. 3 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. At block 609, a hydrogen byproduct from the water mixture is oxidized with an oxidizing agent to generate water and returned to the water tank at step 602.
(19) The method 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.
(20) The method also preferably includes oxidizing the hydrogen to H.sub.2O using a heating element.
(21) The method 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 also preferably includes oxidizing the hydrogen to H.sub.2O using a heating element.
(23) FIG. 4 illustrates a process 850 for capturing carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) emissions from an industrial facility 820 and converting the CO.sub.2 into other carbon based products. The process includes capturing CO.sub.2 emissions from an exhaust mechanism 825 of the industrial facility 820 at a CO.sub.2 capture device 830. The process also includes converting the CO.sub.2 emissions into a carbon-based product at a carbon conversion site 835 using catalysis, such as an electrochemical process. The exhaust mechanism 825 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.
(24) FIG. 5A illustrates a flow chart for a process 800 for capturing carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) emissions from a CO.sub.2 emitting machine and converting the CO.sub.2 into an alcohol fuel. At block 803, CO.sub.2 is transferred to an electrolyzer at block 804. At block 802, electrolytes are transferred from an electrolyte tank to the electrolyzer at block 804 to mix with the CO.sub.2. At block 801, voltage is applied to the CO.sub.2 aqueous mixture within the electrochemical cell at block 804 to react the electrolytes with the CO.sub.2. At block 805, the CO.sub.2 is converted to the alcohol and byproducts. At block 806, the alcohol is separated from the byproducts use a separation technique such as a membrane filtration process, a pervaporation process or a distillation process. At block 808, the alcohol is collected for use as a fuel for the machine. At block 807, the electrolyte byproducts are transferred to the electrolyte tank. At block 809, a hydrogen byproduct converted in oxygen or air to create water and a byproduct mixture, in which the water is recirculated into the electrochemical cell.
(25) FIG. 5B illustrates a flow chart for an alternative process 850 for capturing carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) emissions from a CO.sub.2 emitting machine and converting the CO.sub.2 into an alcohol fuel. At block 803, CO.sub.2 is transferred to an electrolyzer at block 812. At block 811, unreacted CO.sub.2 is reintroduced into the CO.sub.2 stream at block 803. At block 802, electrolytes are transferred from an electrolyte tank to the electrolyzer at block 812 to mix with the CO.sub.2. At block 801, electricity is applied to the CO.sub.2 aqueous mixture within the electrochemical cell at block 812 to react the electrolytes with the CO.sub.2. At block 805, the CO.sub.2 aqueous mixture is converted to the alcohol, hydrogen and electrolyte. At block 806, the alcohol is separated from the byproducts using a membrane filtration process. At block 808, the alcohol is collected for use as a fuel for the machine. At block 807, the electrolyte byproducts are transferred to the electrolyte tank. At block 809, a hydrogen byproduct converted in oxygen or air to create water and a byproduct mixture, in which the water is recirculated into the electrolyte tank at block 802.
(26) FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C illustrate an alternative embodiment of conversion step of the process 800 of FIG. 5A. As shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C, the conversion step 805 includes the use a member electrode assembly (MEA) 843, that preferably has an alkali anion exchange membrane or a proton-exchange membrane sandwiched between two electrodes, the cathode 840 and the anode 841. At block 844, CO.sub.2, and optionally an electrolyte, is introduced into the MEA 843. At block 845, a solid electrolyte is optionally included in the MEA 843. At block 846, H.sub.2O, and optionally an electrolyte, is introduced into the MEA 843. At block 847, CO.sub.2, electrolyte and products are transferred from the MEA 843. The products include alcohol such as ethanol or methanol. At block 848, H.sub.2O, electrolyte and products are transferred from the MEA 843.
(27) FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a process for capturing carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) emissions from the air and converting the CO.sub.2 into an alcohol fuel using a direct air capture facility 860. The process includes capturing CO.sub.2 emissions from the air at direct CO.sub.2 capture facility. The process also includes transferring the CO.sub.2 emissions to an electrolyzer. The process also include mixing the CO.sub.2 emissions with an electrolyte to create a CO.sub.2 aqueous mixture. The process also includes transferring the CO.sub.2 aqueous mixture to an electrochemical cell. The process also includes applying a voltage to the CO.sub.2 aqueous mixture within the electrochemical cell to generate an alcohol and byproducts. Preferably, the CO.sub.2 is converted into greater than 80% ethanol and less than 20% hydrogen. The process also includes separating the alcohol and byproducts to separate the alcohol from the byproducts. The process also includes collecting the alcohol for use as a fuel for a machine.
(28) 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. The converted CO.sub.2 is used to refuel a multitude of equipment and vehicles, including but not limited to, heavy duty trucks 1000, tractors 865, maritime vessels, such as cargo ships 870, and mining equipment, such as excavators 875.
(29) FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a mobile CO.sub.2 capture and conversion for a tractor 865. The tractor 865 preferably has an onboard CO.sub.2 capture system 855. 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. The converted CO.sub.2 is used to refuel the tractor 865.
(30) FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a mobile CO.sub.2 capture and conversion for a ship 870. The ship can be any type of container ships, general cargo ships, tankers, dry bulk carriers (chinamax, handymax, capesize, Suezmax, Q-max, etc.) multi-purpose vessels, reefer ships, roll-on/roll-off vessels, etc. The ship 870 preferably has an onboard CO.sub.2 capture system 855. 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. The converted CO.sub.2 is used to refuel the cargo ship 870.
(31) FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a mobile CO.sub.2 capture and conversion for an excavator 875. The excavator 875 preferably has an onboard CO.sub.2 capture system 855. 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. The converted CO.sub.2 is used to refuel the excavator 875.
(32) 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.
