DE102011053109B4 - System for the production of energy and / or energy sources - Google Patents

Abstract

A system (111) for generating energy and / or energy sources, comprising: a device (1) having a cathode (70) and an anode (50) and a plasma generation voltage source (80) for producing fuel gas (7) by means of a plasma of an electrolyte (8) consisting essentially of a slurry of coal in water; • with a reservoir (10) of electrolyte (8), which is connected to the supply of the electrolyte (8) with the device (1); • a CO2 source (102) connected to the device (1) for supplying CO2; • with a memory (103) for the fuel gas (7) produced in the device (1); and • with a device (104), in which the fuel gas (7) is convertible into other energy sources other than fuel gas.

Description

The present invention relates to a system for generating energy and / or energy carriers from an electrolyte by means of a plasma.

Hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane can be used as fuel gases in the production of, for example, heating energy for heating buildings or, for example, electrical energy for driving machines, in particular vehicles, etc. Likewise, the produced fuel gas can be converted into other energy sources.

The German patent application DE 10 2009 018 126 A1 relates to a power supply system with a power generating device for the regenerative generation of electrical energy that can be fed into a power grid and to an operating method for such a power supply system. The generated electrical energy is used for hydrogen production. The hydrogen obtained by electrolysis can then be reacted by reaction with carbon monoxide fed into methane, which can be used as energy storage. The generation of fuel gas from a coal slurry by means of plasma is not mentioned or addressed.

RU 2 258 097 C1 describes a device for generating thermal energy, hydrogen and oxygen. In this case, a solution is introduced into a reactor space from one side. The solution runs laterally into a gap which is arranged parallel to the flow direction of the inlet opening of the solution in the reactor space. The gap is formed between a planar projection at one end of a rod-shaped anode and a rod-shaped cathode, one end of which faces the planar projection of the anode and a through-hole of the anode. By applying a voltage between the cathode and the anode, chemical compounds of the molecules and ions of the solution are destroyed in the gap. In addition to thermal energy, this also produces hydrogen and oxygen, which emerge from the gap on the other side of the gap and are discharged from the reactor space at an outlet opening of the reactor space offset from the gap in height. In this case, an explosion during the formation of plasma in the gap or the cathode zone is avoided.

WO 2009/029292 A1 discloses hydrogen production with CO ₂ and CO emissions at coal and natural gas power plants using conventional electrolysis. Here, the raw materials water, coal, and NaCl (sodium chloride) and NaOH (sodium hydroxide) are used to produce H ₂ .

The German patent application DE 10 2010 060 212 A1 discloses a device having a cathode and an anode and a plasma generating voltage source for producing fuel gas by means of a plasma of an electrolyte consisting essentially of a slurry of carbon in water. Furthermore, a container for receiving the electrolyte is provided. From the container lead a line to the reaction vessel and a return line from the reaction vessel into the container. This container contains the agitator.

However, the yield of fuel gas from the raw materials used in the prior art is still optimizable. In addition, in the cited prior art, the nature of the fuel gas produced is not adjustable according to each existing need. That is, the devices can only produce hydrogen, but not yet other fuel gases, such as carbon monoxide and / or methane, concurrently.

In addition, there are many attempts in the art to extract coal from biomass. Here, a variety of methods for hydrothermal carbonization of biomass are known, such as from WO 2010/006 881 A1 or the DE 10 2008 007 791 A1 , In such processes, coal can be recovered by drying an aqueous coal slurry. Drying requires the supply of external energy. It would be advantageous if the drying could be dispensed with and the aqueous coal slurry could be used directly again as a raw material for the production of other industrially usable substances.

In addition, increasing efforts are being made with a view to climate change to at least limit the increasing global production of carbon dioxide that occurs in the combustion of organic fuels, for example, to drive machinery and / or to generate electrical and / or heating energy. By organic fuels is meant coal, oil, natural gas, biomass (renewable materials, especially wood, reed grass, etc., biowaste, especially sewage sludge, etc.), domestic and / or industrial waste, etc. As a variant of the limitation of carbon dioxide production currently considering capturing carbon dioxide released in a combustion tank and storing the carbon dioxide in the ground. In this way, the amount of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere should be reduced. However, a storage of carbon dioxide in the ground is problematic, since only found suitable deposits for this purpose and be prepared. In addition, it must then be ensured that the carbon dioxide does not unintentionally escape from the reservoir into the atmosphere. It would therefore be a great advantage if at least produced during the combustion of organic fuels carbon dioxide is used again as a raw material for the production of energy or other usable energy sources.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a simple system for producing fuel gas and / or various energy sources from the fuel gas, wherein the generation of fuel gas consumed CO ₂ or CO ₂ are neutral.

This object is achieved by a system for generating energy and / or energy carriers, which has the features of patent claim 1.

The system for generating energy and / or energy is characterized by the fact that a device for generating fuel gas from an electrolyte is part of the system according to the invention. The electrolyte consists essentially of a slurry of coal in water. The apparatus comprises a cathode and an anode and a plasma generation voltage source for generating fuel gas by plasma from the electrolyte. Furthermore, a reservoir of electrolyte is provided, which is connected to the supply of the electrolyte with the device. Likewise, a CO ₂ source is provided which is connected to the supply of CO ₂ to the device of the system. A storage is provided for the fuel gas produced in the device, wherein the fuel gas is temporarily stored before consumption or further processing. Furthermore, a device is provided, in which the fuel gas can be converted into other energy sources other than fuel gas.

The fuel gas generating device is connected to a flue gas purification of a fossil power plant and / or storage. From the flue gas cleaning and / or storage CO _{2 of} the device for generating fuel gas can be fed.

The flue gas cleaning of the fossil power plant separates the CO ₂ and leads it directly to the device for generating fuel gas. The CO ₂ is supplied together with the electrolyte. The storage for the CO ₂ may be formed as an underground storage. From the storage, the CO _{2 is} supplied directly to the fuel gas generation apparatus together with the electrolyte.

The energy source can be supplied to a consumer. According to one embodiment, the consumer may be a device for generating energy. Here, e.g. be generated by a turbine from the fuel gas or from the energy sources generated from the fuel gas electrical energy.

The consumer may also be a powered by an internal combustion engine vehicle to which a fuel generated in the device from the fuel gas can be supplied. In addition to the vehicle powered by the internal combustion engine, the means for converting the fuel gas into other fuels may be connected to a means for generating energy.

The fuel gas generated by the device preferably contains hydrogen, carbon monoxide and / or gaseous hydrocarbons.

In addition, the carbon dioxide liberated in a subsequent combustion of the fuel gas or even in the combustion of other organic or fossil substances as exhaust gas released carbon dioxide can be used as a starting material for the production of the fuel gas by means of the system described above. As a further starting material, an aqueous carbon mixture of carbon and water, so coal sludge, which is optionally added to increase the electrical conductivity or sodium hydroxide or sodium chloride, are used.

As a further benefit, switching from fossil fuels to energy sources generated by the system can create a cycle that easily and inexpensively eliminates dependency on fossil fuels.

In the following the invention will be described in more detail by means of embodiments with reference to the attached drawing. Show it:

1 a schematic structure of a device for generating fuel gas, which finds use in the inventive system;

2 a block diagram of an embodiment of the system for generating energy and / or energy carriers;

3 a block diagram of an embodiment of the system for generating energy and / or energy carriers, wherein CO _{2 is} supplied from a power plant;

4 a block diagram of an embodiment of the system for generating energy and / or energy carriers, wherein CO _{2 is} supplied from an underground storage;

5 a block diagram of an embodiment of the system for generating energy and / or energy carriers, wherein CO _{2 is} supplied from a power plant and the energy source is used in a motor vehicle; and

6 a variant of in 5 described embodiment, wherein the energy carrier is used in a motor vehicle and for generating electrical energy.

For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used in the figures of the drawing. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments represent only an example of how the system according to the invention for generating energy and / or energy carriers can be designed and thus does not represent a final limitation of the invention.

The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to the other elements for better illustration.

1 shows a device 1 for the production of fuel gas 7 by means of an electrolyte 8th from carbon (C) and water (H ₂ O), to which, if appropriate, a compound which decomposes into ions in aqueous solution, such as, for example, sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium sulfate (Na ₂ SO ₄ ), potassium hydroxide (KOH), potassium chloride (KCl), potassium nitrate (KNO ₃ ), etc. according to one embodiment of the invention. For this purpose, the device has 1 a reservoir 10 for receiving the electrolyte 8th , In the reservoir 10 For example, an agitator (not shown) for stirring the mixture of carbon and water may also be present so that the carbon is dispersed in the water. In the reservoir 10 lead a line 20 for the discharge of electrolyte 8th , in the direction of the arrow, to an electrolyte feed pump 30 and a return line 25 for the return of electrolyte 8th , The electrolyte feed pump 30 serves to convey electrolyte 8th through the pipe 20 to an electrolytic cooling device 40 for cooling the electrolyte 8th if necessary. From the electrolyte cooling device 40 becomes the electrolyte 8th by means of the line 20 to an electrolyte feed tube 50 passed, which is the electrolyte 8th in a reactor vessel 60 supplies. From the reactor vessel 60 can excess electrolyte 8th by means of the return line 25 back into the container 10 to be led back. Into the reactor vessel 20 protrudes an electrode 70 one end of which is one end of the feed tube 50 is facing. The other ends of electrolyte feed tube 50 and electrode 70 which face away from each other are to a plasma generation power source 80 connected. Is by means of the plasma generation voltage source 80 about in 1 dashed lines a voltage between the electrolyte supply pipe 50 (Anode) and the electrode 70 (Cathode) applied, can between the electrode 70 (Cathode) and that of the electrolyte feed tube 50 (Anode) supplied electrolyte 8th a plasma can be generated. A current limit on the plasma can be achieved by means of an electrical ballast resistor 90 be achieved, which is between the electrolyte feed tube 50 and the plasma generation voltage source 80 is switched. The evolution of heat in the plasma forms from the electrolyte 8th fuel gas 7 More specifically, hydrogen (H ₂ ) and carbon monoxide (CO) and gaseous hydrocarbons such as methane (CH ₄ ), as described in more detail later. The fuel gas 7 gets out of the reactor vessel 60 in a fuel gas cooling device 100 for cooling the fuel gas 7 passed, in which the fuel gas 7 is dehumidified. The resulting water runs or drips back into the reactor vessel 60 , The components H ₂ + CO of the fuel gas 7 are also known as syngas or town gas. The fuel gas 7 can be supplied to other devices which the fuel gas 7 can burn to generate thermal energy. For this purpose, the fuel gas 7 as required, at least partially into its components, ie hydrogen (H ₂ ), carbon monoxide (CO), as well as gaseous hydrocarbons, such as methane (CH ₄ ), are decomposed.

The device 1 in 1 also has a cooling pipe system 110 , which by means of a coolant delivery pump 120 that comes from a cooling line system voltage source 130 is supplied with electric power, coolant from a coolant inlet _in the direction of arrow K via an electrical ballast 140 for the cooling line system voltage source 130 , the electrical ballast resistor 90 , the electrode 70 , the reactor vessel 60 , the electrolyte cooling device 40 , the gas cooler 100 a coolant outlet K _from feeding. In the cooling pipe system 110 is between coolant inlet K _in and the electrical ballast resistor 140 a volume flow meter F _{1 is} present, by means of which the volume of coolant flowing through it or the coolant volume flow and thus the amount of coolant in the cooling line system can be measured. At the cooling pipe system 110 are a variety of temperature sensors T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ , T ₄ , T ₅ , T ₆ , T ₇ available, which at various points in the cooling pipe system 110 are arranged to each time the temperature of the coolant in the cooling pipe system 110 to eat. The temperature sensor T ₁ is used to measure the Temperature of the coolant at the inlet of the cooling pipe system 110 or between the electrical ballast resistor 140 and the electrical ballast resistor 90 , The temperature sensor T ₂ is used to measure the temperature of the coolant in the cooling pipe system 110 between the electrical ballast resistor 90 and the electrode 70 , The temperature sensor T ₃ is used to measure the temperature of the coolant in the cooling pipe system 110 between the electrode 70 and the reactor vessel 60 , The temperature sensor T ₄ is used to measure the temperature of the coolant in the cooling pipe system 110 between the reactor vessel 60 and the electrolyte cooling device 40 , The temperature sensor T ₅ is used to measure the temperature of the coolant in the cooling pipe system 110 between the electrolyte cooling device 40 and the gas cooling device 100 , The temperature sensor T ₆ is used to measure the temperature of the coolant in the cooling pipe system 110 between the gas cooling device 100 and the coolant outlet K _out . The temperature sensor T ₇ is used to measure the temperature of the device 1 ,

In the cooling pipe system 110 in 1 can by means of a valve V, the supply of coolant to the electrolytic cooling device 40 be managed. The valve V is in the refrigeration piping system 110 between reactor vessel 60 and gas cooling device 100 built-in. When the valve V is open, the coolant via the valve V to the electrolytic cooling device 40 past. Thus, the valve V serves as a bypass. When the valve V is closed, the coolant flows through only the electrolyte cooling device 40 and is passed past the valve V. When the valve V is only partially open or closed, the coolant flows partly through the valve V and partly through the electrolyte cooling device, depending on the degree of opening or closing of the valve V. 40 ,

Now the device 1 According to this embodiment put into operation, water gas or synthesis gas and, for example, gaseous hydrocarbons, in particular methane, etc., can be generated. The electrolyte 8th comprises carbon (C) and water (H ₂ O), to which, if appropriate, to increase the conductivity, the compound is added, which decomposes into ions in aqueous solution, as described above. Now an electrical voltage between the electrode 70 , in particular their rod-shaped elements 75 and the electrolyte supply tube 50 (Anode) applied to a plasma between the electrode 70 (Cathode) and the electrolyte 8th to form, the fuel gas 7 generated. In the plasma, the temperatures are so high that a split of the water into hydrogen and oxygen takes place.

• – Die Reaktion H₂O → 2H + ½ O₂ bei der Wasser in Wasserstoff und Sauerstoff gespalten wird.
• – Die Reaktion 2H → H₂ bei der zwei Wasserstoffatome zu einem Wasserstoffmolekül rekombinieren.
• – Die Reaktion C + H₂O ⇌ CO +H₂
• bei der es sich um eine Gleichgewichtsreaktion handelt, und bei welcher Wassergas entsteht, eine Mischung aus Kohlenmonoxid (CO) und Wasserstoff (H₂).
• – Die Reaktion 2C|O₂ → 2CO bei welcher Generatorgas (Kohlenmonoxid (CO)) erzeugt wird.
• – Die Reaktion CO + ½O₂ → CO₂ bei welcher Kohlenmonoxid (CO) zu Kohlendioxid (CO₂) verbrennt.
• – Die Reaktion CO₂ → CO + ½O₂ bei welcher Kohlendioxid in Kohlenmonoxid und Sauerstoff gespalten wird.
• – Die Reaktion CO₂ + H₂ → CO + H₂O bei welcher Kohlenmonoxid und Wasser erzeugt wird.
• – Die Reaktion: mC + nH → C_mH_n bei welcher die Reaktionsprodukte je nach Kettenlänge gasförmig (Methan, Ethan, Propan, Butan usw.) oder flüssig (höhere Alkane) sind.
• – Die Reaktion CO + 3H₂ → CH₄ + H₂O bei welcher Methan (CH₄) erzeugt wird.

In the reactor vessel 60 (between electrolyte feed tube 50 (Anode) and electrode 70 (Cathode)), especially the following reactions take place:

• - The reaction H ₂ O → 2H + ½ O ₂ where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen.
• - The reaction 2H → H ₂ in which two hydrogen atoms recombine to form a hydrogen molecule.
• - The reaction C + H ₂ O ⇌CO + H ₂
• which is an equilibrium reaction and produces water gas, a mixture of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H ₂ ).
• - The reaction 2C | O ₂ → 2CO in which generator gas (carbon monoxide (CO)) is generated.
• - The reaction CO + ½O ₂ → CO ₂ in which carbon monoxide (CO) burns to carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ).
• - The reaction CO ₂ → CO + ½O ₂ in which carbon dioxide is split into carbon monoxide and oxygen.
• - The reaction CO ₂ + H ₂ → CO + H ₂ O in which carbon monoxide and water is generated.
• - The reaction: mC + nH → C _m H _n in which the reaction products depending on the chain length are gaseous (methane, ethane, propane, butane, etc.) or liquid (higher alkanes).
• - The reaction CO + 3H ₂ → CH ₄ + H ₂ O in which methane (CH ₄ ) is produced.

Depending on the height of the to the electrolyte supply pipe 50 and the electrode 70 applied voltage and the composition of the electrolyte 8th by means of the electrolyte feed tube 50 is fed can the fuel gas 7 have a different composition. That is, although the above reactions occur side by side with different proportions with respect to the other reactions.

Depending on your needs can be in the container 10 or the electrolyte 8th Water should be returned to the electrolyte 8th by recycling the excess electrolyte 8th from the reactor vessel 60 no longer be sufficiently watery.

2 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the system 100 for the production of energy and / or energy sources. The system always includes a device in all embodiments shown below 1 for the production of fuel gas 7 by means of an electrolyte 8th made of carbon (C) and water (H ₂ O). The electrolyte 8th becomes the device 1 from a reservoir 10 fed. The fuel gas 7 from the device 1 can in a store 103 be cached before possible further processing. The device 1 Furthermore, a CO ₂ from a CO ₂ source 102 fed. According to the reactions described above, the CO ₂ in the production of the fuel gas 7 converted into carbon monoxide and oxygen or into carbon monoxide and water. The fuel gas 7 In the storage room 103 from the may further device 104 be transformed into other forms of energy sources. As by the arrow 121 indicated the energy can be supplied directly to the consumer or from the energy source can be obtained electrical energy.

3 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the system 111 for the generation of energy and / or energy sources, said CO ₂ from a power plant 105 the device 1 for generating a fuel gas 7 is supplied. The power plant 105 is with a flue gas cleaning 106 provided that reduces the proportion of CO ₂ in the flue gas. The CO ₂ from the flue gas can directly the device 1 for generating the fuel gas 7 be supplied. The flue gas cleaning 106 thus forms the source of CO ₂ 102 for the system according to the invention 111 , As already in the description too 2 mentioned, may in the further facility 104 the fuel gas 7 be transformed into other forms of energy sources. However, it is also conceivable that the fuel gas 7 also directly (not shown) of a device 113 is supplied for energy. The device 113 can z. B. be a turbine.

4 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the system 100 for the production of energy and / or energy sources, wherein CO ₂ from a fossil power plant 105 the device 1 for generating a fuel gas 7 is supplied. The power plant 105 is CO ₂ capture (flue gas cleaning 106 ) with subsequent storage 122 fitted. The storage 122 occurs by injection and containerless storage in subterranean rock layers for an unlimited time (CO ₂ sequestration). According to the invention, the CO ₂ from the storage 122 taken and the device 1 for generating the fuel gas 7 be supplied. Otherwise, the structure and the output of the system correspond 111 essentially that of the system 1 out 3 ,

5 shows an embodiment of the system 111 for the production of an energy source for the propulsion of motor vehicles 133 (internal combustion engine vehicles) is suitable. This from the flue gas cleaning 106 of the power plant 105 recovered CO ₂ is directly into the device 1 for generating the fuel gas 7 fed. In the further device 104 of the system according to the invention 111 , gets out of the fuel gas 7 a fuel for driving motor vehicles 133 produced. Thus, that will be in the power plant 105 generated CO ₂ again used for the production of energy sources and thus makes no contribution to the greenhouse effect.

6 shows a further embodiment of the system 111 (analogous to 5 ) for the production of an energy source for the propulsion of motor vehicles 133 suitable is. In this embodiment, the device 1 for generating the fuel gas 7 the CO ₂ from the flue gas of the power plant 105 and also from the underground storage 122 be supplied. As already in 5 describe is in the further device 104 of the system according to the invention 111 from the fuel gas 7 a fuel for driving motor vehicles 133 produced. In addition, the fuel of a facility 113 be supplied for energy.

The carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), which in the in the 2 to 6 illustrated embodiments of the device 1 for generating a fuel gas 7 supplied, may be exhaust gas, which has arisen during the combustion of other fuels (fossil fuels).

Thus running during operation of the device 1 for generating the fuel gas 7 additionally the following reaction: CO ₂ + C ⇌ 2CO Carbon monoxide (CO), which is also called generator gas, is therefore also produced. This reaction occurs during operation of the device 1 the Boudouard equilibrium, where carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) and carbon (C) are completely converted into carbon monoxide (CO).

A supply of carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) in the device 1 can therefore increase the proportion of CO in the synthesis gas (H ₂ + CO). In addition, even with the device 1 gaseous hydrocarbons (methane, ethane, propane, butane, etc.) generated in the fuel gas produced 7 are included as described above.

All of the previously explained features of the embodiments can be used both individually and in any combination. In this case, for example, the following special embodiments and / or modifications are conceivable.

The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications or changes may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims (8)

System ( 111 ) for the production of energy and / or energy carriers • with a device ( 1 ) with a cathode ( 70 ) and an anode ( 50 ) and a plasma generation voltage source ( 80 ) for the production of fuel gas ( 7 ) by means of a plasma of an electrolyte ( 8th ) consisting essentially of a slurry of coal in water; • with a reservoir ( 10 ) of electrolyte ( 8th ), which is used to supply the electrolyte ( 8th ) with the device ( 1 ) connected is; • with a CO ₂ source ( 102 ), which is used to supply CO ₂ with the device ( 1 ) connected is; • with a memory ( 103 ) for that in the device ( 1 ) produced fuel gas ( 7 ); and • with a facility ( 104 ), in which the fuel gas ( 7 ) is convertible into other energy sources except fuel gas. System ( 111 ) according to claim 1, wherein the CO ₂ source ( 102 ), a flue gas cleaning ( 106 ) of a fossil power plant ( 105 ) and / or storage ( 122 ) Is CO _2, and that (from the flue gas cleaning 106 ) and / or storage ( 122 ) CO _{2 of} the device ( 1 ) for the production of fuel gas ( 7 ) can be fed. System ( 111 ) according to claim 2, wherein the flue gas cleaning ( 106 ) of the fossil power plant ( 105 ) separated CO ₂ directly from the device ( 1 ) for the production of fuel gas ( 7 ) together with the electrolyte ( 8th ) can be fed. System ( 111 ) according to claim 2, wherein the storage ( 122 ) Is an underground reservoir from which the CO ₂ directly (the device 1 ) for the production of fuel gas ( 7 ) together with the electrolyte ( 8th ) can be fed. System ( 111 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy source is a consumer ( 121 ) can be fed. System ( 111 ) according to claim 5, wherein the consumer ( 121 ) An institution ( 113 ) is for energy. System ( 111 ) according to claim 5, wherein the consumer ( 121 ) an internal combustion engine vehicle ( 133 ) in the facility ( 104 ) from the fuel gas ( 7 ) produced fuel can be supplied as an energy source. System ( 111 ) according to claim 7, wherein in addition to the vehicle powered by the internal combustion engine ( 133 ) the facility ( 104 ) for the conversion of the fuel gas ( 7 ) into other energy sources with a facility ( 113 ) is connected to generate energy.

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