WO2012173855A2

WO2012173855A2 - Systems and methods for delivery of carbon dioxide, bioreactor systems, and uses thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2012173855A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/041272
Authority: WO
Inventors: David A. St. Angelo; Michael D. CORBETT; Yizu Zhu; Simon ALBO; Herve I. GARANT; Brian S. Freer
Original assignee: Joule Unlimited Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-06-10
Filing date: 2012-06-07
Publication date: 2012-12-20
Also published as: WO2012173855A3

Abstract

Systems and methods for the production of carbon dioxide are provided that can be used directly at a bioreactor site and that can provide release and delivery of carbon dioxide in a cost-efficient manner. The methods and systems can use solar energy for the thermal dehydration or desorption of a carbon dioxide source. Further, methods and bioreactor plants for the production of carbon-based products are provided that can include the methods and systems for the production of carbon dioxide, and can allow reduced carbon-based product cost due to reduced carbon dioxide associated costs and further can allow for energy efficient temperature control of bioreactors.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF CARBON DIOXIDE, BIOREACTOR SYSTEMS, AND USES THEREOF

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.

61/495,798, filed on June 10, 2011 and U.S. Provisional Application No.

61/569,060, filed on December 9, 2011. The teachings of the above Applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As the world's energy demands increase and energy production from non- renewable sources becomes more expensive, difficult, and harmful to the environment, the desire to capture energy from the sun has correspondingly increased.

Closed bioreactors employing sunlight have been described for the production of biofuels from microorganisms. Suitable microorganisms, typically, phototrophic microorganisms, are grown or propagated in photobioreactors using carbon dioxide and solar energy for the production of biomass or the production of specific compounds such as ethanol.

Costs for delivering carbon dioxide to closed photobioreactors, for example, by pipeline or by trucking, are substantial and provide a major barrier to successful commercialization of photobioreactors, in particular for photobioreactors that are not in close proximity to carbon dioxide emitters such as coal power plants. Thus, new methods and systems that allow production of carbon dioxide at the photobioreactor site are needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention is a method for generating carbon dioxide. The method comprises heating a carbon dioxide source with solar energy provided by concentrated solar radiation to generate carbon dioxide; wherein the carbon dioxide source is an inorganic carbon dioxide source or a product obtained by absorbing carbon dioxide in a solvent containing an amine, an amino-acid salt, or ionic liquid.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing a carbon-based product. The method comprises (1) producing carbon dioxide by thermal decomposition, thermal dehydration or desorption of an carbon dioxide source; wherein the carbon dioxide source is an inorganic carbon dioxide source or a product obtained by absorbing carbon dioxide in a solvent containing an amine, an amino-acid salt, or ionic liquid; and (2) cultivating a phototrophic microorganism adapted for production of the carbon-based product in a bioreactor with the carbon dioxide under conditions suitable for the phototrophic microorganism to produce the carbon based products.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a system for producing carbon dioxide. The system includes (1) a solar radiation concentrator; (2) an absorber enclosure, wherein the enclosure is positioned to receive concentrated solar radiation from the solar radiation concentrator; and (3) acarbon dioxide source for thermal decomposition, thermal dehydration or desorption with solar energy provided by the concentrated solar radiation to produce carbon dioxide; wherein the carbon dioxide source is an inorganic carbon dioxide source or a product obtained by absorbing carbon dioxide in a solvent containing an amine, an amino-acid salt, or ionic liquid.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a system for producing carbon dioxide. The system includes (1) an absorber enclosure, wherein an internal surface of the absorber enclosure is adapted to concentrate solar radiation into a volume of the absorber enclosure; and (2) and inorganic carbon dioxide source for thermal decomposition, thermal dehydration or desorption with solar energy provided by the concentrated solar radiation to produce carbon dioxide.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a bioreactor plant. The plant includes (1) a system for producing carbon dioxide by thermal

decomposition,thermal dehydration or desorption of acarbon dioxide source;

wherein the carbon dioxide source is an inorganic carbon dioxide source or a product obtained by absorbing carbon dioxide in a solvent containing an amine, an amino-acid salt, or ionic liquid; (2) a bioreactor for cultivating a phototrophic microorganism in a culture medium; and

(3) an enclosure for contacting the produced carbon dioxide with the culture medium.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a bioreactor system. The system includes (1) an absorber chamber for containing a carbon dioxide source, wherein the absorber chamber is adapted for thermal decomposition, thermal dehydration or desorption of the carbon dioxide source to produce carbon dioxide; wherein the carbon dioxide source is an inorganic carbon dioxide source or a product obtained by absorbing carbon dioxide in a solvent containing an amine, an amino-acid salt, or ionic liquid; and (2) a reactor chamber for containing a phototrophic microorganism and culture medium therefor; wherein the reactor chamber is layered below the absorber chamber; and the bioreactor system is adapted for cultivation of the phototrophic microorganism with the carbon dioxide.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a method for generating carbon dioxide comprising heating an inorganic carbon dioxide source with solar energy provided by concentrated solar radiation to generate carbon dioxide.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing a carbon-based product. The method comprises producing carbon dioxide by thermal decomposition or thermal dehydration of an inorganic carbon dioxide source; and cultivating a phototrophic microorganism adapted for production of the carbon- based product in a bioreactor with the carbon dioxide under conditions suitable for the phototrophic microorganism to produce the carbon-based products.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a system for producing carbon dioxide. The system comprises a solar radiation concentrator, an absorber enclosure, wherein the enclosure is positioned to receive concentrated solar radiation from the solar radiation concentrator, and an inorganic carbon dioxide source for thermal decomposition or thermal dehydration with solar energy provided by the concentrated solar radiation to produce carbon dioxide. A further embodiment of the present invention is a system for producing carbon dioxide. The system comprises an absorber enclosure, wherein an internal surface of the absorber enclosure is adapted to concentrate solar radiation into a volume of the absorber enclosure, and an inorganic carbon dioxide source for thermal decomposition or thermal dehydration with solar energy provided by the concentrated solar radiation to produce carbon dioxide.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a bioreactor plant. The plant comprises a system for producing carbon dioxide by thermal decomposition or thermal dehydration of an inorganic carbon dioxide source, a bioreactor for cultivating a phototrophic microorganism in a culture medium, and an enclosure for contacting carbon dioxide produced by thermal dehydration of bicarbonate in the system with the culture medium.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a bioreactor system. The system comprises an absorber chamber for containing an inorganic carbon dioxide source, wherein the absorber chamber is adapted for thermal decomposition or thermal dehydration of the inorganic carbon dioxide source to produce carbon dioxide; and a reactor chamber for containing a phototrophic microorganism and culture medium therefor; wherein the reactor chamber is layered below the absorber chamber; and the bioreactor chamber is adapted for cultivation of the phototrophic microorganism with the carbon dioxide.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a method of obtaining carbon credits. The method comprises (a) capturing carbon dioxide emission as carbonate or bicarbonate; (b) thermally decomposing the carbonate or thermally dehydrating the bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide; (c) cultivating a

phototrophic microorganism using the carbon dioxide produced by thermal decomposition of carbonate or thermal dehydration of bicarbonate; and (d) obtaining carbon credits for the capturing and/or the cultivating.

[0001] The present invention provides systems and methods for the production of carbon dioxide that can be used directly at the bioreactor site and allow production and delivery of carbon dioxide in a cost-efficient manner. Further,the quantity of gaseous carbon dioxide emissions from emitters such as fossil fuel fired power plants can depend on many limiting factors including, for example, electricity demand. The methods, systems and systems of the present invention can provide carbon dioxide production in a more controlled manner independent from these factors. Additionally, the instant methods can obviate lengthy carbon dioxide delivery pipelines or alternative trucking of carbon dioxide in cases where carbon dioxide is not co-located, and instead make use of a carbon dioxide source such as an inorganic carbon dioxide source (e.g., a carbonate or a bicarbonate) or product obtained by absorbing carbon dioxide in a solvent containing an amine, an amino- acid salt, or ionic liquid, as carbon dioxide feedstock, which is easier to transport and handle.

[0002] The use of such carbon dioxide sources, for example, an inorganic carbon dioxide source (e.g., a carbonate or a bicarbonate) is typically advantageous even if the emitter for carbon dioxide is near, because gaseous carbon dioxide needs to be compressed for delivery which is more costly than, for example, pumping a liquid including bicarbonate(s). Also, if gaseous carbon dioxide is used, storage is difficult, and thus a compressor must be run during the day at a time when power demands and costs are highest. In addition, accidental leaking or release of stored liquid or gaseous carbon dioxide can also present a significant health hazard.

[0003] Further, the present invention provides methods and bioreactor plants for the production of carbon-based products. These have the benefit of reduced carbon- based product cost due to reduced carbon dioxide associated costs. Further, the methods of the present invention allow for improved temperature control because the carbon dioxide produced by the instant methods typically has a high temperature due to its formation through thermal decomposition, thermal dehydration or desorption of a carbon dioxide source (e.g., inorganic carbon dioxide source such as a carbonate or a bicarbonate), and thus allows for thermal control of the bioreactors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system employing solar radiation to produe carbon dioxide.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a bioreactor plant according to the present invention using carbon dioxide thermally released from bicarbonate to cultivate a phototrophic microorganism in a bioreactor. FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a bioreactor plant according to the present invention using carbon dioxide thermally released from bicarbonate to cultivate a phototrophic microorganism in a bioreactor.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are profile diagrams of thin-film and/or inflatable absorber enclosures constructed in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a profile diagram of a photobioreactor with a reactor chamber and an absorber enclosure constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a profile diagram of a photobioreactor with a reactor chamber and an absorber enclosure constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A description of preferred embodiments of the invention follows.

[0005] The following explanations of terms and methods are provided to better describe the present invention and to guide those of ordinary skill in the art in the practice of the present invention. As used herein, "comprising" means "including" and the singular forms "a" or "an" or "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to "comprising a phototrophic microorganism" includes one or a plurality of such phototrophic microorganisms. The term "or" refers to a single element of stated alternative elements or a combination of two or more elements, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. [0006] Unless explained otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. Other features of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description and the claims.

[0007] The following embodiments of the present invention can facilitate production of carbon dioxide at the bioreactor site and/or at a lower cost.

It is well known that heating of bicarbonates, such as sodium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and magnesium bicarbonate, thermally dehydrates the bicarbonate thereby releasing carbon dioxide, for example: NH₄HCO3→ NH₃ + H₂0 + C0₂

2 NaHCC-3→ Na₂C0₃ + H₂0 + C0₂

2 KHC0₃→ K₂C0₃ + H₂0 + C0₂

Further, it is well known that carbonates can be used to scrub carbon dioxide from flue gas thereby producing the bicarbonates.

Also, heating of carbonates such as sodium carbonate and magnesium carbonate at sufficiently high temperatures thermally decomposes the carbonate thereby releasing carbon dioxide, for example: Na₂C0₃→ Na₂0 + C0₂

MgC0₃→ MgO +C0₂

[0008] Additionally, there are a number of existing carbon capture solvents including amine based and amino acid based solvents that can be used to absorb carbon dioxide from carbon dioxide containing gases (e.g., flue gases). Suitable amine based solvents include solvents that include monoethanolamine,

diethanolamine, and/or additives to prevent oxygen degradation. Also suitable are the amine based solvents, amino-acid based and amine like solvents used by Fluor' s Econamine FG Carbon Capture Process, KBR's Post Combustion Carbon Capture Process, CANSOLV's C0₂ Carbon Capture System, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' KM-CDR Process, and Siemens' Post-Combustion C0₂ Capture Process. Other solvents include ionic liquids. Suitable ionic liquids include sterically hindered sylilamines, imidazolium based compounds, and/or aprotic heterocyclic anions. One of the advantages of ionic liquids is that they can uptake C0₂ in two mechanisms, chemisorption and physisorbtion. In the chemisorption step, the carbon dioxide reacts with the ionic liquid to form a carbamate compound, which has increased van der Waals attractions with C0₂ allowing for further uptake of C0₂ via physisorbtion.

[0009] Absorption of carbon dioxide with carbonates and other carbon capture solvents can be performed using conventional carbon capture absorption towers.

[0010] A first embodiment of the present invention is a method for generating carbon dioxide comprising heating an inorganic carbon dioxide source (e.g, a bicarbonate or carbonate) with solar energy provided by concentrated solar radiation to thermally decompose or thermally dehydrate the inorganic carbon dioxide source, thereby releasing carbon dioxide.

[001 1] As used herein, "concentrated solar radiation" refers to radiation from the sun that is directed (e.g. with reflectors or lenses) and/or focused (e.g. with reflectors or lenses) to be concentrated in a location. Many methods for concentrating solar radiation are known in the art and can be suitable for providing concentrated solar radiation in the methods of the present invention. For example, concentrated solar radiation can be produced by orienting a plurality of plane reflectors such that solar radiation reflected by the plane reflectors is directed in a desired location. More typically, in the embodiments of the present invention, concentrated solar radiation is provided in the focus of parabolic reflectors.

[0012] The carbon dioxide source of the present invention can be an inorganic carbon dioxide source and/or a product obtained by absorbing carbon dioxide in a solvent containing an amine, an amino-acid salt, or ionic liquid. This absorption process can be performed in conventionally known absorber towers, and, typically, includes passing carbon dioxide containing gas through an absorbent (typically, in form of a slurry) including a carbon capture solvent. The carbon dioxide can be absorbed by binding/reacting with carbonate to form bicarbonate, with amine-based solvents to form a complex of the amine with carbon dioxide, with amino acid-based solvents to form a amino acid-salt-carbon dioxide complex, or with ionic liquid solvents to form a complex of the ionic liquid with carbon dioxide..

[0013] The absorbent (typically, absorbent slurry) can include a mixture of carbon capture solvents and carbonates (typically, alkali metal carbonates). [0014] Addition of an absorption promoter or catalyst to an absorbent containing alkali carbonates typically enhances the carbon capture. Suitable absorption promoter or catalyst include piperazine, N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine, N- (hydroxypropyl)piperazine diethanol triamine (DETA), 2-((2- aminoethyl)amino)ethanol (AEEA), monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), diisopropanolamine (DIP A), methylaminopropylamine (MAP A), 3- aminopropanol (AP), 2,2-dimethyl-l ,3-propanediamine (DMPDA), 3 -amino- 1- cyclohexylaminopropane (ACHP), diglycolamine (DGA), 2-amino-2- methylpropanol (AMP), l-amino-2-propanol (MIPA), 2-methyl-methanolamine (MMEA), piperidine (PE), arsenite, hypochlorite, sulphite, or enzyme carbonic anhydras, glycine, sarcosine, alanine N-secondary butyl glycine, and pipecolinic acid.

[0015] Inorganic carbon dioxide sources are typically bicarbonates or a carbonates.

[0016] Bicarbonate generally refers to sodium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, or a mixture thereof. The bicarbonate can by dry or a slurry (typically, an aqueous slurry).

[0017] Carbonate generally refers to sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, or a mixture thereof. The carbonate can by dry or a slurry

(typically, an aqueous slurry).

[0018] Carbon dioxide, produced with the methods and systems described herein, can be in gaseous form or in solution (typically, an aqueous solution).

[0019] The carbon dioxide source (e.g., inorganic carbon dioxide source) can directly receive concentrated solar radiation thereby being heated, and/or a heat transfer material can receive the concentrated solar radiation thereby being heated and the heat transfer material can then transfer heat to the carbon dioxide source thereby heating the carbon dioxide source.

[0020] Typically, the carbon dioxide source (e.g., inorganic carbon dioxide source) can be heated by solar heat energy transfer from an absorber enclosure to the carbon dioxide source. However, the carbon dioxide source (e.g., inorganic carbon dioxide source) can also be heated by heat transfer from a heat transfer material that has been heated within the absorber enclosure. It can be desirable to keep the number of energy transfers and conversions from the received concentrated solar radiation to the carbon dioxide source as low as possible because every additional energy transfer (for example, from a heat transfer material to the carbon dioxide source or conversion from one form of energy to another (e.g., solar radiation energy to electrical energy, and then electrical energy to heat energy of the carbon dioxide source typically leads to a reduction in carbon dioxide source heating efficiency due to typical energy losses. Nevertheless, the systems of the present invention can also facilitate the use of solar energy in other ways for the production of carbon dioxide. For example, solar radiation can be first converted to electricity using methods and system parts as known in the art, and the generated solar electricity can be used to thermally decompose, thermally dehydrate or desorb the carbon dioxide source using electric heating methods and system parts as known in the art.

[0021] The heat transfer material can be a fixed part of the absorber enclosure and enclose the carbon dioxide source (e.g., inorganic carbon dioxide), or the heat transfer material can be a movable material (e.g., a heat transfer fluid such as an oil) enclosed in the absorber enclosure.

[0022] Heat transfer from a movable heat transfer material contained within the absorber enclosure to the carbon dioxide source (e.g., inorganic carbon dioxide source) can occur within the absorber enclosure if the carbon dioxide source is also enclosed within the absorber enclosure. In other embodiments, the movable heat transfer material can be moved to the carbon dioxide source (e.g., inorganic carbon dioxide source) outside the absorber enclosure for heat transfer.

[0023] As the temperature of the carbon dioxide source (e.g., inorganic carbon dioxide source) increases, the rate of thermal decomposition, thermal dehydration or desorption (depending on the nature of the carbon dioxide source) increases.

Accordingly, the methods of the present invention can include the step of controlling the temperature of the carbon dioxide source (e.g., inorganic carbon dioxide source) to control the rate of release of carbon dioxide. Additionally, embodiments can use partial dehydration and rehydration to minimize the required process temperatures and increase efficiencies.

[0024] One batch of carbon dioxide source (e.g., inorganic carbon dioxide source) can be heated at a time until a desired rate of carbon dioxide release is achieved, or carbon dioxide source can be moved continuously under conditions suitable to release carbon dioxide at a desired rate. For example, the carbon dioxide source

(e.g., inorganic carbon dioxide source) can be moved through an absorber tube with a conveyor (e.g. a rotating helical screw blade). [0025] A further embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing a carbon-based product. The method comprises (1) generating carbon dioxide using one or more ofthe methods as described above and (2) cultivating a phototrophic microorganism adapted for production of the carbon-based product in a bioreactor with the carbon dioxide under conditions suitable for the phototrophic

microorganism to produce the carbon-based products.

[0026] Suitable phototrophic microorganisms can produce a carbon-based product and/or the phototrophic microorganism itself can be processed as feed stock for the production of a carbon-based product. Particularly suitable phototrophic microorganisms can be genetically engineered to produce a desired carbon-based product. Exemplary suitable phototrophic microorganisms are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,919,303, U.S. Patent No. 7,794,969, U.S. Patent Application No.

12/833,821 , U.S. Patent Application No. 13/054,470, U.S. Patent Application No. 12/867,732, WO/2009/111513, WO/2009/036095, WO/201 1/005548,

WO/2011/006137 and WO/2011/011464.

[0027] Carbon-based products include alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters, ethyl esters, wax esters;

hydrocarbons and alkanes such as pentadecane, heptadecane, propane, octane, diesel, Jet Propellant 8 (JP8); polymers such as terephthalate, 1 ,3 -propanediol, 1 ,4- butanediol, polyols, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), acrylate, adipic acid, ε-caprolactone, isoprene, caprolactam, rubber;

commodity chemicals such as lactate, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 3- hydroxypropionate, γ-valerolactone, lysine, serine, aspartate, aspartic acid, sorbitol, ascorbate, ascorbic acid, isopentenol, lanosterol, omega-3 DHA, lycopene, itaconate, 1,3 -butadiene, ethylene, propylene, succinate, citrate, citric acid, glutamate, malate, 3-hydroxypropionic acid (HP A), lactic acid, THF, gamma butyrolactone, pyrrolidones, hydroxybutyrate, glutamic acid, levulinic acid, acrylic acid, malonic acid; specialty chemicals such as carotenoids, isoprenoids, itaconic acid;

pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical intermediates such as 7- aminodeacetoxycephalosporanic acid (7-ADCA)/cephalosporin, erythromycin, polyketides, statins, paclitaxel, docetaxel, terpenes, peptides, steroids, omega fatty acids and other such suitable products of interest. Such products are useful in the context of biofuels, industrial and specialty chemicals, as intermediates used to make additional products, such as nutritional supplements, neutraceuticals, polymers, paraffin replacements, personal care products and pharmaceuticals. More typical carbon-based products are fuels or chemicals. Even more typically, carbon-based products are ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, terpenes, alkanes such as pentadecane, heptadecane, octane, propane, fatty acids, fatty esters, fatty alcohols, olefins or diesel.

[0028] Typically, the bioreactors referred to herein are photobioreactors. Suitable photobioreactors and culture media for cultivating phototrophic microorganisms are known in the art. Particularly suitable photobioreactors and culture media are described in U.S. Application No. 13/061,1 16, filed December 1 1 , 2009. Other particularly suitable photobioreactors are described in U.S. Application No.

13/128,365, filed July 28, 2010. [0029] Temperature control of the culture medium, and particularly increasing the temperature of the culture medium, is typically desirable in the morning because the culture medium can cool during the night.

[0030] The methods as described above can include heating a heat transfer material, and particularly, a heat transfer fluid with concentrated solar radiation; and controlling the temperature of the culture medium by controlling heat transfer between the heat transfer fluid and the culture medium. Particularly, the controlling of the heat transfer between the heat transfer fluid and the culture medium occurs within a photobioreactor particularly adapted for such control, for example, as described in U.S. Application No. 13/128,365, filed July 28, 2010, although the controlling can also occur outside the photobioreactor.

[0031] Because the carbon dioxide is released from a carbon dioxide source at temperatures that are typically higher (typically, in the range between about 100°C to 270°C) than the operating temperature of the culture medium containing the phototrophic microorganism, the released carbon dioxide itself is expected to have a higher temperature than the temperature of the culture medium. Accordingly, the methods as described above can include controlling the temperature of the culture medium by controlling the temperature of the carbon dioxide that is delivered into the photobioreactor system.

[0032] Typically, the carbon dioxide source (e.g., inorganic carbon dioxide source) is produced when electricity is cheap (typically during the night) and available, and the carbon dioxide source is stored as a solid or slurry. Carbon dioxide can be produced by thermal decomposition, thermal dehydration or desorption of the carbon dioxide source (e.g., inorganic carbon dioxide source) as needed, typically during the day when solar radiation is available for the microorganisms that are being cultivated in the bioreactors.

[0033] In another embodiment, the spent or converted bicarbonate solution and/or the heat transfer material can be used to regulate temperatures of the culture medium and/or the microorganism. Outside environmental conditions can result in outside temperatures below the optimal temperatures for culturing the microorganism. Such conditions can occur, for example, during the night or early morning hours or due to seasonal temperature variations. The thermal dehydration of bicarbonate can require temperatures that are typically higher than the operating temperature of the culture medium containing the phototrophic microorganism. The optimal conditions for using solar radiation can typically occur in midday. Embodiments can store and later use the spent or converted bicarbonate solution and/or the heat transfer material for heat transfer to the culture medium and/or the microorganism during periods of cooler outside temperatures. The storing process can occur in insulated containers or temporarily stored for near term heating, for example, the prior days converted bicarbonate solution can be held for immediate heating use overnight and then recycled for further use the next day. Embodiments are not limited to regulating temperature of the microorganisms and can be used to supply heat for other uses and processes.

[0034] Further embodiments of the present invention are systems that perform the above-described methods for producing carbon dioxide. [0035] One such embodiment of the present invention is a system for producing carbon dioxide and includes a solar radiation concentrator; an absorber enclosure, wherein the enclosure is positioned to receive concentrated solar radiation from the solar radiation concentrator; and inorganic carbon dioxide source (e.g., a carbonate or a bicarbonate) for thermal decomposition or thermal dehydration with solar energy provided by the concentrated solar radiation to produce carbon dioxide.

[0036] Many solar radiation concentrators are known in the art and can be suitable for providing concentrated solar radiation to the absorber enclosure. Suitable solar radiation concentrators include but are not limited to solar radiation concentrators that comprise one or more parabolic shaped reflectors, one or more V-type parabolic reflector arrangements, parabolic dish reflectors, linear Fresnel reflectors (i.e., a plurality of long, narrow, shallow-curvature (or even flat) reflectors positioned and oriented to direct and possibly focus light in a volume such that concentrated solar radiation is provided in the volume), and Fresnel lens concentrators. More typically, in the embodiments of the present invention, one or more parabolic reflectors are used.

[0037] Absorber enclosures absorb preferably as much of the received solar radiation as possible and allow efficient heat transfer to the internal absorber enclosure volume.

[0038] Absorber enclosures suitable for use with parabolic reflector arrangements (e.g.., absorber enclosures separate from a bioreactor) include absorber (or receiver) tubes as known in the art. Absorber enclosures suitable as part of a bioreactor or bioreactor system are as described herein, for example, in FIGS. 4 to 6. [0039] In a further embodiment, the absorber enclosure of the system embodiments of the present invention encloses a heat transfer fluid and a carbon dioxide source (e.g., inorganic carbon dioxide source), wherein the heat transfer fluid can include the carbon dioxide source (e.g., inorganic carbon dioxide source) (e.g. water as heat transfer fluid in which inorganic carbon dioxide source (e.g., a carbonate or a bicarbonate) is at least partially in solution), or the heat transfer fluid is separate from the carbon dioxide source (e.g., inorganic carbon dioxide source) (for example, the heat transfer fluid can be contained in a separate chamber within the absorber enclosure).

[0040] In another embodiment, the absorber enclosure of the system embodiments of the present invention encloses a heat transfer fluid, and the system further comprises a heat exchanger outside of the absorber enclosure for transferring heat from the heat transfer fluid to a carbon dioxide source (e.g., inorganic carbon dioxide source) for thermal decomposition, thermal dehydration or desorption of the carbon dioxide source thereby releasing carbon dioxide.

[0041] In yet another embodiment, the absorber enclosure of the system

embodiments of the present invention encloses inorganic carbon dioxide source (e.g., a carbonate or a bicarbonate), and the absorber enclosure is adapted for thermal decomposition or thermal dehydration of the inorganic carbon dioxide source (e.g., a carbonate or a bicarbonate) thereby releasing carbon dioxide.

[0042] A further embodiment of the present invention is a bioreactor plant that can includea system for producing carbon dioxide as described above;

a bioreactor for cultivating a phototrophic microorganism in a culture medium; and an enclosure for exposing or contacting carbon dioxide produced by thermal decomposition or thermal dehydration of inorganic carbon dioxide source (e.g., a carbonate or a bicarbonate) in the system with the culture medium and/or

microorganism. The enclosure for exposing carbon dioxide can be outside the bioreactor, or it can be part of the bioreactor, for example, but not limited to, the enclosure can be a reactor or growth chamber of a panel or thin-film section of the bioreactor or the enclosure can be a gas spurge section of a circulation portion of the bioreactor.

[0043] Contacting carbon dioxide with the culture medium and/or microorganisms can be done by bubbling carbon dioxide in gaseous form through the culture medium, or it can be done by mixing a solution of carbon dioxide with the culture medium.

[0044] Further embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods of obtaining carbon credits.A "carbon credit" is a right to emit an amount (typically, one ton) of carbon or carbon dioxide equivalent (tC02e), typically represented by a tradable certificate or permit.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system 100 for producing carbon dioxide using solar radiation 105 in the production of carbon dioxide. Solar radiation 105 from the sun 1 10 is directed and/or focused by a solar radiation concentrator 1 15 on an absorber enclosure 120 such that the absorber enclosure (e.g, an absorber tube) receives concentrated solar radiation 125. A carbon dioxide source (e.g. bicarbonate) 130 is moved into the absorber tube, which thermally dehydrates the carbon dioxide source or desorbs carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide source to produce carbon dioxide 135. Carbon capture solvent resulting from the desorption or product resulting from the thermal dehydration (e.g., carbonate) (not indicated in the figure), which can also be formed in the process, can be discarded or used/recycled for scrubbing of carbon dioxide, for example, from flue gases.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a bioreactor plant 200 of the present invention. A carbon dioxide emitter 205, for example, a fossile-fuel fired power plant, emits a carbon dioxide containing flue gas 210 that is delivered to a scrubber 215 that scrubs the carbon dioxide from the flue gas using an absorbent slurry containing a carbonate (e.g., sodium carbonate) or carbon capture solvent thereby producing bicarbonate (e.g., sodium bicarbonate) or a carbon dioxide-rich carbon capture solvent, respectively. Bicarbonate or the carbon dioxide rich carbon capture solvent 220 is delivered to a system 225 for producing carbon dioxide as described herein (e.g., system 100 in Figure 1), which thermally dehydrates the bicarbonate or desorbs carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide rich carbon capture solvent using solar heat to produce carbon dioxide 230 and carbonate or carbon dioxide lean carbon capture solvent 240 (e.g., sodium carbonate) or other by-products. The carbon dioxide 230 is then used to cultivate a phototrophic microorganism in a bioreactor 235. Carbonate or carbon dioxide lean carbon capture solvent 240 can be discarded or delivered back to the scrubber 215 for further scrubbing of carbon dioxide from the flue gas 210.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a bioreactor plant embodiment 300 of the present invention. The bioreactor plant includes a system for producing carbon dioxide 325 as described herein and a bioreactor 335. Bicarbonate or carbon dioxide rich carbon capture solvent 320 (e.g., sodium bicarbonate) obtained, for example, by scrubbing flue gas with a carbonate (e.g., sodium carbonate), is delivered to the system 325 (e.g., system 100 in Figure 1) for producing carbon dioxide , which thermally dehydrates the bicarbonate or desorbs carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide rich carbon capture solvent using solar heat to produce carbon dioxide 330 and carbonate and/or carbon dioxide lean carbon capture solvent 340 (e.g., sodium carbonate) or other by-products (e.g., N¾ and H₂0). The carbon dioxide 330 is then used to cultivate a phototrophic microorganism in bioreactor 335. Carbonate and/or carbon dioxide lean carbon capture solvent 340 can be discarded or delivered to a scrubber (e.g., 215 in Figure 2) for further scrubbing of carbon dioxide from the flue gas 210.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 4A, an exemplary absorber enclosure 400A includes a horizontally oriented enclosure with reflective surfaces 404A and transparent layer 406A to provide solar heating of the carbon dioxide source (e.g., bicarbonate) or heat transfer material 402A. The absorber enclosure 400A can be a thin-film chamber designed to produce a desired shape when deployed for use. The desired shape can be a parabolic reflector or other reflector shape to concentrate solar radiation in a desired pattern. The pressure from filling the interior with a carbon dioxide source (e.g., bicarbonate) or heat transfer material 402A can be used to cause the flexible thin-film walls to deploy into the desired shape. The size of the absorber enclosure 400A can be influenced by the material and manufacturing choices. In additional embodiments, support straps or cords (not shown) can be used to couple interior walls and further allow for a desired shape of the absorber enclosure 400A. The carbon dioxide source (e.g., bicarbonate) or heat transfer material 402A can remain uncirculated in the absorber enclosure 400A or be circulated by pumping or other means (including gravity, convection, and other methods of flow) through the absorber enclosure 400A. The absorber enclosure 400A can be, for example, designed in an elongated loop with a path extending to and from a circulation driver and/or from an intake port or to an exhaust port.

[0049] The transparent layer 406A can be made of material that allows the desired wavelengths of solar radiation to pass through and enter the absorber enclosure 400 A. The transparent layer 406A can be a rigid or flexible sheet of material depending on the desired shape and position of the surface of transparent layer 406A. The reflective surfaces 404A can be provided by a thin-film material enclosure made from a polymeric material or other flexible material with great abrasion and/or tear resistance with a reflective coating or interior surface to reflect and/or focus the desired wavelengths of solar radiation. In applications in which the material of the reflective surfaces 404A rest directly on the ground, a bottom sheet of material can include a material of greater thickness and/or additional features that can prevent abrasions or tears due to contact of courser material, such as, gravel, or other objects on the ground. These features can include, but are not limited to, impregnated mesh and/or rubberized or other protective coatings. The materials of the absorber enclosures can be selected to withstand the temperatures that can be required for thermal dehydration or desorption of the carbon dioxide source or heat transfer material 402A. [0050] The absorber enclosure 400A can also be placed on water or above the ground and can utilize solid support structures made of, for example, wood, metal, mesh or fabric. Other support structures can include, for example, stakes, anchors or cables attached to flaps along the edges of the absorber enclosure 400A. In one exemplary embodiment, straps or loops are provided along both edges of the absorber enclosure 400A. The straps or loops can use stakes or anchors to secure the absorber enclosure 400A to the ground or other surface. The support structures can be used to prevent rotation or movement of the absorber enclosure 400A.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 4B, an exemplary absorber enclosure 400B includes a horizontally oriented enclosure with reflective surfaces 404B and transparent layer 406B to provide solar heating of the carbon dioxide source (e.g, bicarbonate) or heat transfer material 402B within a heating chamber 408B. The heating chamber 408B can be a transparent pipe to house the bicarbonate 406B or heat transfer material at a desired focal point of the reflective surface 404B. The volume of space 410B can be air or other transparent material that allows for passage of desired solar radiation and/or provides interior pressure to produce a desired shape of the reflective surface 404B when deployed for use. The desired shape can be a parabolic reflector or other reflector shape to concentrate solar radiation with structures and features as previously described in the prior embodiments. The volume of space 410B can act as an insulator further aiding in providing the required heat for thermal dehydration of the bicarbonate 406B. In addition, the insulation can prevent any unwanted exposure of heat to surrounding devices. The exemplary absorber enclosure 400B is not limited to only a heating chamber 408B. The absorber enclosure 400B can incorporate other chambers, for example, but not limited to, a chamber for capturing or segregating carbon dioxide for removal and transfer to a bioreactor.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary absorber enclosure 502 and

photobioreactors 504 A, 504B can be deployed or manufactured in a combined fashion. The absorber enclosure 502 can be a thin-film chamber designed to produce a desired shape when deployed with structures and features as previously described in the prior embodiments. The photobioreactors 504A, 504B can also be a thin-film chambers designed to produce a desired shape when deployed. By deploying them adjacent to one another both devices can take advantage of each other by providing support and/or protection. Insulation (not shown) can be provided between the absorber enclosure 502 and photobioreactors 504A, 504B. The combination of absorber enclosure 502 and photobioreactors 504A, 504B can aid in the manufacturability and transportability of photobioreactor. Absorber enclosure 502 and photobioreactor 504A, 504B can be designed so that they can be folded and/or rolled, at least in part, for more compact storage. The pattern is not limited to the absorber enclosure 502 between two photobioreactors. The pattern can be designed for a field application in which the number and sequence of absorber enclosures is selected based on the intended carbon dioxide production of the absorber enclosure 502 and required demand of use photobioreactors to be deployed in the field.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 6, a housing 600 with a photobioreactor reactor chamber 602 and an absorber chamber 604 provides regulated exposure to the reactor chamber 602 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The carbon dioxide source (e.g., bicarbonate solution) or heat transfer material can be contained in an absorber chamber 604 over top of the culture medium and microorganisms within the reactor chamber 602. This configuration can allow for shading/cooling of the medium or microorganisms during the most intense durations of the day. This can provide for better control and/or more regulated control of the microorganism temperature. An insulation layer 606 can be provided between the reactor chamber 602 and absorber chamber 604. The insulation layer 606 can be transparent to the desired wavelengths of solar radiation intended to reach the microorganisms in the reactor chamber 602. In one example, the insulation layer 606 is a layer of air that can be closed or opened to the outside environment. An open air layer can be used to prevent heat transfer from the absorber chamber 604 to the reactor chamber 602. A closed air layer can better prevent heat loss from the absorber chamber 604. A combination of both an opened and closed insulation layer 606 can be used regulate the temperature of the reactor chamber 602 and/or absorber chamber 604. A reflector 608 can also be used to reflect solar radiation 610 back through the reactor chamber 602 and concentrate the solar radiation back on the absorber chamber 604.

[0054] The depth and/or pigment of the carbon dioxide source (e.g., bicarbonate solution) or heat transfer material can also be controlled to regulate absorption of solar radiation in the absorber chamber 604 and filter the solar radiation exposure to the reactor chamber 602. For example, periodically through the day an increased depth of the absorber chamber 604 and/or darker pigments can be added during the most intense midday with decreased depth and/or lighter pigments (clearer or greater transparency) during the morning and evening. The pigments can periodically be added and, for example, decay over time or go through a filtering process to periodically reduce the amount of pigment. Embodiments are not limited to pigments and can use a variety of other additives to increase or decrease absorption of solar radiation. Embodiments can also be used to balance carbon dioxide absorber production and/or carbon dioxide reactor demand. During peak midday solar radiation emission, embodiments can be used to either increasing carbon dioxide production and/or decrease reactor carbon dioxide demand.

Correspondingly, during morning and evening periods embodiments can also be used to decrease carbon dioxide absorber production and/or increase carbon dioxide reactor demand.

[0055] The relevant teachings of all patents, published applications and references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0056] While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS is claimed is:

A method for generating carbon dioxide comprising heating a carbon dioxide source with solar energy provided by concentrated solar radiation to generate carbon dioxide; wherein the carbon dioxide source is an inorganic carbon dioxide source or a product obtained by absorbing carbon dioxide in a solvent containing an amine, an amino-acid salt, or ionic liquid.

The method of Claim 1 , wherein the inorganic carbon dioxide source is a carbonate and the heating thermally decomposes the carbonate thereby releasing carbon dioxide.

The method of Claim 1 , wherein the inorganic carbon dioxide source is a bicarbonate and the heating thermally dehydrates the bicarbonate thereby releasing carbon dioxide.

4. The method of Claim 1, wherein the carbon dioxide source directly receives the concentrated solar radiation. 5. The method of Claim 4, comprising flowing the carbon dioxide source

through an absorber enclosure that receives the concentrated solar radiation.

6. The method of Claim 4, comprising flowing the carbon dioxide source

through an absorber enclosure adapted to provide the concentrated solar radiation.

7. The method of Claim 1, further comprising:

(1) heating a heat transfer material within an absorber enclosure receiving the concentrated solar radiation; and (2) transferring heat from the heat transfer material to the carbon dioxide source.

The method of Claim 1 , wherein the solar radiation is concentrated with a parabolic shaped reflector.

The method of any one of Claims 1 to 7, further comprising mixing the carbon dioxide source.

The method of any one of Claims 1 to 9, further comprising storing the released carbon dioxide.

The method of Claim 1, wherein the inorganic carbon dioxide source is bicarbonate and the heating thermally dehydrates the bicarbonate thereby releasing carbon dioxide, further comprising scrubbing flue gas with carbonate to produce the bicarbonate.

The method of Claim 1 1 , wherein the carbonate is produced in the thermal dehydration of the bicarbonate.

The method of any one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the inorganic carbon dioxide source is sodium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, or a mixture thereof.

A method for producing a carbon-based product, comprising:

(1) producing carbon dioxide by thermal decomposition, thermal dehydration or desorption of an carbon dioxide source; wherein the carbon dioxide source is an inorganic carbon dioxide source or a product obtained by absorbing carbon dioxide in a solvent containing an amine, an amino-acid salt, or ionic liquid; and

(2) cultivating a phototrophic microorganism adapted for production of the carbon-based product in a bioreactor with the carbon dioxide under conditions suitable for the phototrophic microorganism to produce the carbon based products.

The method of Claim 14, wherein the inorganic carbon dioxide source is a bicarbonate and producing carbon dioxide comprises heating the bicarbonate with solar energy provided by concentrated solar radiation to thermally dehydrate the bicarbonate thereby releasing carbon dioxide.

The method of Claim 14, wherein the inorganic carbon dioxide source is a carbonate and producing carbon dioxide comprises heating the bicarbonate with solar energy provided by concentrated solar radiation to thermally decompose the carbonate thereby releasing carbon dioxide.

The method of Claim 14, wherein the inorganic carbon dioxide source directly receives concentrated solar radiation to thermally decompose or thermally dehydrate the inorganic carbon dioxide source.

The method of Claim 17, comprising flowing the inorganic carbon dioxide source through a volume that receives the concentrated solar radiation.

The method of Claim 14, further comprising:

(1) heating a heat transfer material with concentrated solar radiation; and

(2) transferring heat from the heat transfer material to the inorganic carbon dioxide source to thermally decompose, thermally dehydrate or thermally desorb carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide source.

20. The method of any one of Claims 14 to 19, wherein the solar radiation is concentrated with a parabolic shaped reflector.

21. The method of any one of Claims 14 to 20, further comprising mixing the inorganic carbon dioxide source.

22. The method of any one of Claims 14 to 21 , further comprising storing the released carbon dioxide.

The method of Claim 14, wherein the inorganic carbon dioxide source is bicarbonate and heating with solar energy provided by concentrated solar radiation thermally dehydrates the bicarbonate thereby releasing carbon dioxide, further comprising scrubbing flue gas with carbonate to produce bicarbonate.

The method of Claim 23, wherein the carbonate is produced in the thermal dehydration of the bicarbonate.

The method of any one of Claims 14 to 24, wherein the bicarbonate is sodium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, or a mixture thereof.

The method of Claim 14, further comprising heating a heat transfer fluid with concentrated solar radiation; and

controlling the temperature of the culture medium by controlling heat transfer between the heat transfer fluid and the culture medium.

A system for producing carbon dioxide comprising:

(1) a solar radiation concentrator;

(2) an absorber enclosure, wherein the enclosure is positioned to receive concentrated solar radiation from the solar radiation concentrator; and

(3) a carbon dioxide source for thermal decomposition, thermal dehydration or desorption with solar energy provided by the concentrated solar radiation to produce carbon dioxide; wherein the carbon dioxide source is an inorganic carbon dioxide source or a product obtained by absorbing carbon dioxide in a solvent containing an amine, an amino-acid salt, or ionic liquid.

28. The system of Claim 27, wherein the absorber enclosure is insulated against heat loss having a transparent section positioned to allow concentrated solar radiation to directly heat the carbon dioxide source within the enclosure.

The system of Claim 27, wherein the absorber enclosure comprises a chamber for containing a heat transfer fluid.

The system of Claim 29, wherein the system further comprises a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the heat transfer fluid to the carbon dioxide source. 31. The system of any one of Claims 27 to 30, wherein the solar radiation

concentrator comprises a reflector or lens.

32. The system of Claim 31 , wherein the solar radiation concentrator comprises a parabolic shaped reflector and the absorber enclosure is located

substantially in focus of the parabolic shaped reflector.

33. The system of Claim 32, wherein the absorber enclosure is an absorber tube containing the carbon dioxide source. 34. The system of Claim 33, wherein the absorber tube comprises a conveyor adapted to move the carbon dioxide source through the absorber tube.

35. The system of Claim 30, wherein the absorber tube is adapted to allow

removal of carbon dioxide released by thermal decomposition,thermal dehydration, or desorption of the inorganic carbon dioxide source. A system for producing carbon dioxide comprising:

(1) an absorber enclosure, wherein an internal surface of the absorber enclosure is adapted to concentrate solar radiation into a volume of the absorber enclosure; and

(2) inorganic carbon dioxide source for thermal decomposition, thermal dehydration or desorption with solar energy provided by the concentrated solar radiation to produce carbon dioxide.

The system of Claim 36, wherein the absorber enclosure is insulated against heat loss having a transparent section to allow solar radiation to enter the absorber enclosure for concentrating the solar radiation with the internal surface.

The system of Claim 36, wherein the absorber enclosure further comprises a chamber for containing a heat transfer fluid.

The system of Claim 38, wherein the system further comprises a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the heat transfer fluid to the

bicarbonate.

The system of any one of Claims 36 to 39, wherein the internal surface reflects and focuses the solar radiation.

A bioreactor plant comprising:

(1) a system for producing carbon dioxide by thermal decomposition,thermal dehydration or desorption of acarbon dioxide source; wherein the carbon dioxide source is an inorganic carbon dioxide source or a product obtained by absorbing carbon dioxide in a solvent containing an amine, an amino-acid salt, or ionic liquid;

(2) a bioreactor for cultivating a phototrophic microorganism in a culture medium; and (3) an enclosure for contacting the produced carbon dioxide with the culture medium.

The bioreactor plant of Claim 41, wherein the system for producing carbon dioxide is any one of Claims 27 to40, and Claims 60-66.

The bioreactor plant of Claim 41, wherein the enclosure is part of the bioreactor.

The bioreactor plant of Claim 41, wherein the system for producing carbon dioxide has an absorber enclosure, and the absorber enclosure is an integral part of the bioreactor.

The bioreactor plant of Claim 41, further comprising a scrubber for scrubbing flue gas to produce the inorganic carbon dioxide source.

The bioreactor plant of Claim 45, further comprising a carbon dioxide source delivery line adapated to delivering the carbon dioxide source from the scrubber to the absorber enclosure of the system for producing carbon dioxide.

The bioreactor plant of Claim 46, wherein the inorganic carbon dioxide source is a bicarbonate, further comprising a carbonate recycle line for delivering carbonate obtained by thermal dehydration of the bicarbonate from the absorber enclosure to the scrubber.

A bioreactor system comprising:

(1) an absorber chamber for containing a carbon dioxide source, wherein the absorber chamber is adapted for thermal decomposition, thermal dehydration or desorption of the carbon dioxide source to produce carbon dioxide;

wherein the carbon dioxide source is an inorganic carbon dioxide source or a product obtained by absorbing carbon dioxide in a solvent containing an amine, an amino-acid salt, or ionic liquid; and

(2) a reactor chamber for containing a phototrophic microorganism and culture medium therefor; wherein the reactor chamber is layered below the absorber chamber; and the bioreactor system is adapted for cultivation of the phototrophic microorganism with the carbon dioxide.

The bioreactor system of Claim 48, further comprising a solar radiation concentrator below the reactor chamber and adapted to reflect and/or focus solar radiation into the absorber chamber.

50. The bioreactor system of Claim 48 or 49, further comprising an insulation layer between the absorber chamber and the reactor chamber.

A method of obtaining carbon credits comprising

(a) capturing carbon dioxide emission as carbonate or bicarbonate;

(b) thermally decomposing the carbonate or thermally dehydrating the bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide;

(c) cultivating a phototrophic microorganism using the carbon dioxide produced by thermal decomposition of carbonate or thermal dehydration of bicarbonate; and

(d) obtaining carbon credits for the capturing and/or the cultivating.

The method of any one of Claims 1 to 26, wherein the carbon dioxide source is a product formed by chemical reaction of a carbonate, amine, amino acid salt and/or ionic liquid, with carbon dioxide.

53. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 26, wherein the carbon dioxide source comprises a bicarbonate, an amino acid-salt-carbon dioxide complex, and/or a complex formed by an amine and carbon dioxide. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 13, further comprising (i) passing carbon-dioxide containing gas through an absorbent slurry, wherein the absorbent slurry comprises an inorganic alkali carbonate, bicarbonate, and/or at least one of an absorption promoter and catalyst, thereby forming the carbon dioxide source.

The method of Claim 54, wherein the absorbent slurry is heated, at least in part, with solar energy.

The method of Claim 54, wherein the absorbent slurry is heated, at least in part, with solar energy provided by concentrated solar radiation.

The method of Claims 54, 55 or 56, further comprising substantially removing any absorption promoter and/or catalyst in the absorbent slurry from the formed carbon dioxide source.

The method of Claim 54 or 57, wherein the absorption promoter or catalyst is piperazine, N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine, N-(hydroxypropyl)piperazine diethanol triamine (DETA), 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol (AEEA), monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), diisopropanolamine (DIP A), methylaminopropylamine (MAP A), 3-aminopropanol (AP), 2,2- dimethyl-l,3-propanediamine (DMPDA), 3 -amino- 1 - cyclohexylaminopropane (ACHP), diglycolamine (DGA), 2-amino-2- methylpropanol (AMP), 1 -amino-2-propanol (MIPA), 2-methyl- methanolamine (MMEA), piperidine (PE), arsenite, hypochlorite, sulphite, or enzyme carbonic anhydras, glycine, sarcosine, alanine N-secondary butyl glycine, or pipecolinic acid.

59. The method of Claim 54, wherein the absorbent slurry comprises an amine, amino acid salt or an inonic liquid.

60. The system of any one of Claims 27 to 40, wherein the carbon dioxide source is a product formed by chemical reaction of a carbonate, amine, amino acid salt and/or ionic liquid, with carbon dioxide. 61. The system of any one of Claims 27 to 40, wherein the carbon dioxide source comprises a bicarbonate, an amino acid-salt-carbon dioxide complex, and/or a complex formed by an amine and carbon dioxide.

62. The system of any one of Claims 27 to 40, further comprising (i) an absorber containing absorbent slurry comprises an inorganic alkali carbonate, bicarbonate, and/or at least one of an absorption promoter and catalyst, for passing carbon-dioxide containing gas through the absorbent slurry to form the carbon dioxide source. 63. The system of Claim 62, wherein the absorbent slurry is heated, at least in part, with solar energy.

64. The system of Claim 62, wherein the absorbent slurry is heated, at least in part, with solar energy provided by concentrated solar radiation.

65. The system of Claims 62, 63 or 64, further comprising a filter unit for

substantially removing any absorption promoter and/or catalyst in the absorbent slurry from the formed carbon dioxide source. 66. The system of Claim 62 or 65, wherein the absorption promoter or catalyst is piperazine, N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine, N-(hydroxypropyl)piperazine diethanol triamine (DETA), 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol (AEEA), monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), diisopropanolamine (DIP A), methylaminopropylamine (MAP A), 3-aminopropanol (AP), 2,2- dimethyl- 1 ,3 -propanediamine (DMPDA), 3 -amino- 1 - cyclohexylaminopropane (ACHP), diglycolamine (DGA), 2-amino-2- methylpropanol (AMP), 1 -amino-2-propanol (MIPA), 2 -methyl - methanolamine (MMEA), piperidine (PE), arsenite, hypochlorite, sulphite, i enzyme carbonic anhydras, glycine, sarcosine, alanine N-secondary butyl glycine, or pipecolinic acid.

The method of Claim 62, wherein the absorbent slurry comprises an amine, amino acid salt or an inonic liquid.