In a significant advancement for the energy sector, researchers have unveiled innovative technologies aimed at capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) during various stages of fuel conversion and usage. This research, led by Antonina A. Filimonova, highlights a critical step towards achieving a low-carbon energy cycle, addressing the urgent need for decarbonization in an era dominated by carbon-based fuel consumption.
The study emphasizes the importance of integrating environmental sustainability and efficiency into the production processes of large industrial and energy producers, as well as smaller energy consumers. “We need to increase the percentage of carbon dioxide removal and implement decarbonization technologies at every stage of electricity and thermal energy production,” Filimonova asserts. This call to action is particularly relevant as industries strive to meet stricter environmental regulations and societal expectations for cleaner energy solutions.
At the forefront of the research are novel adsorbent compositions developed from natural materials, specifically bentonite. These materials have demonstrated an impressive CO2 collection capacity ranging from 85% to 98% during the preliminary fuel conversion stage. This finding could potentially lower costs and enhance the feasibility of carbon capture technologies for various industries.
The research also introduces a hybrid energy system that combines a microgas turbine with heat recovery and a high-temperature fuel cell, among other components. This system, which is currently in the pilot phase with a 30 kW capacity, is designed to generate heat, electricity, steam, and hot water, making it ideal for small social and commercial facilities. “This hybrid system represents an autonomous energy source that could significantly reduce emissions while providing reliable energy,” Filimonova explains.
Furthermore, the study explores effective methods for CO2 separation from flue gas mixtures using absorption techniques. Solutions such as 15% monoethanolamine, 15% ammonia, and 6% sodium hydroxide have shown promising absorption capacities, paving the way for more effective post-combustion carbon capture technologies. The proposed integration of a CO2 capture unit into the hybrid system aims for complete decarbonization of gas emissions, showcasing an economically accessible and straightforward implementation process.
As industries grapple with the dual challenges of energy demand and environmental responsibility, the implications of this research are profound. The technologies developed not only promise to enhance operational efficiency but also position companies to better comply with evolving regulations and consumer preferences for sustainable practices. This could lead to a significant shift in how energy is produced and consumed, potentially setting new industry standards.
The findings of this research are published in ‘Известия Томского политехнического университета: Инжиниринг георесурсов’ (News of Tomsk Polytechnic University: Engineering of Geological Resources), a platform that continues to foster innovative solutions in the field of energy and resource engineering. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, studies like these are crucial in shaping effective strategies for carbon management and energy production. For more information about Antonina A. Filimonova, visit her profile at lead_author_affiliation.