Researchers from ETH Zurich have developed a novel technology that produces liquid hydrocarbon fuels exclusively from sunlight and air. For the first time worldwide they demonstrate the entire thermochemical process chain under real field conditions. The new solar mini-refinery is located on the roof of ETH’s Machine Laboratory building in Zurich.
Carbon-neutral fuels are crucial for making aviation and maritime transport sustainable. ETH researchers have developed a solar plant to produce synthetic liquid fuels that release as much CO2 during their combustion as previously extracted from the air for their production. CO2 and water are extracted directly from ambient air and split using solar energy. This process yields syngas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which is subsequently processed into kerosene, methanol or other hydrocarbons. These drop-in fuels are ready for use in the existing global transport infrastructure.
Aldo Steinfeld, Professor of Renewable Energy Carriers at ETH Zurich, and his research group developed the technology. “This plant proves that carbon-neutral hydrocarbon fuels can be made from sunlight and air under real field conditions,” he explained. “The thermochemical process utilises the entire solar spectrum and proceeds at high temperatures, enabling fast reactions and high efficiency.” The research plant at the heart of Zurich advances ETH’s research towards sustainable fuels.
A small demonstration unit with big potential
The solar mini-refinery on the roof of ETH Zurich proves that the technology is feasible, even under the climate conditions prevalent in Zurich. It produces around one decilitre of fuel per day. Steinfeld and his group are already working on a large-scale test of their solar reactor in a solar tower near Madrid, which is carried out within the scope of the EU project sun-to-liquid. The solar tower plant is presented to the public in Madrid at the same time today as the mini-refinery in Zurich.
The next project goal is to scale the technology for industrial implementation and make it economically competitive. “A solar plant spanning an area of one square kilometre could produce 20,000 litres of kerosene a day,” said Philipp Furler, Director (CTO) of Synhelion and a former doctoral student in Steinfeld’s group. “Theoretically, a plant the size of Switzerland – or a third of the Californian Mojave Desert – could cover the kerosene needs of the entire aviation industry. Our goal for the future is to efficiently produce sustainable fuels with our technology and thereby mitigate global CO2 emissions.”
Two spin-offs already
Two spin-offs already emerged from Aldo Steinfeld’s research group: Synhelion, founded in 2016, commercializes the solar fuel production technology. Climeworks, founded already in 2010, commercialises the technology for CO2 capture from air.
How the new solar mini-refinery works
The process chain of the new system combines three thermochemical conversion processes: Firstly, the extraction of CO2 and water from the air. Secondly, the solar-thermochemical splitting of CO2 and water. Thirdly, their subsequent liquefaction into hydrocarbons. CO2 and water are extracted directly from ambient air via an adsorption/desorption process. Both are then fed into the solar reactor at the focus of a parabolic reflector. Solar radiation is concentrated by a factor of 3,000, generating process heat at a temperature of 1,500 degrees Celsius inside the solar reactor. At the heart of the solar reactor is a ceramic structure made of cerium oxide, which enables a two-step reaction – the redox cycle – to split water and CO2 into syngas. This mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide can then be processed into liquid hydrocarbon fuels through conventional methanol or Fischer–Tropsch synthesis.
Learn more: Carbon-neutral fuel made from sunlight and air
The Latest on: Carbon-neutral fuels
[google_news title=”” keyword=”carbon-neutral fuels” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Carbon-neutral fuels
- The Power of Us: As EV demand slows, a new alternative fuel garners attentionon April 26, 2024 at 1:59 pm
Golub considers himself an early EV adopter, someone who's willing to deal with some of the frustrations that come with new technology. But more mainstream consumers generally have a lower tolerance ...
- Opinion: Fight carbon to revitalize the planet this Earth Monthon April 26, 2024 at 8:30 am
There is so much we must do to limit the warming of our planet below 1.5 degrees Celsius. We must support others, particularly developing countries, and that is possible only if we strengthen our own ...
- French industry minister sets eyes on carbon capture techon April 26, 2024 at 7:20 am
The French industry minister Roland Lescure on Friday launched a call for interest for carbon capture at various sites to help carbon-intense industries abate emissions.
- Next stop? Building fossil fuel infrastructure.on April 25, 2024 at 11:00 pm
T hank you for reporting on US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm’s remarks about the Biden administration’s policies for transitioning the United States away from fossil fuels (” Granholm defends ...
- Low-carbon fuels crucial in transitioning to ZEVs: Pembina Instituteon April 24, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Should the supply increase, the industry will have to make significant investments in infrastructure and adoption of trucks that operate on this alternative fuel. Renewable natural gas (RNG) is a ...
- ‘It’s a transition’: Energy Secretary Granholm defends Biden against calls to block fossil fuel infrastructureon April 24, 2024 at 10:11 am
Granholm defended the Biden Administration from criticism that it has continued to allow — and in some cases encouraged — fossil fuel infrastructure despite aggressive climate goals.
- Earth Day: A message for the fossil fuel industry in Texason April 23, 2024 at 11:31 pm
Science is clear that we can’t burn all the known reserves and maintain a livable climate. For the sake of freedom, prosperity, national and global ...
- TCNJ sets 2040 carbon neutral goalon April 23, 2024 at 5:42 am
The state Board of Public Utilities will help fund the effort through a pilot program that offers full reimbursement for the cost of developing the plan, as well as incentives for investments made on ...
- UPS's road to carbon neutralityon April 22, 2024 at 5:00 am
Laura Lane, UPS's chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer, enters the BBC's Executive Lounge to discuss the logistics company's future.
- Quick Learner: What is Carbon Neutrality?on April 19, 2024 at 11:46 am
For Duke to be carbon neutral, it has changed fuel sources, improved efficiencies and created carbon offset credits to reach a net amount of no new greenhouse gas. Learn more about what net carbon ...
via Bing News