CO2 energy vector in the concept of circular energy

Abstract

The paper analyzes the conversion of the carbon dioxide (CO2) through recovery and storage into an energy production vector by transforming it into methanol (CH3OH) and carbon monoxide (CO). These gaseous components can produce energy by combustion, and the resulting carbon dioxide is reintroduced into the capture and storage circuit. This type of carbon dioxide transformation into an energy vector in a circular energy system will contribute to the elimination or to the significant reduction of its long-term storage in caves or under the sea water. By eliminating storage, the costs will be significantly reduced, as well as the environmental pollution. The paper considers the methanol use in residential heating instead of liquid hydrocarbons, especially for isolated areas or without a natural gas network, and also in the internal combustion engines in transport, agriculture and construction. The first direction of the research included an experimental phase that involved using a 55kW boiler for medium-sized residential heating. The second direction analyzed the transformation of CO2 into CO (fuel gas) through gasification technology. For this transformation, the fixed bed gasification process was considered. The carbon monoxide can be used in a pure state or mixed with methane or other combustible gases, both in power plants and in internal combustion engines. The current significant results in the methanol production field enables CO2 to become an energy vector, instead of a gas with zero potential and expensive to store. Thus, the research can significantly contribute to the development of power engineering as a circular application in the context of circular economy.