492 / 2018-12-31 17:27:11

Energy Conversion and Carbon Sequestration System Using Magnesium as Carrier

magnesium; renewable energy; hydrogen production; carbon sequestration

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Western China and Northern China are rich in renewable energy such as solar, wind and water, but electric power from these new energy sources cannot be absorbed by the power grid. The situation of wind, light and water abandonment is quite prominent, which causes waste of energy. The Eastern China has developed industry and large population, but less renewable energy, and the use of fossil energy has brought serious air pollution problems and carbon dioxide emissions. To transfer the renewable energy from the Western China and Northern China to Eastern China and to reduce emissions is very important and urgent. Hydrogen production by water electrolysis and long-distance transportation of hydrogen is a way of converting renewable energy. However, the cost is high and there are safety problems. This paper proposes the energy conversion and carbon sequestration system with magnesium as the carrier. The core concept is to produce electrolytic magnesium in Western China. For example, in Qinghai Lake area, there is abundant solar power, wind power and hydropower near the area, and there is also abundant of magnesium chloride, which is the raw material for the production of electrolytic magnesium. There is a developed electrolytic magnesium industry in Qinghai Lake area. The electrolytic magnesium plant can absorb a large amount of renewable energy power in situ and transfer electric energy to magnesium. Magnesium is a light metal with stable chemical properties, non-toxic and harmless. Large-scale transportation of magnesium is economical and safe. Magnesium is transported to Eastern China to produce hydrogen through the reaction of magnesium with water, and magnesium oxide is formed. This reaction can be carried out under high pressure, thus directly obtaining high pressure hydrogen products, saving the power consumption of hydrogen gas compression. Magnesium oxide is converted into magnesium carbonate by absorbing carbon dioxide, which is a safe, permanent and stable carbon sequestration method. The above hydrogen production and carbon sequestration reactions are exothermic reactions, which can be coupled to thermal power plants. Therefore, the energy conversion and carbon sequestration system with magnesium as the carrier is helpful to energy balance between regions and reduce carbon emissions, and has very good comprehensive benefits.