Edward Rode

On the modelling of multidisciplinary electrochemical systems with application on the electrochemical conversion of CO2 to formate/formic acid

Abstract This paper presents a model-based approach on the analysis of complex multidisciplinary electrochemical processes, with implementation on a reactor for the electrochemical conversion of CO2 to formate/formic acid. The process is regarded as a system of interacting physical and electrochemical mechanisms. A process model is developed by combining individual mathematical sub-models of the mechanisms, organised at groups of compartments following the physical process structure. This approach results in a generic reconfigurable model that can be used as a part of integrated systems, and to test design modifications. The approach is demonstrated on an electrochemical cell, where CO2 is converted to formate/formic acid. The model captures the molar transportation under electric field, the two-phase flow effects, and the key electrochemical reactions. The model is calibrated and validated against experimental data obtained from a continuous flow cell. The key parameters affecting the process performance are discussed through scale-up analysis.

Energy Storage Via Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 Into Specialty Chemicals

There is significant interest in technologies that reduce or mitigate greenhouse gases in the atmosphere because of their contribution to climate change. In addition, concerns for energy security are linked to political, environmental, and economic factors that threaten supply of hydrocarbon sources for fuels and the petrochemical feedstock that support the production of plastics, fertilizers, and chemical supply chains. With these climate and energy security concerns, there is a need for technologies that can economically address both issues. In addition, with increased integration of renewable energy systems into the grid, there are major concerns about grid instability and the need for energy storage. Significant research is being done on both topics, but there is a need to more efficiently transmit and use energy (which is the focus of the Smart Grid initiatives) as well as store energy for future use. Electrochemical conversion of CO2 to useful products will be discussed including analyses of the energy and carbon balances required for the process, the value of the end use chemicals as energy storage media, and the energy density of the end use chemicals compared to other energy storage technologies.Copyright