Start Up Aircela claims to make Petrol from thin air in New York
In the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, innovative technologies are emerging to address the challenges posed by carbon emissions. Enter: Aircela.
One such advancement is the development of compact energy systems capable of converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) into usable fuels. Aircela’s “fridge-sized energy machine” exemplifies this innovation, utilizing the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction to transform CO₂ into carbon monoxide (CO), a precursor for synthetic fuels (visit their website).
They are not the first to do this Porsche are at the forefront of the global efforts to produce renewable fuels, as demonstrated by Porsche’s investment in synthetic eFuels, and of course there is Maersk who are looking to go renewable with their new fleet of super container vessels.
What is new though is that this particular beastie can be installed at home which is absolutely great if you are living off grid, but just think about the possibilities of having you very-own oil well n your backyard.
It is in fact quite old technology, the Reverse Water-Gas Shift Reaction was used during world war two to generate fuel for the German war effort but was first described as long back as 1780, according to my old research mate Wikipedia
The RWGS reaction is a chemical process that converts CO₂ and hydrogen (H₂) into CO and water (H₂O):
This reaction is pivotal in various industrial applications, including the production of synthetic fuels and chemicals. By utilizing renewable hydrogen, the RWGS reaction can facilitate the creation of carbon-neutral fuels, thereby reducing reliance on fossil resources.
Aircela’s innovative device, often described as a “fridge-sized energy machine,” employs the RWGS reaction to convert ambient CO₂ into CO. This compact system captures CO₂ from the environment and, through the RWGS process, produces CO, which can then be utilized to synthesize synthetic fuels. Such technologies offer a promising approach to mitigating atmospheric CO₂ levels while simultaneously producing valuable energy carriers.
Porsche has been at the forefront of developing synthetic eFuels, which are produced by capturing CO₂ and combining it with hydrogen derived from renewable sources. In collaboration with partners like Siemens Energy and ExxonMobil, Porsche established the Haru Oni pilot plant in Punta Arenas, Chile. This facility harnesses abundant wind energy to produce synthetic fuels, aiming to reduce CO₂ emissions associated with traditional fossil fuels.
The production process involves capturing CO₂, producing hydrogen through electrolysis, and synthesizing methanol, which is then converted into synthetic gasoline. The resulting eFuels are designed to be compatible with existing internal combustion engines, offering an alternative to the relentless march of the EV evangelists.
Integrating Aircela’s compact CO₂-to-CO conversion technology with Porsche’s eFuels production process could enhance the efficiency and scalability of synthetic fuel production.
By providing a decentralized means of CO₂ capture and conversion, Aircela’s system could supply localized sources of CO, which, when combined with renewable hydrogen, could be synthesized into eFuels. This synergy could accelerate the adoption of sustainable fuels, especially in regions where centralized CO₂ capture infrastructure is lacking.
The development of technologies like Aircela’s compact energy machine and Porsche’s eFuels initiative represents significant strides towards a sustainable energy future. By leveraging the RWGS reaction to convert CO₂ into valuable fuels, these innovations offer practical solutions to reduce carbon emissions and transition away from fossil fuels.
As such technologies mature and scale, they hold the potential to play a crucial role in global efforts to combat climate change and promote energy sustainability.
