Installation Case: Direct Air Capture & Power-to-X — CO2 to Fuel Unit (2021)
The Client:
Wärtsila, (TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies In The World 2023). The system was installed in the Finland Pavilion of Expo 2020 Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Users:
Expo 2020 Dubai attendees who are keen on exploring groundbreaking technologies.
Background:
Soletair Power, Wärtsilä, and Q-Power revealed this Power-to-X or P2X demonstration unit at Expo 2020 Dubai. This unit demonstrated making synthetic fuel out of thin air inside the Finland pavilion. The P2X demonstration unit uses cutting-edge technology to capture CO2 from the air inside the pavilion and then combines the carbon dioxide with hydrogen produced through water-electrolysis. Hydrogen and carbon dioxide are then converted to synthetic natural gas through a bio-methanation process. The produced fuel powered a coffee machine onsite and served the visitors coffee brewed using a fuel made out of thin air. Capturing CO2 indoors also improves the quality of the air.
This P2X demo unit does three things:
- Captures the GHG CO2 from the air utilizing DAC technology.
- Produces synthetic fuel from the CO2 captured from ambient air utilizing P2X technology.
- Improves human well-being as indoor CO2 is proven to affect human decision-making capability.
Pain Points:
Finland pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai sought to:
- Develop a groundbreaking technology that captures CO2 directly from the ambient air.
- Showcase the fusion of sustainability and advanced technology through a functional application.
- Illustrate Power-to-X (P2X) through the transformation of CO2 and hydrogen into carbon-neutral synthetic methane fuel.
- Demonstrate the practical implications of producing energy from unconventional sources.
Solution:
Soletair Power, Q-Power and Wärtsilä Corporation collaborate to unveil a P2X demonstration unit that captures CO2 from the air and seamlessly combines it with hydrogen obtained through water electrolysis. This synergy serves as the foundation for the creation of synthetic methane fuel, exemplifying clean and carbon-neutral energy production. A novel approach to environmental well-being and sustainable innovation, the demonstration unit redefines the potential of Power-to-X technology.
Technical Specifications of the Unit:
- Dimensions: 5m x 1.2m x 3m (Length x Width x Height)
- Carbon Storage Capability: YES (Gas)
- Fuel Production: YES (Synthetic Methane)
- Fuel Production Capacity: 0.5 kg synthetic methane/day
- Carbon Capture Capacity: 1.5 kg/day
- Purity of Desorbed CO2: 99.7%
- Delivery Period: 9-12 months
- Installation Time: 2 hours
- Control Area: Siemens SIMATIC HMI Panels
Key Benefits:
The P2X demonstration unit demonstrated a holistic solution toward sustainability:
- Environmental Enhancement: By capturing CO2 from indoor air, the unit contributes to improving air quality, promoting a healthier environment.
- Synthetic Methane Fuel: The process of biomethanation transforms captured CO2 into carbon-neutral synthetic methane fuel, powering real-world applications like a coffee machine.
- Expo 2020 Dubai Showcase: The debut of the demonstration unit at the Finland Pavilion positions Wärtsilä and Soletair Power as the trailblazers in sustainable energy innovation, captivating Expo attendees and fostering positive change.
How it works:
For more information about this Power-to-X demo Unit, please visit https://www.soletairpower.fi/expo-2020-dubai-power-to-x/.
