Possibility of active carbon recycle energy system

A new energy transformation system based on carbon recycle use was discussed. A concept of an Active Carbon Neutral Energy System (ACRES) was proposed. Carbon dioxide is regenerated artificially into hydrocarbons by using a heat source with non-carbon dioxide emission, and the regenerated hydrocarbon is re-used cyclically as an energy carrier media in ACRES. Feasibility of ACRES was examined thermodynamically in comparison with hydrogen energy system. Carbon monoxide was the most suitable for a recycle carbon media in ACRES because of relatively high energy density in comparison with hydrogen, and high acceptability to conventional chemical, steel and high-temperature manufacturing industries. A high-temperature gas reactor was a good power source for ACRES. ACRES with carbon monoxide as recycle media was expected to be one of the efficient energy utilisation systems for the reactor. (author)