Carbon Recycling for Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emission from Iron-making Process

A new energy transformation concept based on carbon recycling, called the Active Carbon Recycling Energy System, ACRES, is discussed. In this system, hydrocarbons are regenerated from carbon dioxide by using a heat source that does not emit carbon dioxide, allowing the hydrocarbons to be re-used cyclically as energy carrier media. The thermodynamic feasibility of ACRES is compared with that of a hydrogen energy system. Carbon monoxide has a higher energy density than hydrogen and is highly compatible with conventional chemical, steel, and high-temperature manufacturing processes. Thus, it is a suitable carbon medium for ACRES. A high-temperature gas type nuclear reactor is a good power source for ACRES. The combination of the nuclear reactor and ACRES with carbon monoxide is expected to form the basis of a new iron-making process that has low carbon dioxide emissions.