Abstract: A system for producing fixed nitrogen products includes a header coupled to one or more plasma torch reactors. The plasma torch reactors receive input gases and generate (e.g., using microwave energy) a plasma and resulting reactive nitrogen species. The reactive nitrogen species oxidize within the header, resulting in a product stream. In certain implementations, the product stream is transported to an absorption unit for conversion into the fixed nitrogen products. Certain implementations include cooling, supplemental fluid, and other systems to vary and enhance production of fixed nitrogen products and operation of the system.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve a power supply circuit for powering a plasma reactor and more specifically initiating and maintain a plasma therein, and that can operate with power from an intermittent power source. The power supply may include an auxiliary-power supply or trigger circuit, in addition to a primary-power supply circuit, which can reduce the need for high-voltage equipment in the high-power section of the power supply. In one particular use, the power supply includes a high-voltage power output that may be used for generating a plasma between electrodes, for example, in a nitrogen-fixation plasma system. The power supply circuit may provide the flexibility to power a plasma reactor using an intermittent power source, such as solar, wind, and/or a periodic low-cost power grid, while reducing wasteful power conditioning, lowering the cost of operation, and increasing the efficiency of chemical production from the renewable energy.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve a gliding-arc type plasma reactor for use in nitrogen-based fertilizer production. The plasma reactor may include a pair of electrodes oriented in a plane within an enclosure. A pair of sheaths may attach to a corresponding electrode, with each included a strike point surface oriented to face the other sheath. The electrodes may further include an inner channel through which a cooling fluid may be pumped for heat control. A gas injection system may also be included to inject a gas into the chamber for interacting with the plasma arc and may or may not include an adjustable nozzle. The nozzle may direct air flow, including the gas, at a location at which the plasma arc may occur. The device provides for a long lifetime of components within the device and easy replacement and maintenance of the components of high-wear items.

Abstract: A method of ammonia production is provided that includes holding a nitrate source in an electrolyte solution, using a reaction chamber, reducing the nitrate into ammonia or ammonium, whereby producing water or hydroxide ions, using a cathode in the reaction chamber, oxidizing the water or hydroxide ions into protons and oxygen or water and oxygen, using an anode in the reaction chamber, and separating the ammonia and the ammonium from the reaction chamber, using an ammonia and ammonium output.

Abstract: An electro-thermochemical cycling system for producing ammonia is provided that includes a reaction chamber having a metal compound input port, an anode suitable for oxidation in contact with the metal compound and configured for oxidation of hydroxide ions to water and oxygen, a cathode suitable for plating in contact with the metal compound and configured to electrolyze the metal compound to metal, a voltage source connecting the cathode and anode, a nitrogen port to the reaction chamber that combines nitrogen with the electrolyzed metal on the cathode to form a metal-nitrogen compound proximal to the nitrogen input, an atomic hydrogen port to the reaction chamber that combines with the metal-nitrogen compound to form ammonia, and an ammonia output port from the reaction chamber, where a metal compound input port inputs the metal compound to the reaction chamber according to a depletion rate of the metal compound in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: An electro-thermochemical cycling system for producing ammonia is provided that includes a reaction chamber having a metal compound input port, an anode suitable for oxidation in contact with the metal compound and configured for oxidation of hydroxide ions to water and oxygen, a cathode suitable for plating in contact with the metal compound and configured to electrolyze the metal compound to metal, a voltage source connecting the cathode and anode, a nitrogen port to the reaction chamber that combines nitrogen with the electrolyzed metal on the cathode to form a metal-nitrogen compound proximal to the nitrogen input, an atomic hydrogen port to the reaction chamber that combines with the metal-nitrogen compound to form ammonia, and an ammonia output port from the reaction chamber, where a metal compound input port inputs the metal compound to the reaction chamber according to a depletion rate of the metal compound in the reaction chamber.