There are a few interesting "takes" to be made on this United States Patent for Coal conversion technology.
First, we remind you, without citing the reference, that we at one time reported on a serious proposal which had been made, to "stockpile" off-peak electric power that was being generated by continuously-operating fossil fuel power plants, by using the spare electricity to convert some of the Coal, and some of the off-gasses, into Methanol, which could be stored and then later burned for extra generating capacity during periods of high demand.
Here, we see a somewhat related concept from Hawaii, wherein it's described how to convert some of the excess energy they already have, in this case sunshine, into the valuable liquid fuel, Methanol, through a similar technology for converting Coal.
Comment follows very brief excerpts from the enclosed link to, and attached file of:
"United States Patent 4,455,153 - Storing Solar Energy in Synthetic Fuels
Date: June, 1984
Inventor: Douglas Jakahi, Hawaii
Abstract: Processes and apparatus for storing solar energy in synthetic fuels are disclosed. The disclosed processes include the steps of introducing steam and carbonaceous material such as coal ... into a molten gasification medium ... and supplying sufficient solar heat (so that) the carbonaceous material and steam react to produce a synthesis gas ... . ... the synthesis gas ... can be used as a fuel, as a chemical feedstock, or as a raw material in the production of methanol."
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First, we have, yet again, even further confirmation that Steam can be used to hydrogenate a material, such as Coal, which is composed primarily of Carbon, to synthesize hydrocarbons. And, of course, once we have the Methanol, from Coal, as herein, we can convert that Methanol into Gasoline using ExxonMobil's "MTG"(r), methanol-to-gasoline, technology.
Odd, though, isn't it, that such a technology, for converting Coal into liquid fuels, should come from a state where they mine no Coal?
In this case, we guess, it's easier to haul Coal to Hawaii than it is to pipe sunlight up some of those deep, dark West Virginia hollers - both literally, and, when it comes to the Truth of Coal Liquefaction, it is beginning to become somewhat sadly apparent, figuratively.
