Gas generation module

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas generation module for obtaining gas from carbon-containing fuel, wherein: the gas generation module has a reactor module; the reactor module encloses a reactor cavity; the gas generation module has at least one fuel supply; the gas generation module has a product gas outlet; the gas generation module has a combustion product discharge unit; the gas generation module is designed to convert fuel into product gas and combustion product; the combustion product discharge unit has a screw, a spindle or a spiral in order to transport the combustion product out of the reactor cavity; inside the reactor module no separation element is provided, and therefore fuel and combustion product are not mechanically separated by means of a separation element inside the reactor module.

Description

[0001] "Gas generation module"

[0002] State of the art

[0003] Gas generators for producing fuel gas from a fuel are known.

[0004] Known gas generators have a reactor into which fuel can be fed. The gas generators also include a gasification medium feed. The gasification medium feed is designed to supply a gasification medium, such as air or steam. The aim of these different variants of gasification medium feed is to achieve the most homogeneous gasification area possible in the interior of the reactor in order to convert the fuel fed in from above into fuel gas.

[0005] The fuel, converted into a combustion product—usually ash, coke, or slag—during the gasification process, flows by gravity into the lower section of the gas generator. In conventional gas generators, the combustion product is separated from the fuel by a grid or grate. The combustion product is then mechanically removed by opening the reactor.

[0006] The disadvantage of these known gas generators is that they are designed for a gas output of up to approximately 1 MW and are not intended for continuous operation. Instead, maintenance intervals must be planned during which the gas generator is switched off to remove the ash or residues. Object and advantages of the invention

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing an improved gas generator which, in particular, has a higher gas output compared to known gas generators and / or which has an improved combustion product discharge unit, by means of which gas generators according to the invention can be realized with a comparatively higher gas output, which in particular have comparatively longer maintenance intervals.

[0008] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0009] Advantageous and expedient embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention is based on a gas generation module for obtaining gas from carbon-containing fuel, wherein the gas generation module has a reactor module, wherein the reactor module encloses a reactor cavity, wherein the gas generation module has at least one fuel feed, wherein the gas generation module has at least one product gas outlet, wherein the gas generation module has at least one fuel product discharge unit, wherein the gas generation module is designed to convert fuel into product gas and fuel product, wherein the fuel product discharge unit has a screw, a spindle or a spiral in order to transport the fuel product away from the reactor cavity, wherein no separation element is present within the reactor module, so that no mechanical separation of fuel and fuel product by a separation element takes place within the reactor module.

[0011] For example, the fuel contains a biomass component. For example, the biomass is wood, wood chips, and / or grass. For example, the fuel contains carbon-containing feedstocks. It is also conceivable that the fuel or a portion of the fuel consists of industrial waste, such as paper, cardboard, wood, and / or similar materials. For example, the fuel contains a portion of sewage sludge, plastics, straw, and / or digestate.

[0012] It is conceivable that the fuel is in the form of pellets. For example, the pellets are in the shape of pellets or briquettes. For example, the pellets are cylindrical. It is conceivable that the pellets have external dimensions between 4 mm and 60 mm, e.g., between 6 mm and 50 mm. The use of pellets with smaller or larger diameters is also conceivable, but would be comparatively inefficient.

[0013] For example, the gas generation module has at least one supply unit for a gasification medium, wherein the supply unit has at least one supply pipe, wherein the supply pipe is arranged on the reactor module such that the gasification medium can be supplied into the reactor cavity via the supply pipe in the direction of gravity, wherein the supply unit has an outlet element, wherein the outlet element has at least two outlet openings through which the gasification medium can enter the reactor cavity, wherein the at least two outlet openings, starting from the supply pipe, have different distances from the longitudinal axis of the supply pipe in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the supply pipe. For example, the supply pipe is arranged on the top side of the reactor module.

[0014] For example, an outlet opening is provided as a bore and / or an opening on the outlet element. It is conceivable that the outlet opening has a nozzle. It is conceivable that the outlet opening is designed as a nozzle. For example, an outlet opening is provided on the outlet element in such a way that the gasification medium can exit from the interior of the outlet element through the outlet opening into the interior of the reactor cavity. It is further conceivable that each outlet opening is provided on the outlet element in such a way that the gasification medium can exit from the interior of the outlet element through the outlet opening into the interior of the reactor cavity.

[0015] For example, the outlet element has a circular cross-section. It is also proposed that the outlet element be movable in a vertical direction. This makes it possible to regulate the gasification process. For example, the outlet element can be moved towards the underside or away from the underside. For example, the outlet element can be moved together with the feed pipe. For example, a feed pipe is connected to an outlet element in a gas-tight manner.

[0016] It is also proposed that the feed unit comprise two or more feed pipes spaced apart from one another in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axes of the feed pipes. This allows for a comparatively refined control of the feed of the gasification medium into the interior of the reactor module. For example, two or more feed pipes are connected to the same outlet element.

[0017] It is also proposed that two, three, or more outlet elements be provided, and that the outlet elements be spaced apart from one another. For example, each supply pipe is connected to one of the outlet elements.

[0018] It is conceivable for the feed unit to have two or more outlet elements, each group of two or more feed pipes being connected to one of the outlet elements. It is conceivable for two or more outlet elements to be spaced apart from one another in a plane transverse to the longitudinal extent of the feed pipes. However, it is also conceivable for two of the outlet elements to be spaced apart from one another in a direction along the longitudinal extent of the feed pipes. This comparatively improves the gasification process.

[0019] For example, the feed unit has a plurality of feed pipes, each of the plurality of feed pipes being movably mounted on the upper side of the reactor module. It is conceivable for the feed unit to have a guide element, the plurality of feed pipes being connected to the guide element, such that a positioning of the feed pipes relative to one another, e.g. a spacing of the feed pipes relative to one another, can be predetermined by the guide element. For example, a positioning of the plurality of feed pipes in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axes of the feed pipes can be predetermined by the guide element.

[0020] The gasification medium, for example, contains a proportion of air, a proportion of oxygen, and / or a proportion of water vapor. It is also conceivable that the gasification medium contains other substances or elements. For example, the composition of the gasification medium is tailored to the fuel and the gas generation module. It is conceivable that the composition of the gasification medium can be adjusted during a gasification process.

[0021] For example, the combustion product is created by the thermochemical gasification of the fuel in the reactor module. For example, the combustion product is present as a solid. For example, the combustion product is coke or coal. For example, the combustion product is the ash created by the thermochemical gasification. It is conceivable that the combustion product has external dimensions between 1 micrometer and 60mm, e.g. between 1 micrometer and 50mm. It is conceivable that the combustion product is a mixture of ash and particles, pieces and / or pieces.

[0022] For example, the gas generation module is present as a wood gasifier. For example, the gas generation module is designed as a co-current gasifier. For example, the fuel supply is formed on the top side of the reactor module. For example, the fuel supply comprises a lock system by means of which fuel can be introduced into the interior of the reactor module. It is conceivable that the lock system is designed in such a way that when fuel is introduced into the interior, an airtight seal of the reactor module to the outside is ensured. The lock system of the fuel supply ensures a reliable gasification process inside the reactor module even while further fuel is being fed into the interior of the reactor module.For example, by designing the fuel supply at the top of the reactor module, gravity can be used to transport the fuel from top to bottom through the reactor cavity.

[0023] It is also conceivable that a level sensor is present on the reactor module to determine the fuel level inside the reactor module. This can ensure a continuous gasification process of the fuel inside the reactor module.

[0024] For example, the reactor module has a top side, a bottom side and a reactor shell. It is conceivable that the top side, the bottom side and the reactor shell are connected to one another. For example, the top side, the bottom side and the reactor shell are connected to one another in an airtight and / or gas-tight manner. For example, the reactor shell is designed to be continuously closed around its circumference. It is conceivable that the reactor shell continuously encloses the reactor cavity around its circumference. For example, the reactor module has an upper reactor module region and a lower reactor module region.

[0025] For example, the reactor shell does not have any openings through which reaction elements, e.g. a gasification medium or a fuel, can enter the interior of the reactor module or exit the reactor module from the interior. However, it is conceivable that the reactor shell has one or more mounting openings in order to attach sensors to the reactor shell, e.g. a fill level and / or a temperature sensor. It is conceivable that several fill level and / or temperature sensors are present. For example, the mounting openings are designed to be gas-tight, so that both when a sensor is arranged at the mounting opening and when no sensor is arranged at the mounting opening, the reactor shell and in particular the mounting openings are designed to be gas-tight and thus completely closed across their entire circumference.For example, there may be between 1 and 50 temperature sensors, between 2 and 40 temperature sensors, between 4 and 30 temperature sensors, or between 10 and 20 temperature sensors. It is conceivable that there may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, or 50 temperature sensors.

[0026] It is conceivable that the gas generation module has at least one product gas outlet for product gas and / or combustion products. For example, the gas generation module has two, three, or more product gas outlets. This allows for more homogeneous reaction zones to be realized in the reactor module. For example, the product gas outlet is formed on the top side of the reactor module. However, it is also conceivable that the product gas outlet is located on the bottom side. It is conceivable that the gas generation module has an induced draft system to extract the product gas and / or combustion product from the interior of the reactor module. For example, the induced draft system has a suction fan.

[0027] For example, the product gas is the gas produced during the thermochemical gasification of carbon-containing feedstocks, which is also called syngas, for example. For example, the product gas and / or fuel product is a synthesis gas. For example, the fuel product discharge unit is arranged in the lower reactor module area, wherein the fuel product discharge unit is arranged on the reactor module in such a way that the fuel product discharge unit can transport the fuel product out of the reactor module in the lower reactor module area. For example, the fuel product discharge unit is formed on the underside. It is conceivable that the fuel product discharge unit is designed to transport a mixture or blend of fuel and fuel product out of the reactor module.

[0028] It is conceivable that two, three, or more fuel product discharge units are present. This allows for a comparatively improved discharge of the fuel product from the reactor module.

[0029] For example, the fuel product discharge unit is designed on the underside as an ash discharge unit or coal discharge unit. For example, the fuel product discharge unit has a screw conveyor with the screw or a spindle conveyor with the spindle. For example, the fuel product discharge unit is present as a screw conveyor or as a spindle conveyor. It is conceivable that the fuel product discharge unit comprises an airtight lock system by means of which the ash and / or coal produced from the fuel inside the reactor module during the gasification process can be discharged from the reactor module. The lock system of the fuel product discharge unit ensures a reliable gasification process inside the reactor module even during discharge of ash from the interior of the reactor module.

[0030] It is further proposed that no separation element in the form of a grid and / or grate be formed within the reactor module, so that no mechanical separation of fuel and combustion product by a grid and / or grate takes place within the reactor module. This facilitates the removal of combustion products from the reactor module. For example, no separation element is present in the reactor cavity, starting from the top in a direction along a longitudinal extension of the feed pipes to the bottom of the reactor module.

[0031] The gas generation module does not have a separation element in the form of a grate or screen, so that no mechanical separation of fuel and combustion product by a separation element takes place within the reactor module. In particular, the gas generation module is not designed to realize a particularly automatic separation of fuel and combustion product inside the reactor module, in the reactor cavity. For example, the gas generation module is designed such that fuel can fall from the fuel feed to the reactor floor, so that the fuel lies directly on the reactor floor. For example, the reactor cavity is not divided by the separation element. For example, the reactor cavity is not divided by the separation element into a reaction chamber and an ash chamber.

[0032] This means that there is no separation of the combustion product, e.g. ash, from the fuel, e.g. pellets, within the reactor module. Also, there is no separation of larger combustion products, e.g. larger particles or elements which were not fully utilized, e.g. burned or gasified, within the reactor module, from smaller combustion products, such as ash. For example, smaller elements or particles, in particular of the combustion product, fall downwards towards the underside of the reactor module due to gravity and existing gaps between the larger fuel pieces and thereby collect in the area of ​​the underside of the reactor module. For example, a mixture of combustion product and fuel forms in the area of ​​the underside of the reactor module due to the gasification of the fuel and the continuous discharge of material from the reactor module by the combustion product discharge unit, for example.Ideally, after the initial filling of the gas generator, the proportion of fuel in the mixture becomes smaller and smaller with increasing reaction time until the proportion approaches zero, since ideally the fuel is completely gasified during the reaction.

[0033] It is also proposed that the reactor module have a reactor base, the reactor base defining the reactor cavity at the bottom, and the gas generation module be designed such that fuel and / or combustion product can fall directly onto the reactor base. This allows for longer maintenance intervals.

[0034] It is also proposed that the combustion product discharge unit include the product gas outlet. This can facilitate combustion product discharge and, for example, extend the maintenance interval.

[0035] For example, larger particles can be removed from the reactor module by the screw, spindle, or spiral of the fuel product discharge unit. It is also conceivable that by connecting the product gas outlet to the fuel product discharge unit, smaller fuel product particles, such as ash, can be extracted through the fuel product discharge unit along with the product gas outlet. It is also conceivable that the ash is separated from the product gas in a downstream step.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment of the gas generation module, the screw or spindle of the fuel product discharge unit has a hollow shaft, so that the product gas outlet is realized through the hollow space in the shaft. This makes it possible to achieve a comparatively compact design of the gas generation module. For example, the screw, the spiral or the spindle has a hollow shaft. It is further proposed that the screw, the spiral or the spindle of the fuel product discharge unit is surrounded by a double-walled tube in which the screw or the spindle is arranged, the product gas outlet being realized by means of the hollow space in the double-walled tube. This makes it possible to achieve a comparatively larger cross-section for the product gas outlet. It is conceivable that this makes it possible to achieve a comparatively compact design of the gas generation module.

[0037] It is also proposed that the fuel product discharge unit and the product gas outlet be arranged at a distance from one another on the reactor module. This simplifies the gas generation module, particularly with regard to maintenance.

[0038] For example, the combustion product discharge unit and the product gas outlet are spaced apart from each other on the bottom. For example, the combustion product discharge unit and the product gas outlet are located opposite each other on the bottom.

[0039] It is also proposed that the fuel product discharge unit and / or the product gas outlet be formed in the region of the reactor floor on the reactor module. For example, the product gas outlet is arranged in the lower reactor module area. It is conceivable that such an arrangement would allow for a comparatively simple simultaneous discharge of fuel products through the product gas outlet.

[0040] It is conceivable that the combustion product discharge unit, due to its design with a spindle, screw, or spindle, is relatively difficult to discharge smaller combustion product particles, such as ash, from the reactor module. For this reason, the combustion product discharge unit must additionally have an extraction system, or the additional extraction can be realized, for example, through the product gas outlet. It is conceivable that the combustion product discharge unit has an extraction system.

[0041] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a power plant or a gas generation plant with one, for example with several gas generation modules according to one of the aforementioned embodiments. For example, the power plant is designed to convert the product gas generated and / or the combustion product generated into heat and / or electricity. For example, the power plant is designed as a combined heat and power plant. For example, the power plant has an engine and / or a turbine for converting the product gas generated and / or the combustion product generated into heat and / or electricity. For example, the gas generation plant is designed to feed the product gas generated with the gas generation module and / or the combustion product generated directly into a gas network. It is also conceivable that the gas generation plant is designed to separate hydrogen from the product gas generated or from the combustion product generated.

[0042] Character description

[0043] Several embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to the following drawings, giving further details and advantages.

[0044] They show :

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a gas generation module with associated gas cooler;

[0046] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of another gas generation module with associated gas cooler;

[0047] Figure 1 shows a gas generation module 1 which is connected to a gas cooler 3 via a fuel product discharge unit 2.

[0048] The gas generation module 1 comprises a reactor module 4 with a reactor cavity 5. A feed unit 7 with feed pipes 8, 9, 10 is arranged on a top side 6 of the reactor module 4. At one end, the feed pipes 8, 9, 10 are connected to an outlet element 11 inside the reactor module. Outlet openings 12 are provided on the outlet element 11.

[0049] It is conceivable that the reactor cavity 5 is designed in a funnel shape towards the underside 13 of the reactor module 4 and tapers towards the reactor bottom 17.

[0050] In the area of ​​the underside 13 there is formed a fuel product discharge unit 2 which has, for example, a spindle 14. With the spindle 14 it is conceivable that the fuel product or a mixture of fuel product and fuel is discharged from the reactor chamber. It is conceivable that the fuel product discharge unit 2 is designed to discharge the fuel product or the mixture continuously or at regular intervals. It is also conceivable that a product gas outlet 15 is present on the fuel product discharge unit 2 or that the fuel product discharge unit 2 comprises the product gas outlet 15. It is conceivable that the fuel product discharge unit has a blower 16 in order to discharge the product gas (not shown).

[0051] It is further conceivable that the product gas is fed to a gas cooler 3 via the fuel product discharge unit 2. In the gas cooler 3, the product gas is, for example, cooled and / or processed. It is also conceivable that in the gas cooler 3, the product gas is separated from ash-like fuel, which is also sucked away by the fan 16.

[0052] On the top side 6 of the reactor module 4 there is a

[0053] Fuel feed 23 is formed. Starting from the fuel feed 23 or starting from the top 6, there is no separation element within the reactor module 4 up to the bottom 13 or up to the reactor bottom 17. This means that fuel which is fed via the fuel feed 23 can fall directly onto the reactor bottom 17 if the reactor cavity 5 is empty. Within the reactor module 4, there is no separation or subdivision of the reactor cavity 5 by a separation element into a reaction chamber and an ash chamber.

[0054] Figure 2 shows a further gas generation module 18 which is connected to a gas cooler 20 via a fuel product discharge unit 19.

[0055] The gas generation module 18 according to Figure 2 differs, for example, from the gas generation module 1 according to Figure 1 in that the product gas outlet 21 is not arranged on the fuel product discharge unit 19, but is arranged at a distance from it on the gas generation module 18. It is conceivable here that the fuel product discharge unit 19 and the product gas outlet 21 are arranged at a distance in a height direction, along a longitudinal axis L of the feed pipes, on the gas generation module 18. However, it is also conceivable that the fuel product discharge unit 19 and the product gas outlet 21 are arranged at the same height on the gas generation module 18 (not shown), for example opposite one another.

[0056] However, it is also conceivable that the product gas outlet 21 is connected to the gas cooler 20 and product gas from the gas generation module 18 is supplied to the gas cooler 20 via the product gas outlet 21, and that the combustion product discharge unit 19 is connected to the gas cooler 20. It is conceivable that product gas is also discharged via the discharge of combustion product by the combustion product discharge unit 19 and is supplied to the gas cooler 20.

[0057] It is also conceivable that combustion product, which is supplied to the gas cooler 20 through the product gas outlet 21 with the product gas and which is separated from the product gas in the gas cooler 20, is supplied to the combustion product discharge unit 19 via an outlet 22, so that the combustion product can be transported further through the combustion product discharge unit 19.

[0058] Reference symbol list

[0059] 1 gas generation module

[0060] 2 Combustion product discharge unit

[0061] 3 gas coolers

[0062] 4 reactor module

[0063] 5 Reactor cavity

[0064] 6 Top

[0065] 7 Feed unit

[0066] 8 supply pipes

[0067] 9 supply pipes

[0068] 10 supply pipes

[0069] 11 Outlet element

[0070] 12 outlet openings

[0071] 13 Subpage

[0072] 14 spindle

[0073] 15 Product gas outlet

[0074] 16 fans

[0075] 17 Reactor floor

[0076] 18 Gas generation module

[0077] 19 Combustion product discharge unit

[0078] 20 gas coolers

[0079] 21 Product gas outlet

[0080] 22 Outlet

[0081] 23 Fuel supply

Claims

Claims 1. Gas generation module (1, 18) for obtaining gas from carbon-containing fuel, wherein the gas generation module (1, 18) has a reactor module (4), wherein the reactor module (4) encloses a reactor cavity (5), wherein the gas generation module (1, 18) has at least one fuel supply (23), wherein the gas generation module (1, 18) has a product gas outlet (15, 21), wherein the gas generation module (1, 18) has a fuel product discharge unit (2, 19), wherein the gas generation module (1, 18) is designed to convert fuel into product gas and fuel product, wherein the fuel product discharge unit (2, 19) has a screw, a spindle (14) or a spiral in order to transport the fuel product out of the reactor cavity (5), wherein no separation element is present within the reactor module (4), so that no mechanical Separation of fuel and combustion product takes place through a separation element within the reactor module (4).

2. Gas generation module (1, 18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that no separation element in the form of a grid and / or in the form of a grate is formed within the reactor module (4), so that no mechanical separation of fuel and combustion product by a grid and / or a grate takes place within the reactor module (4).

3. Gas generation module (1, 18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reactor module (4) has a reactor base (17), wherein the reactor base (17) delimits the reactor cavity (5) at the bottom, wherein the gas generation module (1, 18) is designed such that fuel and / or combustion product can fall directly onto the reactor base (17).

4. Gas generation module (1, 18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Combustion product discharge unit (2, 19) comprises the product gas outlet (15, 21).

5. Gas generation module (1, 18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screw or spindle of the fuel product discharge unit (2, 19) has a hollow shaft, so that the product gas outlet (15, 21) is realized through the hollow space of the shaft.

6. Gas generation module (1, 18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screw or spindle of the fuel product discharge unit (2, 19) is surrounded by a double-walled tube in which the screw or spindle is arranged, the product gas outlet (15, 21) being realized by means of the hollow space of the double-walled tube.

7. Gas generation module (1, 18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fuel product discharge unit (2, 19) and the product gas outlet (15, 21) are arranged at a distance from one another on the reactor module (4).

8. Gas generation module (1, 18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fuel product discharge unit (2, 19) and / or the product gas outlet (15, 21) is formed in the region of the reactor bottom (17) on the reactor module (4).

9. Power plant or gas generation plant with a gas generation module (1, 18) according to one of the preceding claims.

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