Method and device for energy conversion

Abstract

A method and a device for conversion of energy are proposed, in which a hydrocarbon-containing energy source is burned in a combustion space (12) in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere and the generated heat is transmitted to a steam power plant circuit (60). Flue gas (104), which is formed in the combustion of the hydrocarbon-containing energy source, is cooled in a direct-contact cooler (20) in direct contact with a water-containing coolant flow (138).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to a method for conversion of energy in which a hydrocarbon-containing energy source is burned in a combustion space in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere and the generated heat is transmitted to a steam power plant circuit.[0002]Furthermore, the invention relates to an apparatus or device for conversion of energy with a combustion space for combustion of a hydrocarbon-containing energy source in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere and a steam power plant circuit that is energy-coupled to the combustion space for use of the heat that has been generated in the combustion space.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]So-called oxyfuel power plant methods are known. In them, a hydrocarbon-containing energy source is burned not in a normal air atmosphere, but rather in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere or even in almost pure oxygen. A flue gas that is formed during combustion then consists mainly of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor in the ideal case.[0004...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a method and device or apparatus for converting energy from an oxyfuel power plant process. The method and device are designed to be economical and efficient in using the flue gas exhaust heat. The technical effect is to allow for the effective utilization of wasted energy, reducing energy waste and costs.

Problems solved by technology

One disadvantage of the known oxyfuel method consists in that the flue gas is present at relatively low temperatures so that the condensation of water out of the flue gas takes place at relatively low temperatures (less than 150° C.).

Due to the low temperature, the energy content of this heat, therefore the usable portion of the heat, is relatively low.

This leads to degraded process efficiency.

One problem in this use of the energy of the flue gas, however, consists in that in reality, the flue gas, in contrast to the idealized model, contains not only carbon dioxide and water, but also a plurality of other components, such as, for example, sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides that are soluble in water.

In addition, with rising pressure, the solubility of carbon dioxide in water rises.

Due to the high pressures, the high temperatures, a large amount of heat to be transferred, and the acid water solution, the demands on the flue gas condensation heat exchanger are high.

These demands can so far be managed only with a very high technical effort that is associated with correspondingly high costs.

Another disadvantage of the known approach consists in that the available condensation heat of the flue gas is greater than the heat that is required for heating the feed water.

The condensation heat can therefore not be completely integrated into the method and used so that the theoretical potential for improvement that exists cannot be completely exhausted.

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