Integrated system and method for liquid oxygen and liquid methane

Abstract

This invention discloses a system for the integrated utilization of liquid oxygen and liquid methane, comprising a liquid oxygen component, a liquid methane component, a combustion energy component, a second heat exchanger, an oxygen storage tank component, a methane storage tank component, and a CO2 storage tank component. The inlet end of the combustion energy component is connected to the liquid oxygen component and the liquid methane component. CO2 generated after the liquid oxygen and liquid methane are mixed and combusted in the combustion energy component is input to the inlet end of the second heat exchanger via a pipeline. The liquid oxygen component and the liquid methane component are also connected to the inlet end of the second heat exchanger, and the outlet end of the second heat exchanger is connected to the oxygen storage tank component, the methane storage tank component, and the liquid CO2 storage tank component, respectively. This invention also discloses a method for using the integrated utilization system of liquid oxygen and liquid methane. The beneficial effects of this invention are: carbon capture and zero emissions are achieved; the system has multiple products, high comprehensive utilization rate, and good economic benefits.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an energy utilization method, and more particularly to a comprehensive utilization of liquid oxygen and liquid methane. Background Technology

[0002] Developing clean energy, improving energy efficiency, and achieving the separation and capture of carbon dioxide produced by combustion are important ways to reduce industrial emissions. In the process of energy structure transformation and upgrading, promoting methane capture and efficient utilization helps improve emission reduction effectiveness and reduce emission reduction pressure. Methane is the world's second largest greenhouse gas. Promoting methane use, forcing zero methane emissions, improving the comprehensive utilization efficiency of methane, and promoting the high-end, diversified, and low-carbon development of the methane industry chain are powerful means for the energy sector to achieve green development.

[0003] Methane, recognized as the cleanest fossil fuel on Earth, and possessing excellent properties in terms of cost and safety, has become increasingly important in aerospace, power generation, heating, and chemical industries. It is colorless, odorless, non-toxic, and non-corrosive, producing no air pollution after combustion and releasing a large amount of heat, making it a relatively advanced green energy source. When used in conjunction with liquid oxygen, it achieves oxygen-enriched combustion and can be used in aerospace engines, gas turbine power generation, and large-scale heating systems. Its final products are water and carbon dioxide, causing no environmental pollution. For example, in announcement number CN116025485A, a launch vehicle attitude control propulsion system based on an electric pump and its usage method are described. The liquid oxygen electric pump module draws liquid oxygen from the main liquid oxygen delivery pipe; the liquid oxygen is supplied to the liquid oxygen-methane attitude control engine unit via a liquid oxygen delivery pipeline, then the circulating cooling flow is controlled by a liquid oxygen one-way flow regulating valve, and finally it returns to the liquid oxygen storage tank. The fuel electric pump module draws fuel from the main liquid methane delivery pipe; the fuel is supplied to the liquid oxygen / methane attitude control engine unit via a fuel delivery pipeline, then the circulating cooling flow is controlled by a fuel one-way flow regulating valve, and finally returned to the liquid methane storage tank. This is applicable to the first, second, and upper stages of reusable liquid oxygen / methane launch vehicles, and also to next-generation launch vehicles using liquid oxygen / kerosene or liquid oxygen / liquid hydrogen propellants. For example, publication number CN115853668A describes a liquid oxygen / methane engine and its multiple ignition method, in which the gas generator and thrust chamber are connected to fuel pumps and oxygen pumps for pumping in fuel and liquid oxygen.

[0004] Currently, the mixing and combustion of liquid oxygen and liquid methane is mainly used for engines and power generation, without treating the CO2 produced after combustion. Therefore, it is imperative to separate and capture CO2 after methane combustion.

[0005] Furthermore, liquid oxygen and liquid methane can be used for more than just combustion as kinetic energy; they also have other applications, which are not currently being fully utilized.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive system that can utilize liquid oxygen and liquid methane.

[0007] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is: how to solve the current problem of liquid oxygen and liquid methane and make full use of them.

[0009] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical means:

[0010] A liquid oxygen and liquid methane integrated utilization system includes a liquid oxygen component, a liquid methane component, a combustion energy component, a second heat exchanger, an oxygen storage tank component, a methane gas storage tank component, and a liquid CO2 storage tank component. The inlet end of the combustion energy component is connected to the liquid oxygen component and the liquid methane component. The CO2 generated after the liquid oxygen and liquid methane are mixed and combusted in the combustion energy component is sequentially input into the inlet ends of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger through pipelines. The liquid oxygen component and the liquid methane component are also respectively connected to the inlet end of the second heat exchanger. The outlet end of the second heat exchanger is respectively connected to the oxygen storage tank component, the methane gas storage tank component, and the liquid CO2 storage tank component.

[0011] In this invention, the combustion energy component is a component capable of burning and utilizing liquid oxygen and liquid methane. The energy generated from the combustion of liquid oxygen and liquid methane can be used to provide power, generate electricity, provide heating, etc. Simultaneously, in another path, liquid oxygen, liquid methane, and the resulting CO2 exchange heat in a second heat exchanger to obtain ambient temperature high-pressure oxygen, ambient temperature high-pressure methane gas, and low temperature high-pressure CO2 gas, respectively. The low temperature high-pressure CO2 gas is liquefied and stored in a liquid CO2 storage tank component. The oxygen produced by this system can be used as a medical, respiratory, or chemical raw material; the methane gas can be used as fuel or a chemical raw material; and the liquid CO2 can be used for fire extinguishing, dry ice production, refrigerant, chemical raw material, etc. The liquid CO2 can be evaporated to obtain 99.999% high-purity CO2. Therefore, in the integrated utilization system of the present invention, liquid oxygen and liquid methane achieve oxygen-enriched combustion, and the product CO2 is obtained as liquid CO2 after two heat exchanges and liquefaction, thus realizing carbon capture and zero emissions; the system has multiple products: electricity, oxygen, methane gas, liquid CO2, high-purity gas, heat, and cold energy, with high comprehensive utilization rate and good economic benefits; all products are clean products, which is beneficial to environmental protection.

[0012] Preferably, the outlet end of the liquid oxygen component is connected to the combustion energy component through a first pump-valve assembly. The first pump-valve assembly includes a liquid oxygen booster pump. The outlet end of the liquid oxygen booster pump is divided into two paths: the first path is connected to the combustion energy component, and the second path is connected to the second heat exchanger. Liquid oxygen outlet valves are respectively connected to the first path and the second path.

[0013] Preferably, the liquid oxygen assembly includes a liquid oxygen tank, a liquid oxygen filling pipe, and a liquid oxygen safety pipe, wherein the liquid oxygen filling pipe and the liquid oxygen safety pipe are respectively connected to the liquid oxygen tank.

[0014] Preferably, the outlet end of the liquid methane assembly is connected to the combustion energy assembly via a second pump-valve assembly. The second pump-valve assembly includes a liquid methane booster pump. The outlet end of the liquid methane booster pump is divided into two paths: the first path is connected to the combustion energy assembly, and the second path is connected to the second heat exchanger. Liquid methane outlet valves are respectively connected to the first path and the second path.

[0015] A booster pump is used to achieve high-pressure medium transmission, which is easy to operate and highly efficient. It also avoids the need for multiple compressors, such as those used for tank pressurization and ambient temperature gas compression, thus reducing system complexity. Liquid methane and liquid oxygen are supplied at high pressure, eliminating the need for upstream gas compressors in the gas turbine and reducing the complexity of the gas turbine itself.

[0016] Preferably, the liquid methane assembly includes a liquid methane tank, a liquid methane filling pipe, and a liquid methane safety pipe, wherein the liquid methane filling pipe and the liquid methane safety pipe are respectively connected to the liquid methane tank.

[0017] Preferably, the combustion energy component is one of a gas turbine, a boiler, or an engine. When the combustion energy component is a gas turbine, the gas turbine is connected to a generator.

[0018] It can utilize multiple capabilities.

[0019] Preferably, it also includes a first heat exchanger and a condensate storage tank. CO2 is sequentially input into the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger from the outlet end of the combustion energy component. The first heat exchanger is connected to the condensate storage tank.

[0020] The first heat exchanger exchanges heat with the external medium, transferring the remaining heat to the external medium such as water or air, so that the waste heat can be further utilized. After the CO2 is burned, it is obtained as room temperature and high pressure CO2 after heat exchange in the first heat exchanger. At the same time, condensate is separated and stored in a condensate storage tank. The condensate can be used directly as industrial water or can be treated for domestic use.

[0021] Preferably, the oxygen storage tank assembly includes an oxygen storage tank and an oxygen valve, with the inlet end of the oxygen storage tank connected to the second heat exchanger and the oxygen valve connected to the outlet end of the oxygen storage tank; the methane storage tank assembly includes a methane storage tank and a methane valve, with the inlet end of the methane storage tank connected to the second heat exchanger and the methane valve connected to the outlet end of the methane storage tank; the liquid CO2 storage tank assembly includes a liquid CO2 storage tank and a liquid CO2 valve, with the inlet end of the liquid CO2 storage tank connected to the second heat exchanger and the liquid CO2 valve connected to the outlet end of the liquid CO2 storage tank.

[0022] Preferably, it also includes an evaporation device, and the outlet end of the liquid CO2 storage tank assembly is connected to the evaporation device.

[0023] This invention also discloses a method for using the above-mentioned liquid oxygen and liquid methane integrated utilization system, comprising the following steps:

[0024] S1: Fill the liquid oxygen assembly with liquid oxygen and the liquid methane assembly with liquid methane;

[0025] S2: Control the liquid oxygen component and liquid methane component to simultaneously supply liquid oxygen and liquid methane to the combustion energy component respectively. After the liquid oxygen and liquid methane are mixed and burned in the combustion energy component, they generate kinetic energy and are utilized.

[0026] S3: The CO2 produced after combustion is piped into the first heat exchanger for heat exchange and then enters the second heat exchanger. The liquid oxygen component and the liquid methane component are also fed into the second heat exchanger for heat exchange to obtain room temperature high pressure oxygen, room temperature high pressure methane gas and low temperature high pressure CO2 gas. The room temperature high pressure oxygen is stored in the oxygen storage tank component, the room temperature high pressure methane gas is stored in the methane gas storage tank component, and the low temperature high pressure CO2 gas is liquefied and stored in the liquid CO2 storage tank component.

[0027] The advantages of this invention are:

[0028] (1) In this invention, the combustion energy component is a component that can realize the combustion and utilization of liquid oxygen and liquid methane. The energy generated by the combustion of liquid oxygen and liquid methane can be used to provide power, generate electricity, provide heating, etc. Meanwhile, in another path, liquid oxygen, liquid methane and the CO2 after combustion are exchanged in the second heat exchanger to obtain room temperature high pressure oxygen, room temperature high pressure methane gas and low temperature high pressure CO2 gas respectively. The low temperature high pressure CO2 gas is liquefied and stored in the liquid CO2 storage tank component. The oxygen produced by this system can be used as a medical, respiratory or chemical raw material, the methane gas can be used as fuel or chemical raw material, and the liquid CO2 can be used as fire extinguishing, dry ice production, refrigerant, chemical raw material, etc. The liquid CO2 can be evaporated to obtain 99.999% high purity CO2. Therefore, in the integrated utilization system of the present invention, liquid oxygen and liquid methane achieve oxygen-enriched combustion, and the product CO2 is obtained as liquid CO2 after two heat exchanges and liquefaction, thus realizing carbon capture and zero emissions; the system has multiple products: electricity, oxygen, methane gas, liquid CO2, high-purity gas, heat, and cooling capacity, with high comprehensive utilization rate and good economic benefits; all products are clean products, which is beneficial to environmental protection.

[0029] (2) A booster pump is used to achieve high-pressure medium transmission, which is easy to operate and highly efficient. At the same time, it avoids the use of multiple compressors such as storage tank pressurization and ambient temperature gas compression, reducing system complexity. Liquid methane and liquid oxygen are supplied in a high-pressure state, avoiding the use of gas compressors upstream of the gas turbine, thus reducing the complexity of the gas turbine.

[0030] (3) The combustion energy component is one of a gas turbine, a boiler, or an engine. When the combustion energy component is a gas turbine, the gas turbine is connected to a generator; multiple energy utilization can be achieved.

[0031] (4) The first heat exchanger exchanges heat with the external medium and transfers the remaining heat to the external medium such as water and air, so that the waste heat can be further utilized. After the CO2 is burned, it obtains room temperature and high pressure CO2 after heat exchange in the first heat exchanger. At the same time, condensate is separated and stored in the condensate storage tank. The condensate can be used directly as industrial water or can be treated to be used as domestic water.

[0032] (5) Liquid methane is used as fuel. It has the characteristics of low density, high calorific value, no pollution of products, low price, high coking limit temperature and low viscosity. It is a green high energy storage energy. Compared with methane gas, it has a small storage space, large storage capacity and higher safety at low temperature. Liquid oxygen is used as combustion support. Its oxygen supply purity is high and oxygen-enriched combustion can be achieved. All products are clean products, which are beneficial to environmental protection.

[0033] (6) In the field of interstellar exploration, considering that methane and oxygen exist in large quantities on many planets (such as Titan), or can be produced in large quantities and stored in the form of liquid oxygen and liquid methane for use on Earth, or for generators or other life support systems in interstellar bases. In short, directly utilizing various energy resources in space will be a new model for future space development. Therefore, this invention is particularly suitable for use in energy-independent areas such as large ships, rocket launch or test sites, and future interstellar bases, enabling independent supply of electricity, gas, heat, and cooling.

[0034] (7) This invention can also be used in factories, power plants, and other places to increase system output and improve comprehensive utilization and economic benefits. This invention has a wide range of applications. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated utilization system of liquid oxygen and liquid methane in Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid oxygen and liquid methane integrated utilization system in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0037] Numbering on the map:

[0038] 10. Liquid oxygen assembly; 11. Liquid oxygen tank; 12. Liquid oxygen filling connector; 13. Liquid oxygen filling filter; 14. Liquid oxygen filling valve; 15. Liquid oxygen storage tank pressure relief valve; 16. Liquid oxygen storage tank safety valve;

[0039] 20. Liquid methane assembly; 21. Liquid methane tank; 22. Liquid methane filling connector; 23. Liquid methane filling filter; 24. Liquid methane filling valve; 25. Liquid methane storage tank pressure relief valve; 26. Liquid methane storage tank safety valve; 27. Flame arrester;

[0040] 30. Combustion energy assembly; 31. Gas turbine; 32. Generator;

[0041] 40. First heat exchanger;

[0042] 50. Second heat exchanger;

[0043] 60. Oxygen storage tank assembly; 61. Oxygen storage tank; 62. Oxygen valve;

[0044] 70. Methane gas storage tank assembly; 71. Methane gas storage tank; 72. Methane gas valve;

[0045] 80. CO2 storage tank assembly; 81. Liquid CO2 storage tank; 82. Liquid CO2 valve; 83. Throttling valve; 84. Evaporation device; 85. CO2 liquid outlet valve; 86. CO2 gas outlet valve;

[0046] 90. First pump and valve assembly; 91. Liquid oxygen main outlet valve; 92. Liquid oxygen booster pump; 93. First liquid oxygen outlet valve; 94. Second liquid oxygen outlet valve;

[0047] 100. Second pump and valve assembly; 101. Liquid methane main outlet valve; 102. Liquid methane booster pump; 103. First liquid methane outlet valve; 104. Second liquid methane outlet valve. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0049] Example 1:

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid oxygen and liquid methane integrated utilization system includes a liquid oxygen component 10, a liquid methane component 20, a combustion energy component 30, a first heat exchanger 40, a second heat exchanger 50, an oxygen storage tank component 60, a methane gas storage tank component 70, and a liquid CO2 storage tank component 80. The inlet end of the combustion energy component 30 is connected to both the liquid oxygen component 10 and the liquid methane component 20. The CO2 generated after the liquid oxygen and liquid methane are mixed and combusted in the combustion energy component 30 is sequentially input into the first heat exchanger 40 and the second heat exchanger 50 through pipelines. The liquid oxygen component 10 and the liquid methane component 20 are also connected to the inlet end of the second heat exchanger 50, and the outlet end of the second heat exchanger 50 is connected to the oxygen storage tank component 60, the methane gas storage tank component 70, and the liquid CO2 storage tank component 80, respectively.

[0051] Specifically, the liquid oxygen assembly 10 includes a liquid oxygen tank 11, a liquid oxygen filling pipe, and a liquid oxygen safety pipe, which are respectively connected to the liquid oxygen tank 11. A liquid oxygen filling connector 12 is connected to the end of the liquid oxygen filling pipe for connection to an external cryogenic tanker to fill with liquid oxygen. A liquid oxygen filling filter 13 and a liquid oxygen filling valve 14 are also connected to the liquid oxygen filling pipe. The liquid oxygen filling filter 13 prevents particulate impurities from entering the liquid oxygen tank and avoids flash explosions caused by friction between liquid oxygen and other particulate impurities. The liquid oxygen filling valve 14 controls the filling process. A liquid oxygen tank pressure relief valve 15 and a liquid oxygen tank safety valve 16 are connected to the liquid oxygen installation pipe. The liquid oxygen tank pressure relief valve 15 ensures that the liquid oxygen tank 11 is not overpressurized, and the liquid oxygen tank safety valve 16 is used for automatic pressure relief in case of overpressure in the liquid oxygen tank 11. In addition, a pressure measuring device is installed on the liquid oxygen tank 11 to measure the internal pressure of the liquid oxygen tank 11. When the pressure P1 of the liquid oxygen tank 11 is higher than the safe value, the liquid oxygen tank pressure relief valve 15 is opened to ensure that the liquid oxygen tank is safe and does not exceed the pressure.

[0052] When filling the liquid oxygen tank 11, open the liquid oxygen filling valve 14, and the cryogenic tanker fills the liquid oxygen tank 11 with liquid oxygen through the liquid oxygen filling connector 12. Open the liquid oxygen storage tank pressure relief valve 15 to vent the cold cryogenic oxygen. After filling is completed, close the liquid oxygen filling valve 14 and close the liquid oxygen storage tank pressure relief valve 15.

[0053] The liquid methane assembly 20 includes a liquid methane tank 21, a liquid methane filling pipe, and a liquid methane safety pipe. The liquid methane filling pipe and the liquid methane safety pipe are respectively connected to the liquid methane tank 21. A liquid methane filling connector 22 is connected to the end of the liquid methane filling pipe for connection to an external cryogenic tanker to allow liquid methane to be introduced. A liquid methane filling filter 23 and a liquid methane filling valve 24 are also connected to the liquid methane filling pipe. The liquid methane filling filter 23 prevents particulate impurities from entering the liquid methane tank and avoids flash explosions caused by friction between liquid methane and other particulate impurities. A liquid methane tank pressure relief valve 25 and a liquid methane tank safety valve 26 are connected to the liquid methane installation pipe. The liquid methane tank pressure relief valve 25 ensures that the liquid methane tank 21 is not overpressurized, and the liquid methane tank safety valve 26 is used for automatic pressure relief in case of overpressure in the liquid methane tank 21. In addition, a pressure measuring device is installed on the liquid methane tank 21 to measure the internal pressure of the liquid methane tank 21. When the pressure P4 of the liquid methane tank 21 is higher than the safe value, the pressure relief valve 25 of the liquid methane storage tank is opened to ensure that the liquid methane storage tank is not over-pressurized. A flame arrester 27 is installed at the end of the venting pipeline of the liquid methane tank 21 to prevent external flames from entering and to ensure system safety.

[0054] When filling the liquid methane tank 21, open the liquid methane filling valve 24, and the cryogenic tanker fills the liquid methane tank 21 with liquid methane through the liquid methane filling connector 22. Open the liquid methane storage tank pressure relief valve 25 to vent the cold cryogenic oxygen. After filling is completed, close the liquid methane filling valve 24 and close the liquid methane storage tank pressure relief valve 25.

[0055] In this embodiment, both the liquid oxygen assembly 10 and the liquid methane assembly 20 are connected to the combustion energy assembly 30 via one path. Simultaneously, both the liquid oxygen assembly 10 and the liquid methane assembly 20 are also connected to the second heat exchanger 50 via another path.

[0056] Specifically, the outlet end of the liquid oxygen tank 11 is connected to the combustion energy assembly 30 via a first pump-valve assembly 90. The first pump-valve assembly 90 includes a main liquid oxygen outlet valve 91, a liquid oxygen booster pump 92, a first liquid oxygen outlet valve 93, and a second liquid oxygen outlet valve 94. The pipeline between the liquid oxygen tank 11 and the combustion energy assembly 30 is a Y-shaped pipeline, splitting into two at the outlet end of the liquid oxygen booster pump 92. The main liquid oxygen outlet valve 91 is located between the liquid oxygen booster pump 92 and the liquid oxygen tank 11. The first outlet of the liquid oxygen booster pump 92 is connected to the combustion energy assembly 30, and the first liquid oxygen outlet valve 93 is connected to the first liquid oxygen pipeline. The second liquid oxygen pipeline is connected to the second heat exchanger 50, and the second liquid oxygen outlet valve 94 is connected to the first liquid oxygen pipeline. A pressure measuring device is installed at the outlet end of the liquid oxygen booster pump 92 to measure the pressure P2 after liquid oxygen boosting. A flow measuring device is also installed on the first liquid oxygen pipeline to measure the flow rate F1 on the first liquid oxygen pipeline. The second liquid oxygen pipeline is also equipped with a flow measurement device to measure the flow rate F2 on the second liquid oxygen pipeline.

[0057] The outlet end of the liquid methane tank 21 is connected to the combustion energy assembly 30 via a second pump-valve assembly 100. The second pump-valve assembly 100 includes a liquid methane main outlet valve 101, a liquid methane booster pump 102, a first liquid methane outlet valve 103, and a second liquid methane outlet valve 104. The pipeline between the liquid methane tank 21 and the combustion energy assembly 30 is a Y-shaped pipeline, splitting into two at the outlet end of the liquid methane booster pump 102. The liquid methane main outlet valve 101 is located between the liquid methane booster pump 102 and the liquid methane tank 21. The first outlet of the liquid methane booster pump 102 is connected to the combustion energy assembly 30, and the first liquid methane pipeline is connected to the first liquid methane outlet valve 103. The second liquid methane pipeline is connected to the second heat exchanger 50, and the first liquid methane pipeline is connected to the second liquid methane outlet valve 104. A pressure measuring device is installed at the outlet of the liquid methane booster pump 102 to measure the pressure P5 of the boosted liquid methane. A flow measuring device is also installed on the first liquid methane pipeline to measure the flow rate F3 on the first liquid methane pipeline. A flow measuring device is also installed on the second liquid methane pipeline to measure the flow rate F4 on the second liquid methane pipeline.

[0058] Both liquid oxygen tank 11 and liquid methane tank 21 are cryogenic storage tanks. Liquid oxygen and liquid methane are stored in dedicated cryogenic storage tanks, which have a high storage density and small space occupation compared to high-pressure gases. They also have high efficiency in transfer, filling and transmission, and have a high cost-performance ratio in the transportation of large-volume media.

[0059] During operation, the liquid oxygen main outlet valve 91 is opened, and the liquid oxygen booster pump 92 is started to supply liquid oxygen downstream. The outlet pressure P2 of the liquid oxygen booster pump 92 can be detected, and the flow rate F1 of liquid oxygen to the combustion energy assembly 30 is controlled by adjusting the opening degree of the first liquid oxygen outlet valve 93. The liquid methane main outlet valve 101 is opened, and the liquid methane booster pump 102 is started to supply liquid methane downstream. The outlet pressure P5 of the liquid methane booster pump 102 can be detected, and the flow rate F3 of liquid methane to the combustion energy assembly 30 is controlled by adjusting the opening degree of the first liquid methane outlet valve 103. Liquid oxygen and liquid oxygen methane are mixed and burned in a certain proportion in the combustion energy assembly 30 to produce a high-temperature and high-pressure water and CO2 mixed working fluid.

[0060] Simultaneously, the liquid oxygen booster pump 92 is started to deliver liquid oxygen downstream, and the flow rate F2 of liquid oxygen to the second heat exchanger 50 is controlled by adjusting the opening of the second liquid oxygen outlet valve 94. The flow rate F4 of liquid methane to the second heat exchanger 50 is controlled by adjusting the opening of the second liquid methane outlet valve 104.

[0061] In this embodiment, the combustion energy component 30 includes a gas turbine 31 and a generator 32, with the gas turbine 31 providing power output to the generator 32.

[0062] Both liquid oxygen and liquid methane are transmitted at high pressure using booster pumps. Compared to pressurizing gas within storage tanks, booster pumps offer advantages such as convenience, high efficiency, high booster pressure, large flow rate, and no external gas source. They enable rapid, high-flow-rate liquid output, are easy to operate, and highly efficient. Furthermore, they eliminate the need for multiple compressors for pressurizing liquid oxygen tank 11 and liquid methane tank 21, as well as for compressing gases at ambient temperature, thus reducing system complexity. The high-pressure supply of liquid methane and liquid oxygen eliminates the need for an upstream gas compressor for gas turbine 31, further reducing the complexity of gas turbine 31.

[0063] The exhaust steam from gas turbine 31 includes high-temperature, high-pressure CO2 and water vapor. This exhaust steam passes through the first heat exchanger 40, exchanging heat with the external medium, transferring residual heat to the external medium such as water or air, allowing for further utilization of the waste heat, and outputting CO2 at room temperature and high pressure. A temperature measuring device is installed on the output pipe of the first heat exchanger 40 to measure the outlet temperature T3. Simultaneously, condensate is separated and stored in a condensate storage tank 110. The condensate can be used directly for industrial purposes or, after treatment, for domestic use. Combustion of 1 ton of methane produces 2.25 tons of condensate. In situations where freshwater resources are scarce, such as on ships, the recycling and reuse of condensate is of great significance.

[0064] The gas turbine 31 mixes and burns liquid oxygen and liquid methane to generate high-temperature, high-pressure water and CO2 for expansion power generation. Compared to compressed air, which may suffer from insufficient oxygen supply or low oxygen purity, leading to the production of toxic pollutants such as CO and NOx, the mixing and combustion of liquid oxygen and liquid methane achieves oxygen-enriched combustion, increasing combustion intensity, accelerating combustion speed, avoiding carbon buildup, promoting complete combustion reaction, reducing combustion pollutants, and facilitating CO2 capture.

[0065] As described above, liquid oxygen tank 11 is connected to the second heat exchanger 50 via a second liquid oxygen pipeline, and liquid methane tank 21 is connected to the second heat exchanger 50 via a second liquid methane pipeline. The CO2 gas-liquid mixture after passing through the first heat exchanger 40 enters the second heat exchanger 50. The second heat exchanger 50 is a three-medium heat exchanger, in which liquid oxygen, liquid methane, and room-temperature, high-pressure CO2 exchange heat to obtain room-temperature, high-pressure oxygen, room-temperature, high-pressure methane, and low-temperature, high-pressure CO2 gas, respectively.

[0066] The oxygen storage tank assembly 60 includes an oxygen storage tank 61 and an oxygen valve 62. The inlet end of the oxygen storage tank 61 is connected to the second heat exchanger 50, and the oxygen valve 62 is connected to the outlet end of the oxygen storage tank 61. A temperature measuring device is installed at the inlet end of the oxygen storage tank 61 to measure the temperature T1 of the oxygen flowing out of the second heat exchanger 50. A pressure measuring device is installed on the oxygen storage tank 61 to measure the pressure of the oxygen storage tank 61 as P3. The oxygen produced by the system can be used as a medical, respiratory, or chemical feedstock.

[0067] The methane gas storage tank assembly 70 includes a methane gas storage tank 71 and a methane gas valve 72. The inlet end of the methane gas storage tank 71 is connected to the second heat exchanger 50, and the methane gas valve 72 is connected to the outlet end of the methane gas storage tank 71. A temperature measuring device is installed at the inlet end of the methane gas storage tank 71 to measure the temperature T2 of the methane flowing out of the second heat exchanger 50. A pressure measuring device is installed on the methane gas storage tank 71 to measure the pressure of the methane gas storage tank 71 as P6. Methane gas can be used as fuel or chemical feedstock.

[0068] The liquid CO2 storage tank assembly 80 includes a liquid CO2 storage tank 81, a liquid CO2 valve 82, a throttling valve 83, an evaporation device 84, and a CO2 outlet valve 85. The inlet end of the liquid CO2 storage tank 81 is connected to the second heat exchanger 50, and the liquid CO2 valve 82 is connected to the outlet end of the liquid CO2 storage tank 81. The second heat exchanger 50 is connected to the liquid CO2 storage tank 81 via a straight pipe, meaning that the liquid CO2 generated after heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 50 can flow directly to the liquid CO2 storage tank 81. The second heat exchanger 50 is also connected to the liquid CO2 storage tank 81 via a liquefaction pipeline. The low-temperature, high-pressure CO2 gas after heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 50 passes through the throttling valve 83 to obtain liquid CO2, which is then stored in the liquid CO2 storage tank 81. The liquid CO2 can be directly supplied downstream by opening the liquid CO2 valve 82. Alternatively, it can be evaporated by the evaporation device 84 to obtain 99.999% high-purity CO2 gas. A temperature measuring device is installed after the throttle valve 83 to measure the temperature T4 of the liquid CO2 after the throttle valve 83. A pressure measuring device is installed in the liquid CO2 storage tank 81 to measure the pressure P7. Liquid CO2 can be used for fire extinguishing, dry ice production, as a refrigerant, and as a chemical raw material. High-purity CO2 gas obtained by evaporating liquid CO2 can be used in production and as a welding shielding gas. Carbon dioxide, as a component of the atmosphere, does not damage the ozone layer; its ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) is 0. Although carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, its greenhouse effect is far lower than that of other synthetic refrigerants. Furthermore, carbon dioxide is an industrial byproduct and can be used as a refrigerant, which is equivalent to waste recycling.

[0069] The flow rate F2 of liquid oxygen to the second heat exchanger 50 is controlled by adjusting the opening of the second liquid oxygen outlet valve 94, and the flow rate F4 of liquid methane to the second heat exchanger 50 is controlled by adjusting the opening of the second liquid methane outlet valve 104. This ensures that the CO2 temperature T4 after throttling is at room temperature and that the CO2 in the liquid CO2 storage tank 81 is in a liquid state. Simultaneously, the oxygen outlet temperature T1 and the methane outlet temperature T2 of the second heat exchanger 50 are maintained at room temperature.

[0070] In this embodiment, liquid oxygen and liquid methane achieve oxygen-enriched combustion. The resulting CO2 has high heat and, after passing through the first heat exchanger 40, exchanges heat with the outside environment, allowing for the initial use of waste heat for heating. Simultaneously, the room-temperature CO2 (containing some oxygen) separated by the first heat exchanger 40 carries a certain pressure. After exchanging heat with the liquid oxygen and liquid methane in the second heat exchanger 50, it becomes a low-temperature, high-pressure gas. Residual moisture is removed, resulting in a high-purity gas. This gas is then expanded through throttling to obtain liquid CO2, which is stored in a storage tank, achieving CO2 capture and zero emissions. Furthermore, the high-pressure liquid oxygen and liquid methane, after heat exchange, become a high-pressure, room-temperature, high-purity gas, also stored in a storage tank. This high-pressure gas can be directly filled into steel cylinders, eliminating the need for a compressor.

[0071] The system has multiple outputs: electricity, oxygen, methane gas, liquid CO2, high-purity CO2 gas, heat, and cooling. It has a high comprehensive utilization rate and good economic benefits. All products are clean products, which is beneficial to environmental protection.

[0072] Example 2:

[0073] In this embodiment, the combustion energy component 30 is the boiler of a large heating device, which can generate heat through combustion to achieve heating.

[0074] It should be noted that: the combustion energy component 30 refers to a component capable of burning and utilizing liquid oxygen and liquid methane. It can be a combination of the gas turbine 31 and generator 32 in Embodiment 1, or a boiler in a large heating device in this embodiment, or a large engine that can provide power output for the transfer component. Any existing or future power machinery capable of utilizing the energy generated by the combustion of liquid oxygen and liquid methane can be used to provide power, generate electricity, provide heating, etc., thereby achieving multiple energy utilization.

[0075] Example 3:

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and embodiment one is that the liquefaction process of liquid CO2 in liquid CO2 storage tank 81 can be achieved by the second heat exchanger 50, so the evaporation device 84 is not required.

[0077] Specifically, when it is necessary to vaporize the liquid CO2 in the liquid CO2 storage tank 81, the CO2 outlet valve 85 is opened, and the system is reconnected to the second heat exchanger 50 via a return pipe to participate in heat exchange. The liquid CO2 is vaporized in the second heat exchanger 59, and the vaporized CO2 flows directly out of the second heat exchanger 50, with the flow controlled by the CO2 outlet valve 86. A temperature measuring device is installed at the end of the return pipe entering the second heat exchanger 50 to measure the inlet temperature T5.

[0078] This embodiment can further realize the utilization of cold energy, and the evaporator 84 can be eliminated, reducing the investment in equipment.

[0079] Example 4:

[0080] This embodiment also discloses a method for using the liquid oxygen and liquid methane integrated utilization system in Embodiment 1 above, including the following steps:

[0081] S1: The cryogenic tanker pumps liquid oxygen into the liquid oxygen tank 11 through the liquid oxygen filling connector 12, and the cryogenic tanker pumps liquid methane into the liquid methane tank 21 through the liquid methane filling connector 22.

[0082] S2: Open the liquid oxygen main outlet valve 91 and start the liquid oxygen booster pump 92 to supply liquid oxygen to the gas turbine 31 through the first liquid oxygen pipeline; open the liquid methane main outlet valve 101 and start the liquid methane booster pump 102 to input liquid methane into the gas turbine 31 through the first liquid methane pipeline. The flow rates of liquid oxygen and liquid methane to the combustion energy assembly 30 are controlled by adjusting the opening of the first liquid oxygen outlet valve 93 and the first liquid methane outlet valve 103; liquid oxygen and liquid oxygen methane are mixed and burned in the gas turbine 31 in a certain proportion to produce a high-temperature and high-pressure water and CO2 mixture working fluid, which drives the generator 32 to generate electricity.

[0083] S3: The CO2 produced after combustion is fed into the first heat exchanger 40 through a pipeline for heat exchange, and outputs CO2 at room temperature and high pressure. At the same time, condensate is separated and stored in the condensate storage tank 110.

[0084] Liquid oxygen and liquid methane are also fed into the second heat exchanger 50 through the second liquid oxygen pipeline and the second liquid methane pipeline, respectively. Liquid oxygen and liquid methane exchange heat with room temperature and high pressure CO2 in the second heat exchanger 50 to obtain room temperature and high pressure oxygen, room temperature and high pressure methane gas and low temperature and high pressure CO2 gas. The room temperature and high pressure oxygen is stored in oxygen storage tank 61, the room temperature and high pressure methane gas is stored in methane gas storage tank 71, and the low temperature and high pressure CO2 gas is liquefied and stored in liquid CO2 storage tank 81.

[0085] It achieves CO2 capture and zero emissions, and the high-pressure liquid oxygen and liquid methane are converted into high-pressure, room-temperature, high-purity gas after heat exchange, which is convenient for medical and industrial use.

[0086] In the above embodiments, the temperature measuring device, pressure measuring device, and flow measuring device can all be existing technologies.

[0087] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for the integrated utilization of liquid oxygen and liquid methane, characterized in that, The system includes a liquid oxygen assembly, a liquid methane assembly, a combustion energy assembly, a second heat exchanger, an oxygen storage tank assembly, a methane storage tank assembly, and a liquid CO2 storage tank assembly. The inlet of the combustion energy assembly is connected to the liquid oxygen assembly and the liquid methane assembly. CO2 generated after the liquid oxygen and liquid methane are mixed and combusted in the combustion energy assembly is input to the inlet of the second heat exchanger through a pipeline. The liquid oxygen assembly and the liquid methane assembly are also connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger. The outlet of the second heat exchanger is connected to the oxygen storage tank assembly, the methane storage tank assembly, and the liquid CO2 storage tank assembly. The system also includes a first heat exchanger and a condensate storage tank. CO2 is sequentially input to the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger from the outlet of the combustion energy assembly. The first heat exchanger is connected to the condensate storage tank. The second heat exchanger is a three-medium heat exchanger in which liquid oxygen, liquid methane, and room-temperature high-pressure CO2 exchange heat to obtain room-temperature high-pressure oxygen, room-temperature high-pressure methane, and low-temperature high-pressure CO2, respectively. The outlet end of the liquid oxygen component is connected to the combustion energy component through a first pump and valve assembly. The first pump and valve assembly includes a liquid oxygen booster pump. The outlet end of the liquid oxygen booster pump is divided into two paths: the first path is connected to the combustion energy component, and the second path is connected to the second heat exchanger. Liquid oxygen outlet valves are connected to the first path and the second path, respectively. The outlet end of the liquid methane assembly is connected to the combustion energy assembly via a second pump-valve assembly. The second pump-valve assembly includes a liquid methane booster pump. The outlet end of the liquid methane booster pump is divided into two paths: the first path is connected to the combustion energy assembly, and the second path is connected to the second heat exchanger. Liquid methane outlet valves are connected to the first path and the second path, respectively.

2. The liquid oxygen and liquid methane integrated utilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid oxygen assembly includes a liquid oxygen tank, a liquid oxygen filling pipe, and a liquid oxygen safety pipe, with the liquid oxygen filling pipe and the liquid oxygen safety pipe respectively connected to the liquid oxygen tank.

3. The liquid oxygen and liquid methane integrated utilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid methane assembly includes a liquid methane tank, a liquid methane filling pipe, and a liquid methane safety pipe, wherein the liquid methane filling pipe and the liquid methane safety pipe are respectively connected to the liquid methane tank.

4. The liquid oxygen and liquid methane integrated utilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The combustion energy component is one of a gas turbine, a boiler, or an engine. When the combustion energy component is a gas turbine, the gas turbine is connected to a generator.

5. The liquid oxygen and liquid methane integrated utilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oxygen storage tank assembly includes an oxygen storage tank and an oxygen valve. The inlet end of the oxygen storage tank is connected to the second heat exchanger, and the oxygen valve is connected to the outlet end of the oxygen storage tank. The methane gas storage tank assembly includes a methane gas storage tank and a methane gas valve. The inlet end of the methane gas storage tank is connected to the second heat exchanger, and the methane gas valve is connected to the outlet end of the methane gas tank. The liquid CO2 storage tank assembly includes a liquid CO2 storage tank and a liquid CO2 valve. The inlet end of the liquid CO2 storage tank is connected to the second heat exchanger, and the liquid CO2 valve is connected to the outlet end of the liquid CO2 storage tank.

6. The liquid oxygen and liquid methane integrated utilization system according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, It also includes an evaporation device, and the outlet end of the liquid CO2 storage tank assembly is connected to the evaporation device.

7. A method employing any one of the liquid oxygen and liquid methane integrated utilization systems according to claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Fill the liquid oxygen assembly with liquid oxygen and the liquid methane assembly with liquid methane; S2: Control the liquid oxygen component and liquid methane component to simultaneously supply liquid oxygen and liquid methane to the combustion energy component respectively. After the liquid oxygen and liquid methane are mixed and burned in the combustion energy component, they generate kinetic energy and are utilized. S3: The CO2 produced after combustion is piped into the first heat exchanger for heat exchange and then enters the second heat exchanger. The liquid oxygen component and the liquid methane component are also fed into the second heat exchanger for heat exchange to obtain room temperature high pressure oxygen, room temperature high pressure methane gas and low temperature high pressure CO2 gas. The room temperature high pressure oxygen is stored in the oxygen storage tank component, the room temperature high pressure methane gas is stored in the methane gas storage tank component, and the low temperature high pressure CO2 gas is liquefied and stored in the liquid CO2 storage tank component.

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