Arrangement and method for producing starting materials of electric current and water vapour in a hybrid power plant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid power plants for hydrogen production are inefficient in generating steam for steam electrolysis due to a narrow temperature range, limiting the energy efficiency and economic viability.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid power plant design incorporating a high-temperature steam electrolysis plant, ammonia/water-based absorption power cycle, and a closed gas turbine with pre-cooling, utilizing a desorber with height-graded surfaces for mass and heat exchange, and an additional utility turbine to extend the temperature range for steam generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an ammonia/water-based absorption power cycle is used for steam generation, then electricity and steam can be produced from thermal energy, but the temperature range for steam generation is narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The absorption power cycle is divided into multiple independent steam generators operating at different temperature levels. Each steam generator is optimized for a specific temperature range, allowing the system to produce steam across a broader temperature spectrum by combining outputs from multiple segmented units rather than relying on a single cycle configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes variable thermal energy input parameters to dynamically adjust the operating conditions of the absorption power cycle. By changing temperature and pressure parameters in response to varying thermal energy availability, the system can expand its steam generation temperature range and adapt to different operational requirements
2Loss of energy
If a closed-loop gas turbine with pre-cooling is coupled to an absorption combined heat and power cycle, then waste heat can be utilized for electricity and cooling generation, but only a narrow temperature range above 200°C can be provided for steam electrolysis
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-loop gas turbine cycle and absorption combined heat and power cycle are merged into an integrated system where waste heat from the gas turbine is directly coupled to the absorption cycle. This merging allows efficient waste heat utilization while the combined system architecture enables broader steam temperature ranges through coordinated operation of both cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The absorption power cycle is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: generating electricity, producing cooling, and providing steam at various temperature levels for electrolysis. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle diverse thermal requirements and expand the effective temperature range beyond what a single-function system could provide
3Use of energy by moving object
If steam heat from CHP replaces electricity for steam generation, then energy efficiency improves, but the narrow temperature range limits steam electrolysis effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the ratio of steam heat to electricity used for steam generation based on real-time conditions. When thermal energy is abundant, steam heat from CHP is prioritized; when temperature requirements exceed CHP capabilities, electricity supplementation is automatically activated. This dynamic operation maintains high energy efficiency while ensuring adequate temperature range for effective steam electrolysis
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the efficiency and economic viability by expanding the steam generation temperature range, allowing for more effective steam electrolysis and hydrogen production using renewable energy.
Implementation Method 1
arranging an ammonia/water-based absorption power cycle
Implementation Method 2
a desorber having height-graded surfaces that serve only for mass and heat exchange between rising water-containing ammonia vapor and descending partial stream of enriched ammonia solution
Implementation Method 3
a steam turbine for electricity generation, wherein water-rich ammonia vapor is expanded and drives the steam turbine
Implementation Method 4
water-rich ammonia vapor is expanded and drives the steam turbine
Implementation Method 5
a first steam generator heated by poor absorption circuit solution
Implementation Method 6
a desorber having height-graded surfaces that serve only for mass and heat exchange between rising water-containing ammonia vapor and descending partial stream of enriched ammonia solution
Implementation Method 7
mass and heat exchange between rising water-containing ammonia vapor and descending partial stream of enriched ammonia solution
Implementation Method 8
Ammonia vapor containing water is extracted from the desorber, superheated, and then directed to the steam turbine of the absorption power cycle
Implementation Method 9
Hot water extracted from a condenser of the steam electrolysis plant is fed to the first steam generator for steam generation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
For water electrolysis, a hybrid power plant is arranged in which at least one power plant (6m, 60) produces only the reactant, electricity, and at least one additional power plant produces electricity (8i) and/or steam (8c, 8k) from thermal energy (100). In an ammonia/water-based absorption power cycle, a two-phase mixture (20p) is generated by heat input and separated in a desorber (13) into aqueous ammonia vapor (19) and a low-absorption solution (16). Following a combined heat and power (CHP) process, superheated aqueous ammonia vapor (19a) is used in a turbine (14) for electricity production, and the low-absorption solution (16) is used in a steam generator (13b) for steam production (8k) for electrolysis. In variant A, the hybrid power plant is preferably formed from photovoltaic systems (6m) and a closed-loop gas turbine (6) with precooling.In variant B, a circulating LOHC transport system (20a, 20b) is added, wherein thermal energy is transferred to a two-phase mixture (21p) of the absorption power cycle in its hydrogenator (20d). In variant C, the input of thermal energy to a two-phase mixture takes place exclusively in the hydrogenator (20d) of the circulating LOHC transport system (20a, 20b). This variant is preferably suitable for a hybrid power plant with wind turbines (60).