Bottoming cycle power system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bottoming cycle power systems face inefficiencies in converting waste heat into usable power due to high energy losses, challenges in reducing exhaust gas volume and pressure, and energy-intensive carbon dioxide capture, which hampers overall system efficiency and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A bottoming cycle power system incorporating a turbo-expander and turbo-compressor with an open cycle absorption chiller system to cool and dehumidify exhaust gas, a recycled plastic processing system to utilize waste heat, and a carbon dioxide capture system that minimizes energy consumption, thereby reducing the specific volume and mass of exhaust gas and enhancing energy recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If exhaust gas is cooled to reduce its volume before compression, then the work required by the turbo-compressor is reduced, but the energy consumption of cooling systems increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling function with the water vapor removal function into a single integrated process. The exhaust gas is cooled by condensing water vapor, which simultaneously reduces temperature and volume. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate cooling systems, thereby reducing the energy consumption while still achieving volume reduction to minimize compressor work.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermodynamic parameters of exhaust gas by controlling the condensation process. By adjusting the cooling degree and using the refrigeration cycle, the exhaust gas temperature and pressure are optimized to achieve maximum volume reduction with minimum energy input. The parameters are tuned so that cooling occurs at the optimal point where volume reduction is most effective relative to energy expenditure.
2Power
If exhaust gas is cooled to reduce volume, then the work required by the turbo-compressor is reduced, but the density of exhaust gas increases making it too dense to flow up the stack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the exhaust gas processing into distinct functional zones: a cooling/condensation zone where volume is reduced, and a reheating zone where temperature is restored to ensure proper flowability. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both volume reduction for efficient compression and adequate temperature for stack flow without compromising either requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary cooling and condensation of exhaust gas before it enters the turbo-compressor, achieving volume reduction in advance. Then, after compression, the gas is reheated to restore its flowability. This preliminary action sequence ensures that each stage operates under optimal conditions: low volume during compression, and high temperature during discharge.
3Power
If water vapor is removed from exhaust gas, then the mass and volume for compression are reduced, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a refrigeration cycle system that performs multiple functions simultaneously: cooling the exhaust gas, condensing water vapor, and removing moisture. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving the dual benefits of volume reduction and mass reduction for more efficient compression.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If carbon dioxide capture is implemented, then greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of water vapor (which increases compression work) into a beneficial cooling mechanism. The condensation of water vapor provides natural cooling that reduces exhaust gas volume and temperature, thereby reducing the energy required for subsequent compression and carbon dioxide capture operations. This transforms a harmful factor into a useful resource that offsets the energy demand of emission control systems.
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
This configuration significantly enhances energy recovery from waste heat, reduces the work required by the turbo-compressor, and efficiently captures carbon dioxide, leading to improved overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the power system.
Implementation Method 1
a turbo-expander operable to expand exhaust gas from a combustion process as the exhaust gas passes through the turbo-expander
Implementation Method 2
a turbo-compressor operable to compress the exhaust gas after the exhaust gas passes through the turbo-expander
Implementation Method 3
The absorber section includes a refrigerant solution operable to absorb water from the exhaust gas as the exhaust gas passes through the refrigerant solution
Implementation Method 4
The bottoming cycle power system includes an exhaust gas heat exchanger operable to cool the exhaust gas prior to the exhaust gas entering the turbo-compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A bottoming cycle power system includes a turbine generator and an open cycle absorption system. The turbine-generator includes a turbo-expander and turbo-compressor disposed on a turbo-crankshaft. The turbo-expander is operable to rotate the turbo-crankshaft as a flow of exhaust gas from a combustion process passes through the turbo-expander. The turbo-compressor is operable to compress the flow of exhaust gas after the exhaust gas passes through the turbo-expander. The open cycle absorption chiller system includes an absorber section that is operable to receive the flow of exhaust gas from the turbo-expander. The absorber section includes a first refrigerant solution that is operable to absorb water from the exhaust gas as the exhaust gas passes through the first refrigerant solution. The absorber section is also operable to route the flow of exhaust gas to the turbo-compressor after the flow of exhaust gas has passed through the first refrigerant solution.