Brayton Cycle LNG Regasification Heat Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LNG regasification techniques have environmental impacts, such as harming marine life, and increase carbon footprints due to the use of seawater as a heat source or combustion of natural gas.
Innovation Solution
A power plant system utilizing a two-stage Brayton cycle with a heat recovery system and heat exchangers to efficiently regasify LNG, using a working fluid like nitrogen to transfer heat from hot exhaust gases to LNG at multiple pressure levels, reducing environmental impact and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If seawater is used as a heat source for LNG regasification, then the regasification process can be carried out, but it causes harmful effects on marine life and the ecosystem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary heat transfer system using a working fluid (such as nitrogen) in a closed-loop heat exchanger arrangement. This mediator transfers thermal energy from the exhaust gases to the LNG without direct contact between the exhaust system and the marine environment, eliminating the harmful thermal discharge effects on marine life while maintaining regasification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional direct thermal exchange system with seawater with a closed-loop heat exchanger system using a gaseous working fluid. This substitution eliminates the direct interaction with marine ecosystems while achieving the same thermal transfer function through a controlled mechanical system
2Productivity
If natural gas is combusted to produce heat for LNG regasification, then the regasification process can be carried out, but it increases the carbon footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat from exhaust gases into a useful resource for LNG regasification. By capturing and utilizing this otherwise wasted thermal energy through a heat exchanger system, the process eliminates the need for additional combustion, thereby reducing carbon emissions while maintaining regasification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers and reuses the thermal energy from exhaust gases that would otherwise be discarded into the environment. This heat recovery process provides the necessary thermal input for LNG regasification without requiring additional fuel combustion, thus reducing the carbon footprint
3Device complexity
If conventional single-stage regasification is used, then the process is simpler, but it achieves lower electrical efficiency and higher CO2 emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the regasification process into multiple stages with different pressure levels. The first heat exchanger handles high-pressure LNG regasification while the second heat exchanger handles low-pressure LNG regasification. This segmentation allows more efficient heat transfer at each stage, improving overall electrical efficiency and reducing energy losses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a pressure level dimension to the regasification process by implementing multi-stage regasification at different pressures. This dimensional approach enables more effective utilization of thermal energy across different temperature and pressure gradients, thereby improving electrical efficiency without significantly increasing system complexity
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
The system achieves higher electrical efficiency and lower CO2 emissions by efficiently regasifying LNG at multiple pressure levels, reducing the carbon footprint and minimizing environmental harm.
Implementation Method 1
one or more heat exchangers configured to transfer heat from the working fluid to a first stage liquefied natural gas at a first pressure, and at least one of a second stage liquefied natural gas at a second pressure and a compressed working fluid
Implementation Method 2
Brayton cycle regasification of liquiefied natural gas
Implementation Method 3
a compressor configured to pressurize a working fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
A power plant including an apparatus (100) for regasification of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is provided. The apparatus includes a compressor (116) configured to pressurize a working fluid and a heat recovery system (112) configured to provide heat to a working fluid. A turbine (114) is configured to generate work utilizing the heated working fluid. One or more heat exchangers (118) are configured to transfer heat from the working fluid to a first stage liquefied natural gas at a first pressure and at least one of a second stage liquefied natural gas at a second pressure, and a compressed working fluid.