Carbon Capture Assembly for Low-Load Thermal and PV Power Balancing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency and unnecessary energy consumption of thermal power sets in low load operation due to their minimum technical output, which affects the environmental and economic performance of the power grid, particularly in photovoltaic power generation systems with intermittency.
Innovation Solution
A carbon capture power generation system that integrates a thermal power supply unit and photovoltaic power supply unit, utilizing a carbon capture assembly with an absorption tower, regeneration tower, and solution transfer tanks to store and desorb carbon dioxide, allowing power generated by thermal power units in low load operation to be utilized by the regeneration tower during the day, forming a nighttime capture and daytime desorption mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal power sets operate at minimum technical output (50% rated capacity) to serve as peak shaving sets during daytime, then the power grid stability is improved, but unnecessary energy consumption occurs and environmental protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal power plant into two independent units: a thermal power supply unit for base load operation and a thermal power generation unit for peak shaving. The carbon capture assembly is also segmented into absorption tower, regeneration tower, and solution transfer tanks. This segmentation allows the thermal power supply unit to operate at optimal efficiency while the carbon capture system handles CO2 separation, resolving the contradiction between maintaining grid stability and reducing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The carbon capture assembly performs preliminary CO2 absorption during daytime when photovoltaic power is available and thermal power sets operate at low load. The rich solution is stored in transfer tanks and used for regeneration during nighttime, allowing the thermal power generation unit to operate at minimum output without compromising carbon capture effectiveness, thus reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining power grid reliability.
2Productivity
If photovoltaic power generator sets supply power during daytime to maximize capacity consumption, then renewable energy utilization is improved, but the intermittency of photovoltaic power causes volatility in power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges photovoltaic power generation with thermal power generation in a coordinated system. During daytime, photovoltaic sets supply power while thermal power sets operate at low load with carbon capture active. During nighttime, thermal power sets increase output to compensate for photovoltaic shutdown. This merging resolves the contradiction by maintaining high renewable energy utilization while ensuring continuous stable power supply through thermal backup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operating parameters of thermal power sets based on photovoltaic output availability. During daytime, thermal power sets operate at low load (parameter change to minimum output) with carbon capture assembly active. During nighttime, thermal power sets increase output parameter to compensate for photovoltaic shutdown. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between maximizing renewable utilization and maintaining supply stability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If carbon capture assembly operates during nighttime to capture CO2 from thermal power generation, then carbon emission reduction is improved, but the regeneration tower requires energy that increases nighttime power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The carbon capture assembly operates periodically: CO2 absorption during daytime when thermal power sets run at low load, followed by regeneration during nighttime using stored rich solution. The absorption tower operates during daytime while regeneration occurs during nighttime, creating a periodic cycle that reduces carbon emissions while managing energy consumption through off-peak regeneration operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The carbon capture assembly uses the thermal power supply unit's low-load output during daytime to provide the energy needed for CO2 absorption and solution circulation. The system essentially serves itself by utilizing the thermal power supply unit's excess capacity during daytime to fuel the carbon capture process, reducing the need for additional nighttime power consumption for regeneration.
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 economic and environmental performance of the power grid by reducing the minimum technical output of thermal power units and optimizing the utilization of low-load generated power, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing unnecessary consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the flue gas generated by the thermal power supply unit is directly discharged to the absorption tower for absorbing carbon dioxide in the flue gas
Implementation Method 2
the carbon dioxide rich liquid stored in the rich solution transfer tank can be discharged to the regeneration tower via a third branch for high temperature desorption, thereby releasing carbon dioxide
Data Source
AI summary
A carbon capture power generation system includes a thermal power supply unit, a photovoltaic power supply unit, a carbon capture assembly and a control unit, wherein the carbon capture assembly includes an absorption tower, a regeneration tower, a rich solution transfer tank and a lean solution transfer tank, an exhaust port of the thermal power supply unit is in communication with an air inlet of the absorption tower, a liquid outlet of the absorption tower is in communication with the rich solution transfer tank via a first branch, a liquid inlet of the absorption tower is in communication with the lean solution transfer tank via a second branch, a liquid inlet of the regeneration tower is in communication with the rich solution transfer tank via a third branch, a liquid outlet of the regeneration tower is in communication with the lean solution transfer tank via a fourth branch.