Closed-Cycle Power Control for CO2 Pressure and Temperature Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for advanced control systems that can efficiently manage and optimize the operation of power production systems, particularly those using fossil fuels, to achieve high efficiency and complete carbon capture, while addressing challenges such as precise control over pressure, temperature, and stream composition.
Innovation Solution
The development of integrated control systems that include controllers for managing parameters like fuel flow, oxidant flow, turbine outlet temperature, and CO2 compression, allowing for automated control of power production systems, including the use of sensors and computer algorithms to adjust valve openings and pump speeds to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If automated control systems with sensors and computer algorithms are implemented to precisely control pressure, temperature, and stream composition, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent controllers (first controller, second controller, third controller) that each manage specific parameters such as turbine outlet temperature, CO2 compressor discharge pressure, and oxidant compressor discharge pressure. This segmentation allows precise control of individual parameters while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs preliminary actions by pre-setting control parameters and algorithms in the controllers before operation. The system is configured with predetermined control strategies for pressure, temperature, and composition control, enabling immediate precise control when activated without requiring complex real-time decision-making infrastructure.
2Productivity
If variable speed operation of turbines and compressors is implemented to optimize performance, then productivity and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements variable speed operation of turbines and compressors to dynamically adapt to changing power demands and operating conditions. The controllers adjust rotational speeds in real-time based on feedback from sensors monitoring pressure, temperature, and flow rates, enabling optimized power output while maintaining manageable control through automated feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor operating parameters (pressure, temperature, stream composition) and feed this information back to the controllers. The controllers automatically adjust turbine and compressor speeds based on this feedback, enabling productive variable speed operation without requiring complex manual control mechanisms.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If complete carbon capture with high efficiency combustion is achieved, then harmful factors are reduced, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and separates CO2 from the combustion process by controlling the combustion of carbonaceous fuel with oxygen in a recycled CO2 atmosphere. The CO2 compressor separates and compresses the CO2 stream for recycling or sequestration, effectively removing carbon emissions from the exhaust while maintaining high combustion efficiency through precise control of oxygen and fuel ratios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an inert CO2 atmosphere for combustion by recycling CO2 from the turbine exhaust back to the combustor. This inert environment enables complete combustion of the carbonaceous fuel while capturing the CO2 produced, preventing its release to the atmosphere. The controlled inert atmosphere allows efficient combustion with complete carbon capture through the closed-loop CO2 recycling system.
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 control systems enable precise control over multiple parameters in power production systems, enhancing efficiency, safety, and flexibility, allowing for variable speed operation of turbines and compressors, and optimizing heat input and CO2 recycling, leading to improved power output and reduced emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The CO2 gas stream can be compressed to be at or near the turbine inlet pressure using a gas compressor followed by a dense CO2 pump
Implementation Method 2
Heat from an external source can be introduced to preheat part of the circulating CO2 stream to a temperature in the range 200° C. to 400° C.
Implementation Method 3
The turbine exhaust can be cooled in an economizer heat exchange to preheat the circulating CO2 stream
Implementation Method 4
The turbine exhaust can be further cooled to near ambient temperature, and condensed water can be removed
Data Source
AI summary
Control systems and methods suitable for combination with power production systems and methods are provided herein. The control systems and methods may be used with, for example, closed power cycles as well as semi-closed power cycles. The combined control systems and methods and power production systems and methods can provide dynamic control of the power production systems and methods that can be carried out automatically based upon inputs received by controllers and outputs from the controllers to one or more components of the power production systems.