CO2 Brayton Cycle Power Generation With Integrated Carbon Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power generation methods from fossil fuels face challenges such as rising energy costs, increasing carbon dioxide emissions, and low thermal efficiencies in CO2 capture, making it difficult to reduce carbon emissions and sequester CO2 effectively.
Innovation Solution
A high efficiency combustor system using a CO2 circulating fluid, which is introduced along with fuel and oxidant for combustion, producing a high-pressure, high-temperature fluid stream that is expanded through a turbine and processed for efficient power generation while allowing for the separation and recycling of CO2 for sequestration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional CO2 capture technology is used, then CO2 can be captured for delivery to sequestration sites, but thermal efficiency is very low and capital costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the working fluid parameter from conventional steam to carbon dioxide, operating the Brayton cycle in the supercritical region where CO2 exhibits unique properties. This parameter change enables both high thermal efficiency (over 50%) and high-pressure CO2 output (300-3000 psig) that directly meets sequestration requirements, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and CO2 capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The CO2 circulating fluid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the working fluid for power generation, the heat transfer medium in the heat exchanger, and the captured CO2 product for sequestration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate CO2 capture systems, achieving both high efficiency power generation and effective CO2 sequestration in a single integrated system.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional CO2 capture technology is used, then CO2 can be captured, but capital costs are high resulting in significantly higher electricity costs
Solution Approach 1:
The CO2 circulating fluid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the working fluid for power generation, the heat transfer medium in the heat exchanger, and the captured CO2 product for sequestration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate CO2 capture systems, achieving both high efficiency power generation and effective CO2 sequestration in a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power generation cycle and CO2 capture process into a single integrated Brayton cycle system. The CO2 that would otherwise be a waste product becomes the working fluid, combining the functions of power generation and CO2 sequestration preparation into one unified system, thereby reducing capital costs and complexity.
3Stress or pressure
If high pressure is maintained during turbine expansion, then pressure ratio across turbine is reduced, but this requires specific system design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the working fluid to CO2 and operates in the supercritical region, which fundamentally alters the expansion characteristics. By maintaining high absolute pressure (300-3000 psig) while achieving moderate pressure ratios (2:1 to 12:1), the system reduces turbine design complexity compared to conventional systems requiring extreme pressure ratios, while still achieving high thermal efficiency through supercritical operation.
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 approach enables high-efficiency power generation with reduced capital costs, achieving higher efficiency than traditional coal-fired power stations, and allows for the recovery and sequestration of nearly 100% of CO2 at pipeline pressure, minimizing atmospheric release.
Implementation Method 1
The circulating fluid (at least a portion of which may be recycled from the fluid stream) can be passed through the same heat exchanger to heat the circulating fluid prior to introduction into the combustor
Implementation Method 2
The fluid stream can be introduced into a power generation device, such as a turbine
Implementation Method 3
high efficiency combustion of a fuel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods and system for power generation using a high efficiency combustor in combination with a CO2 circulating fluid. The methods and systems advantageously can make use of a low pressure ratio power turbine and an economizer heat exchanger in specific embodiments. Additional low grade heat from an external source can be used to provide part of an amount of heat needed for heating the recycle CO2 circulating fluid. Fuel derived CO2 can be captured and delivered at pipeline pressure. Other impurities can be captured.