CO2 Capture System Dynamic Control for Power Plant Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CO2 capture and compression technologies in power plants require significant energy, leading to reduced plant capacity and efficiency, and existing methods for mitigating these impacts are either costly or lack operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A flexible operation method for power plants that uses the power consumption of the CO2 capture system as a control parameter to manage net power output, allowing for intermittent or reduced operation of CO2 capture and compression units, thereby maintaining thermal load and efficiency while maximizing power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CO2 capture and compression systems operate continuously at full capacity, then CO2 removal effectiveness is improved, but plant power output and operational flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation of the CO2 capture system by using a control parameter approach where the capture system operates at variable capacities rather than fixed full capacity. The controller adjusts the operation of CO2 capture and compression units based on plant conditions, allowing the system to transition between different operational states to balance CO2 removal effectiveness with power output requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the CO2 capture system by introducing a control parameter that regulates power consumption of the capture system. This allows continuous adjustment of capture effectiveness versus power output trade-offs, enabling the plant to operate optimally under different grid demand conditions while maintaining acceptable CO2 capture performance.
2Reliability
If CO2 capture system power consumption is increased, then CO2 removal efficiency is improved, but net power output of the plant deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly addresses this contradiction by using power consumption of the CO2 capture system as a controlled parameter. The controller adjusts capture system operation to maintain optimal balance between removal efficiency and net power output, allowing dynamic optimization of this trade-off relationship based on plant conditions and grid requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the controller monitors plant conditions and adjusts CO2 capture system operation accordingly. This closed-loop control enables continuous optimization of the balance between CO2 removal efficiency and net power output, ensuring the system responds dynamically to changing conditions rather than operating at fixed settings.
3Productivity
If CO2 capture equipment is switched off during high power demand, then plant capacity is improved, but CO2 capture continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of CO2 capture equipment rather than simple on/off switching. The system can operate at reduced capacity during peak demand while maintaining continuous operation, providing a gradual response that balances plant capacity needs with CO2 capture continuity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables periodic adjustment of CO2 capture operation levels based on grid demand patterns. Rather than complete shutdowns, the system can modulate capture intensity periodically, maintaining baseline continuous operation while allowing reduced intensity during high demand periods, thus preserving both capacity and continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
Power plant characteristics are operated in a flexible manner by controlling the power consumption of a CO2 capture and compression system. The impact of CO2 capture and compression on the capacity of a power plant can be minimized to maximize the electric power the plant can deliver to the power grid and the impact of CO2 capture and compression on the average plant efficiency can be reduced, by an operating method and a power plant, in which the power consumption of the CO2 capture system is used to control the net output of the plant.