CO2 Compression Heat Recovery for Steam-Integrated Carbon Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon capture technologies, such as amine systems, are costly and energy-intensive, and the heat generated during carbon dioxide compression is not efficiently utilized, leading to high energy and investment requirements, especially when long-distance transport is needed.
Innovation Solution
A plant design that includes a separation system, a preheater, a multistage compressor, and a steam generator, where carbon dioxide is heated and recirculated through multiple compressor stages to generate steam, maximizing heat recovery and minimizing equipment and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a high-temperature heat pump is used to maximize steam production from compression heat, then steam production is maximized, but investment costs and space requirements increase distinctly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the previously wasted compression heat, which was considered a harmful energy loss, into a beneficial resource for steam production. By integrating a steam generator that utilizes the compression heat directly, the system transforms this waste heat into useful steam for the amine system, eliminating the need for expensive high-temperature heat pumps while maximizing heat utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the compression process with steam generation by integrating the steam generator directly into the compression train. The compression heat is combined with feedwater to generate steam in-line, eliminating the need for separate high-temperature heat pump equipment and reducing both investment costs and space requirements while maintaining maximum steam production.
2Use of energy by moving object
If fewer intercoolers are used between compression stages, then heat can be used for LP steam production, but steam generation is limited and heat is only partially used
Solution Approach 1:
The invention ensures continuous utilization of compression heat across all compression stages by integrating the steam generator to receive heat from each stage continuously. Feedwater flows through the steam generator and absorbs compression heat from multiple stages in sequence, maximizing steam production without requiring intermediate cooling, thereby maintaining continuous useful action throughout the compression process.
3Use of energy by moving object
If compression heat is used for LP steam production without cooling CO2 to atmospheric temperature, then heat utilization increases, but CO2 must be cooled back to atmospheric temperature reducing steam generation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter of the CO2 stream by utilizing compression heat from multiple stages to progressively heat the feedwater to steam generation temperature. The CO2 is cooled to a temperature sufficient for steam generation rather than fully cooling to atmospheric temperature, optimizing the balance between heat utilization and steam production by adjusting the temperature parameter at each compression stage.
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
Maximizes heat utilization for steam production without additional equipment, reducing energy demand, investment costs, and space requirements, while optimizing carbon dioxide preparation for pipeline transport.
Implementation Method 1
a preheater through which the carbon dioxide line passes and which is designed such that the temperature of the carbon dioxide (CO2) is increased
Implementation Method 2
a multistage compressor which, on the inlet side, is in flow connection with the carbon dioxide line coming out of the preheater, wherein after one stage the temperature and the pressure of the carbon dioxide (CO2) is increased
Implementation Method 3
the steam generator is designed such that steam is generated from water delivered into the steam generator by means of energy exchange with the thermal energy of the carbon dioxide (CO2) coming out of the compressor after one stage
Implementation Method 4
the only technology currently commercially available on a large scale is the amine system
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to a plant for producing carbon dioxide (CO2), featuring a separation system connected to a gas mixture of flue gas and CO2. This system separates CO2 from the flue gas and operates with steam from a steam line. A first CO2 line, connected to the separation system, directs the separated CO2 through a preheater, increasing its temperature. A multi-stage compressor, linked to the preheater, raises the CO2's temperature and pressure. After one stage, CO2 passes through a steam generator, where its thermal energy generates steam from water. The cooled CO2 is recirculated to the compressor's next stage. The steam produced is connected back to the separation system via the steam line. Finally, CO2 exiting the compressor's last stage is reheated in the preheater and directed into an outlet line.