CO₂ Condenser Water Circuit Integration for Compressor Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for condensing a gaseous stream rich in carbon dioxide are inefficient due to high water flow rates required for cooling, which increase costs and energy consumption, particularly in environments using non-evaporative cooling towers.
Innovation Solution
A method where the heated water from condensing carbon dioxide is reused to cool compressors, either directly or indirectly, allowing for a reduced water flow rate through the condenser while maintaining effective cooling by positioning additional water consumers downstream of the condenser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high water flow rates are used for cooling the condenser, then effective condensation of carbon dioxide is achieved, but water consumption and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the cooling water circuit with the compressor refrigeration circuit by connecting them in series. The cooling water from the condenser is directed to cool the compressors, and the warmed compressor cooling water then returns to cool the condenser. This integration allows the system to share thermal resources, reducing overall water flow rate requirements while maintaining effective condensation and compressor cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling water circuit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cools the condenser for CO2 condensation and also cools the compressors for refrigeration. By making the water circuit multi-functional and integrating it with both processes in series, the system reduces total water consumption while achieving both condensation and refrigeration cooling objectives.
2Productivity
If high water flow rates are used for cooling the condenser, then effective condensation of carbon dioxide is achieved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the cooling water circuit with the compressor refrigeration circuit by connecting them in series. The cooling water from the condenser is directed to cool the compressors, and the warmed compressor cooling water then returns to cool the condenser. This integration allows the system to share thermal resources, reducing overall water flow rate requirements while maintaining effective condensation and compressor cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling water circuit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cools the condenser for CO2 condensation and also cools the compressors for refrigeration. By making the water circuit multi-functional and integrating it with both processes in series, the system reduces total water consumption while achieving both condensation and refrigeration cooling objectives.
3Reliability
If independent water circuits are used for condensing carbon dioxide and cooling compressors, then both processes are cooled effectively, but the system complexity and water consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the cooling water circuit with the compressor refrigeration circuit by connecting them in series. The cooling water from the condenser is directed to cool the compressors, and the warmed compressor cooling water then returns to cool the condenser. This integration allows the system to share thermal resources, reducing overall water flow rate requirements while maintaining effective condensation and compressor cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling water circuit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cools the condenser for CO2 condensation and also cools the compressors for refrigeration. By making the water circuit multi-functional and integrating it with both processes in series, the system reduces total water consumption while achieving both condensation and refrigeration cooling objectives.
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 reduces the overall water flow rate and energy consumption, making the process more economical by lowering the condensation temperature and compression energy requirements, while maintaining performance in refrigeration cycles.
Implementation Method 1
The gaseous stream rich in carbon dioxide is condensed by exchange of heat with a stream of water
Implementation Method 2
The gaseous stream rich in carbon dioxide is condensed by exchange of heat with a stream of water to form the liquid
Implementation Method 3
The compressor is kept cold via a water circuit
Implementation Method 4
The compressor is kept cold via a water circuit
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for condensing a carbon dioxide-rich gas stream, wherein a stream of water heated by an exchange of heat with the carbon dioxide-rich stream, which is at least partially condensed, is sent to at least one compressor (3,21) for compressing the carbon dioxide-rich stream or a fluid, the carbon dioxide-rich stream of which is derived, in order to at least partially cool at least one stage of said compressor.