CO2 Emission Calculation Using Fuel Gas Properties
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining CO2 emissions during natural gas combustion are complex, costly, and impractical due to the need for precise analysis of gas composition, which is typically done using expensive gas chromatographs, and are not suitable for high exhaust gas temperatures, lacking suitable measuring devices on the market.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates CO2 emissions using measured or calculated calorific value, standard density, and CO2 content of the fuel gas, leveraging existing energy measurement infrastructure to determine the CO2 emission factor, thereby avoiding the need for additional measurement techniques and utilizing available billing variables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gas chromatographs are used to analyze fuel gas composition, then measurement precision of CO2 emissions is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary parameters (calorific value, CO2 content, standard density) from the complete gas composition analysis performed by gas chromatographs. By measuring only these specific parameters rather than the entire gas composition, the system achieves sufficient CO2 emission determination accuracy without requiring complex gas chromatograph equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex gas chromatographs with simpler, more affordable measurement devices that can directly measure calorific value, CO2 content, and standard density. This substitution uses cheaper measurement tools that perform the specific function needed without the overhead of sophisticated chromatographic systems.
2Measurement precision
If detailed gas composition analysis is performed, then CO2 emission factor accuracy is improved, but loss of time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential parameters (calorific value, CO2 content, standard density) needed for CO2 emission calculation from the complete gas composition analysis. This selective measurement approach significantly reduces the time required while maintaining sufficient accuracy for emission factor determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by measuring only the specific parameters necessary for CO2 emission calculation rather than performing complete gas composition analysis. This partial measurement strategy achieves the required accuracy with reduced time and resource investment.
3Device complexity
If existing energy measurement infrastructure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing energy measurement infrastructure (designed for billing purposes) serve a dual function: determining both energy content and CO2 emissions. By utilizing parameters already measured for commercial billing (calorific value, CO2 content, standard density), the system achieves CO2 emission determination without adding complex measurement equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables existing measurement infrastructure to serve itself by using the same sensors and measurement systems already in place for energy billing to simultaneously provide CO2 emission data. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated CO2 measurement systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for determining the carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted during the combustion of fuel gas, in particular natural gas. The following steps are performed: a) the calorific value (Hsv), the standard density (ρn), and the CO2 content (xCO2) of the fuel gas are measured or calculated; b) the CO2 emission factor (ECO2) is calculated from the values determined in step a) of the process in an evaluation unit. Preferably, in step b), the lower heating value (Hiv) is also calculated, and the standard volume (Vn) of the supplied fuel gas is measured. Additionally, in step b), the mass of the emitted CO2 (mCO2) is calculated. Measuring devices already used for determining the energy content of the fuel gas for billing purposes can be used to determine the CO2 emissions.